National land agency's status

National land agency's status

BANDARLAMPUNG: Participants of a working conference discussing the National Land Agency (BPN) have urged the government to change the status of the land agency into a Ministry of Agrarian Affairs.

The demand for the change of status is aimed at strengthening the agency's position to allow it to easily coordinate with other institutions, especially with regard to reform in the agricultural sector and exploitation of natural resources.

Responding to the proposal, BPN chairman Lutfi I Nasoetion said that it was strategic to help strengthen the agency's role.

But he underlined the importance of linking the proposal with the political development and public opinion on the formation of the new ministry.

The two-day conference, which ended on Wednesday, was attended by representatives of 18 provinces grouped in the agency's western regions.

"If at least 70 percent of the recommendations can be applied, it will be good enough," Lutfi said. -- Antara