Indonesia to Modernize Land Registration: Traditional Deeds to be Invalidated

New Land Registration Regulations

The Indonesian government is set to invalidate various traditional land deeds starting February 2026, as part of a broader effort to modernize the country's land registration system. This change is based on Government Regulation No. 18/2021, which was implemented to improve land ownership clarity and reduce potential disputes.

Types of Affected Land Documents

The regulation specifically targets customary land ownership documents that have not been formally registered. According to Arie Satya Dwipraja, Head of the Sub-Directorate of Public Relations at the Ministry of ATR/BPN, these documents will no longer serve as legal proof of ownership after the deadline. While they may still be used as location indicators during the registration process, they will not be considered valid legal documents.

Registration Requirements and Timeline

The government regulation mandates that all customary land ownership documents must be registered within five years from the regulation's enactment. As the deadline approaches in February 2026, landowners are urged to register their properties to maintain their legal ownership rights. This registration process is crucial for ensuring that land ownership is properly documented and recognized under Indonesian law.

Implications for Landowners

Landowners who fail to register their customary land documents by February 2026 will face the risk of losing their legal claim to the land. The regulation is designed to bring clarity to land ownership and reduce the number of land disputes that arise from unclear or unregistered land claims. By registering their land, owners can ensure that their ownership is legally recognized and protected.