Owning a pre-1997 land certificate could put your property at legal risk if it remains unreported. The Ministry of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning/National Land Agency (ATR/BPN) urges landowners to verify and update these certificates as part of an ongoing national mapping initiative. Many of these older certificates lack cadastral maps, which are essential for determining clear property boundaries.
Minister of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning/Head of ATR/BPN, Nusron Wahid, reminded the public, especially those with certificates issued before 1997, to check their documents with their local Land Office. “There are around 13.8 million certificates like this, but many people are still unaware,” Nusron said during a coordination meeting with the Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries on Tuesday, April 2, 2025, as reported by Detik.com.
Why Pre-1997 Land Certificates Need an Update
Certificates issued before the enactment of Government Regulation No. 24 of 1997 were not mapped using a cadastral system. As a result, these land plots fall into categories KW 4, 5, or 6, which indicate unmapped land parcels. Without cadastral data, disputes over land boundaries or overlapping claims become more likely. Updating these certificates helps ensure legal clarity and secure ownership.
Checking Your Land Certificate Status
To find out whether your land falls into one of the unmapped categories, you can visit the Land Office where your certificate was issued. Alternatively, digital tools like the Sentuh Tanahku mobile app and the official website bhumi.atrbpn.go.id can help verify the mapping status of your land.
In addition, local Land Offices frequently post announcements on their official social media pages and government platforms. This enables landowners to stay informed without physically visiting the office.
How to Report a Pre-1997 Land Certificate
Reporting your pre-1997 land certificate is a straightforward process. Visit the Land Office that issued your certificate and request verification. The staff will assist you in determining whether your land parcel is included in the cadastral mapping system.
Nusron explained that starting April 2 to 7, Land Offices in several regions—including Banten, West Java, Central Java, East Java, Yogyakarta, West Sumatra, and Lampung—will remain open during the extended public holiday. “The public is expected to take advantage of this period to visit the Land Office and report their certificates,” he stated.
The ministry encourages citizens returning to their hometowns during the Eid holiday to take this opportunity to handle land matters, especially if the property is located in rural or ancestral areas.
Avoiding Land Disputes and Future Problems
Reporting your certificate not only updates cadastral data but also protects you from future conflicts. Unmapped lands are vulnerable to overlapping claims, disputes, and delays in legal processes. Updating your land status strengthens ownership rights and ensures easier access to future digital land services.
Without proper cadastral registration, owners may struggle to sell, transfer, or use the land as collateral. Legal clarity brings peace of mind and long-term security for landholders.
ATR/BPN Encourages Proactive Reporting
To increase awareness, ATR/BPN is running a campaign to inform the public about the risks of holding outdated certificates. The agency is opening offices during holidays to make the process more accessible.
“The moment of returning to the hometown can be an opportunity for those who have land in their hometown,” Nusron added, emphasizing the importance of acting during this time.
This initiative supports the government’s broader goal of completing a nationwide land database and preventing future land conflicts. Landowners with a pre-1997 land certificate should not delay. Proactively updating their records now ensures legal certainty and supports the country’s effort to modernize its land management system.
Get Help from Seven Stones Indonesia
Navigating Indonesia’s land certification process can be complex, especially when dealing with outdated or incomplete documents. For foreign businesses, ensuring legal compliance is critical.
Seven Stones Indonesia offers tailored solutions to help you seamlessly obtain or update the necessary land certificate with ease and accuracy, guaranteeing adherence to all relevant regulations. Don’t risk delays or compliance issues, contact our experienced legal team today for expert assistance tailored to your specific situation and property.
Source: detik.com
Image: Dok. RRI