Indonesia’s Agrarian Reform Bill: A Tool for Social Justice, Says Deputy Minister

Indonesia’s Deputy Minister of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning, Ossy Dermawan, has stated that the upcoming Agrarian Reform Bill is designed to serve social justice. His remarks signal a clear policy direction aimed at addressing long-standing land inequality in the country. Speaking on the matter, Dermawan emphasized that the bill is not merely a technical legal adjustment but a strategic instrument for equitable land distribution. He stressed that the reform must prioritize the interests of marginalized communities, including small farmers and indigenous groups, who have historically faced barriers to land ownership. The Deputy Minister’s statement comes amid ongoing public debate over land rights in Indonesia. The proposed legislation seeks to overhaul existing regulations to reduce concentrated land control and ensure that land use benefits the broader public. Dermawan noted that without a social justice framework, agrarian reform would fail to resolve deep-rooted conflicts over land. The bill’s supporters argue that clearer legal mechanisms will help prevent land grabbing and improve legal certainty for rural populations. However, implementation will require strong coordination between central and regional governments. Dermawan’s remarks underline the government’s intent to frame the reform as a cornerstone of national fairness, rather than an administrative update.