Sultan of Yogyakarta Vows Zero Tolerance for Land Misuse
Governor of the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY), Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono X, has affirmed the regional government’s strong commitment to zero tolerance for any form of land utilisation irregularity within its territory. Land management in DIY must prioritise a balance between legal certainty, respect for customary rights, and the broader public interest.
“The DIY Regional Government is committed to not tolerating any form of deviation. Enforcement measures are carried out through legal processes and the application of administrative sanctions in accordance with applicable regulations,” the Sultan stated during a specific working visit from Commission II of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) at Gedhong Pracimasana, Kepatihan Complex, Yogyakarta, on Wednesday (18/6).
Beyond repressive measures, the Sultan explained that the DIY Regional Government is strengthening its prevention aspects. These efforts include inventorying land use, systematic supervision, increasing licensing transparency, and providing guidance to village apparatus to ensure more accountable land governance.
This step was taken in light of persistent challenges on the ground, such as the misuse of Village Treasury Land (Tanah Kas Desa) by certain individuals. According to the Sultan, such practices not only harm the state and the community but also wound the spirit of Yogyakarta’s special status. “These irregularities wound the spirit of special autonomy which positions land as a mandate that must be managed responsibly,” he added.
The Sultan noted that Law Number 13 of 2012 on the Special Status of DIY provides a robust legal foundation for the management of Sultanate Land, Duchy Land, and Village Land. He believes that law enforcement must proceed in harmony with systemic reform.
Deputy Chairman of Commission II of the DPR RI, Zulfikar Arse Sadikin, stated that the working visit aimed to monitor the implementation of the DIY Special Status Law, particularly in the land sector. He appreciated the DIY Regional Government’s achievements in managing special autonomy lands. Zulfikar highlighted the unique method of resolving land conflicts in DIY, noting that the resolution of disputes does not always have to end in court but can be achieved through consensus-based deliberation. “For land matters in DIY, resolution does not always have to be through legal channels. It turns out it can be done through deliberation and consensus, resulting in a win-win solution,” Zulfikar said. He expressed hope that the status of land in DIY, whether Sultan Ground, Pakualaman Ground, or Village Land, will become increasingly clear in the future, thereby minimising potential disputes and ensuring the benefits are more widely felt by the community.