Tips for Securing Land Without Worrying About Encroachment by Others

JAKARTA - The public must be more vigilant and proactive in safeguarding land assets to avoid the risk of encroachment. In addition to physical protection, strengthening legal aspects is the primary key to securing land ownership rights. Head of Public Relations and Protocol Bureau of the Ministry of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning/National Land Agency (ATR/BPN), Shamy Ardian, affirmed this in his statement on Wednesday (29/04/2026). “To prevent land from being encroached upon by others, the most important thing is to ensure clear land boundaries and possess a certificate as strong legal proof,” said Shamy. Ideally, the boundary markers installed by the public should use permanent signs, such as concrete, wood, or iron. “If the land boundaries are unclear, this often triggers conflicts. Therefore, installing boundary pegs and reaching agreements with neighbours are basic steps that must not be neglected,” he added. Besides physical boundaries, land certificate ownership is a crucial factor in protecting assets. Certificates issued by the Ministry of ATR/BPN serve as valid legal proof and hold strength in facing potential disputes. Shamy reminds the public not to leave land idle without supervision. Unmanaged land tends to be more vulnerable to exploitation by irresponsible parties. “Land left empty without markers or activity often becomes a target. At minimum, conduct regular checks or maintenance,” he urged. If there are indications of encroachment or disputes, the public is asked to immediately report to the local Land Office or village apparatus so that it can be handled early. Finally, the public is advised to store land documents neatly, both in physical and digital forms. This is important to facilitate proof if legal issues arise in the future. By following these steps, the public’s land is expected to be optimally protected, both physically and legally. Thus, the risk of encroachment can be minimised.