Hercules Presents Evidence of Dutch-Era Land Deed in Tanah Abang Land Claim

A 3.4-hectare plot in Tanah Abang, Central Jakarta, has become the object of a heated dispute between PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) and a resident named Sulaiman Effendi, who claims to be an heir. This long-standing Tanah Abang land dispute has only recently come to light following a visit by the Minister of Housing and Settlement Areas (PKP), Maruarar Sirait, and the Head of the State-Owned Enterprises Supervisory Board, Dony Oskaria, on Sunday, 5 April 2026. The Ministry of PKP plans to transform the land, divided into three plots, into 1,000 vertical housing units for low-income communities. However, these plans are hindered by the land dispute. PT KAI, which claims to hold the Land Management Rights Certificate (HPL) for the plot, is unable to proceed significantly. For context, GRIB Jaya is known to have been safeguarding and managing the land after receiving a mandate from Sulaiman Effendi. Additionally, the community organisation serves as the legal representative for the heirs claiming the land. Wilson Collin, Deputy Head of the Legal and Advocacy Division of GRIB Jaya and the heirs’ attorney, expressed objections to accusations that his side is occupying the land illegally. “The director (KAI President Director Bobby Rasyidin) also said that the community organisation is occupying it illegally; this is not occupation, because the heirs have reasons,” Wilson stated, as quoted from the GRIB TV YouTube broadcast on Wednesday (22/4/2026). “It has never been released; if it had been released, then we would be squatting. There has been no sale transaction yet; how can it be squatting?” Wilson added. The Eigendom held by the heirs is registered in the name of Ilias Rajo Mentari. The land ownership document was issued in 1923 with Eigendom Verponding Number 946. Eigendom Verponding is an absolute ownership right over land from the Dutch colonial era, serving as proof of ownership and land tax obligations. During the colonial period, Eigendom was strong evidence of land ownership. However, after Indonesia’s independence, especially following the enactment of UUPA Number 5 of 1960, Eigendom Verponding no longer constitutes valid national proof of ownership rights. Under Indonesian law (UUPA 1960), this right must be converted into a Certificate of Ownership (SHM) or other form of ownership through the National Land Agency (BPN), as it is currently only considered preliminary proof of ownership.