Indonesia Implements New Land Registration Regulations by February 2026

Transitioning from Traditional Land Documents

The Indonesian government is set to enforce new land registration regulations starting February 2, 2026, as mandated by Government Regulation Number 18 of 2021. Traditional land ownership documents such as girik, letter C, and petok D will no longer be legally recognized as proof of ownership after this date. The regulation requires landowners currently holding these traditional documents to register for a Sertifikat Hak Milik (SHM), the official land certificate, by February 2026.

Government Assurance on Unregistered Land

Despite concerns that land without proper certification would automatically become state property, government officials have clarified that this is not the case. Shamy Ardian, Head of the Public Relations and Protocol Bureau at the Ministry of ATR/BPN, stated that landowners can still process their land certificates through local land offices even after the deadline. "Masyarakat yang sampai hari ini masih memiliki girik tidak perlu khawatir... Apabila tanahnya ditempati, dikuasai, tetap dapat dimohonkan sertifikat tanahnya melalui kantor pertanahan," he explained.

Implications of the New Regulation

The new regulation is part of a broader effort to formalize land ownership and reduce potential disputes. While the government has provided assurances for landowners, the transition period has raised concerns among some communities about the process and implications of registering their land. The government has emphasized that the registration process will continue to be available beyond the initial deadline, providing a pathway for landowners to secure their property rights legally.