BPN Papua: Notaries, Indigenouss, And Local Governments Must Sit Together When Handing Over Traditional Land

TIMIKA - Head of the Regional Office of the Papua Province National Land Agency (BPN), Roy Wayoi, emphasized that the process of handing over traditional land grants in Papua must go through a comprehensive agreement between traditional leaders, tribal chiefs, and the people who own land rights.

"The handover of customary land in Papua cannot be unilateral. It must involve all elements of indigenous peoples as well as local governments so that the status of land is clear and valid," said Roy in Timika, Antara, Thursday, May 8.

According to Roy, traditional land grants, including in Mimika Regency, must follow formal stages, such as location measurements, land certificate checks (if any), and agreements from owners of customary rights.

"Notaries must also be involved to make a letter of release and a grant deed that has legal force," he explained.

He reminded that if the procedure is not carried out properly, it could cause conflict or dispute in the future. Therefore, all parties, including the local Land Office, must be involved.

"With the correct procedure, the land grant process can run transparently and accountably, as well as avoid future conflicts," he added.

Roy also mentioned the importance of provincial government support to ensure good coordination between indigenous peoples and state institutions in every land acquisition process.