What is Eigendom Verponding? The 1923 Document Forming the Basis of GRIB's Claim in Tanah Abang
JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – An old document named eigendom verponding has emerged in the controversy over land ownership in the Tanah Abang demolition area, Central Jakarta, between parties represented by GRIB Jaya and the government, specifically Minister of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning Maruarar Sirait and PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI).
The Chairman of the GRIB Jaya Legal Team, Wilson Colling, stated that their claim to ownership of the land refers to the Eigendom Verponding document Number 946 from 1923 in the name of Iljas Radjo Mentari.
This document is used as the basis by the heirs’ representative, Sulaeman Effendi, to pursue ownership of land spanning approximately 34,690 square metres in the Kebon Kacang and Kebon Melati areas of Tanah Abang.
The term “eigendom” refers to full ownership rights over land, while “verponding” relates to the tax obligations on that property.
During the colonial era, this document served as valid and legally recognised proof of ownership.
However, its status changed after Indonesia implemented the national land law system through the Basic Agrarian Law (UUPA) of 1960.
Since then, all land rights from the colonial system, including eigendom verponding, are no longer recognised as standalone proof of ownership.
In practice, the eigendom verponding document is now used only as an initial basis or historical evidence that must be converted into a certificate under the national land law system.
The certificates in question include Ownership Title Certificates (SHM), Building Use Rights (HGB), or Land Management Rights (HPL), depending on the land’s purpose and status.
The conversion process is carried out through land registration at the National Land Agency (BPN), by fulfilling requirements such as proof of physical control, land history, and absence of disputes with other parties.
“Currently, eigendom is not an indicator of land ownership but a guiding document. It indicates that the ancestors of the eigendom owner once owned the land and it can be converted,” said Ismak on Sunday (12/4/2026).
He emphasised that the document now functions only as an initial basis or guide in the process of converting it into a land certificate under applicable law.
“Normatively, eigendom is similar to Letter C and others originating from the West. After the 1960 Agrarian Law which recognised certificates, both are no longer recognised,” he said.