Ombudsman: Prolonged Delays in Land Matters Can Harm the Public

The Ombudsman of the Republic of Indonesia (ORI) has warned that prolonged delays in land administration processes can harm the public as service recipients.

Ombudsman member Syafrida Rasahan stated that the public has the right to receive land services that are fast, appropriate, and affordable. “The Ombudsman must ensure that all public services are not delayed in reaching the community,” Syafrida said in a statement confirmed in Jakarta on Monday.

To this end, Syafrida emphasised the importance of punctuality in land services and encouraged improvements in administration, particularly during an audience with the South Jakarta Regional Board of the Association of Land Deed Officials (IPPAT).

During the meeting, she emphasised that the Ombudsman does not only handle public complaints but also actively promotes improvements to service systems. Consequently, she encouraged IPPAT to report regulations or service practices that remain obstacles so they can be reviewed together. According to her, the ultimate goal is to ensure the public receives decent, fast, and inexpensive services.

Meanwhile, Deputy Chairman of the Ombudsman, Rahmadi Indra Tektona, asserted that the Ombudsman is open to receiving reports regarding land services whenever there are allegations of maladministration. He highlighted opportunities for collaboration with IPPAT and encouraged strengthening the understanding of Land Deed Officials (PPAT), especially new members, regarding public service and the boundaries of professional authority.

Furthermore, Ombudsman member Fikri Yasin stated that the ORI can provide support regarding the supervision of public services within its authority, though it does not intervene in the technical aspects of the PPAT profession. “We can provide backup from the outside to ensure PPAT operates according to its function and position. If deeper study and discussion are required, we are ready within our capacity,” said Fikri.

At the start of the audience, the Chairperson of the IPPAT Regional Board, Nyoman, noted that PPATs still face issues in land administration processes, particularly regarding the length of time taken to complete services. Therefore, Nyoman expressed hope that this meeting would mark the beginning of more concrete collaboration between IPPAT, the Ombudsman, land agencies, and law enforcement agencies. IPPAT also hopes that the Ombudsman can provide advice and encourage improvements to the land service system.