Minister Ara Puzzled by Mass Organisations Controlling State Land

Housing and Settlement Areas Minister Maruarar Sirait admitted she could not comprehend how numerous state lands have been controlled by mass organisations (ormas) for decades. Ara, as she is familiarly known, cited examples in Jakarta where vast lands owned by state-owned enterprises (BUMNs) are occupied by ormas. These include extensive areas around railway tracks and stations, which upon investigation, belong to PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) or KAI. She conveyed this in a video uploaded to her Instagram account, @maruararsirait. In the video, Ara received complaints from KAI’s management regarding company lands controlled by certain ormas. “I want to ask Mr Director (KAI Director Bobby Rasyidin), so what is the obstacle if this belongs to the state, has legal strength, what is the problem, Mr,” Ara asked the KAI Director, quoted on Monday (6/4/2026). Responding to Ara’s question, Bobby revealed that KAI’s lands have long been managed or controlled by ormas. However, according to Bobby, the status of these KAI lands is legal and free from legal disputes. “The problem is that these ormas are occupying them illegally at present. It’s already (legal),” Bobby stated in front of Ara. Hearing the facts from the KAI boss, Ara said she would follow up immediately. According to her, the state should not lose to ormas. “It’s guaranteed (the legality of the land status), this means it’s about courage, right. It’s about firmness, so just give it to those who are brave, how can the state lose to this kind of thing,” Ara explained. “In my opinion, there must be asset revitalisation, it must be divided legally and the land controlled by the state,” she asserted. Ara revealed that her side is currently actively seeking unused state or BUMN lands to be used for housing development sites, especially for low-income communities (MBR). Previously at the State Palace, Ara also mentioned that many PT KAI lands in Senen to Tanah Abang, Central Jakarta, are controlled by other parties. Ara emphasised that Indonesia is a rule-of-law state, so the state must be present. Ara and KAI also found that numerous state lands are controlled by other parties. She stressed that the state will reclaim them. “There are so many state lands controlled by other parties. And we will take them back for the interests of the state and the people. Especially low-income communities and also middle and burdened communities. So that we can synergise quickly,” she clarified. According to Ara, these lands will later be utilised for public housing. Certainly, said Ara, most of these state lands controlled by other parties are railway embankments. “Yes, in many places. In Tanah Abang, the state land is very strategic, in Bandung very strategic, in Medan very strategic. We use it for the interests of the people and the state must be present. In managing this country, we must have guts, upholding the truth,” she added.