Land Still in AJB Status: Is It Safe to Buy?

In property transactions, many people remain confused about the legality of land whose status is still in the form of Akta Jual Beli (AJB). Not a few also wonder whether land with AJB status can still be traded safely like land that already has a certificate. Legal practitioner Adyanisa Septya Yuslandari, S.H., M.Kn, explains that AJB is a document made by the Land Deed Official (PPAT) as proof that a land sale and purchase transaction has occurred between the seller and the buyer. This document indicates a legal transfer of land rights. However, AJB differs from land certificates such as the Certificate of Ownership (SHM) or the Building Use Rights Certificate (HGB). Those certificates are proof of ownership rights to land issued by the land office and officially recorded in state administration. Nevertheless, the sale and purchase process will be more complicated compared to land that is already certified by the National Land Agency (BPN) to avoid land disputes in the future. “It can (land with AJB status be traded), but the risk is high,” Adyanisa explained when contacted on Monday (11/5/2026). Buyers need to ensure that the AJB document is valid and supported by other documents such as the history of land ownership, proof of payment of land and building tax (PBB), and that it is not in dispute. If the land originates from girik, petok, or letter C that has not yet been upgraded to certificate status, buyers need to be extra careful because the risk of disputes or claims from other parties could be greater. She explained that AJB is not proof of land ownership issued by the BPN. AJB is a document made by the PPAT office as proof of the transfer of land ownership from the old owner to the new owner. “The ownership status is not yet officially recorded in the state, vulnerable to disputes (risk of other parties claiming the land),” Therefore, land with AJB status can indeed be sold. However, the transaction requires extra caution to avoid creating legal problems in the future.