Ombudsman Finds Too Long Delay In Construction Of Huntap For Disaster Victims 2004 And 2020 In Bogor

RI Ombudsman member Dadan S Suharmawijaya (center) in a press conference at the Indonesian Ombudsman Office, Jakarta, Friday (7/7/2023). (ANTARA/HO-Humas Ombudsman RI)

The Ombudsman found allegations of protracted delay maladministration in providing permanent land and housing (huntap) for flood and landslide victims in Cigudeg and Sukajaya sub-districts, Bogor Regency in 2004 and 2020.

This was revealed by Ombudsman Member Dadan S Suharmawijaya after submitting the results of the Investigation on the Indonesian Ombudsman's Own Prekarsa (IAPS) which contained findings and corrective actions for the Bogor Regency Government, PT PTPN III, Ministry of SOEs and Ministry of ATR/BPN.

"The delay in providing land and permanent housing for victims of floods and landslides is due to pandemic conditions, budgets, and land settlement for huntap," Dadan said at a press conference at the Indonesian Ombudsman's Office, Jakarta, Friday, July 7, which was confiscated by Antara.

Until now, there are still around 2,000 residents who have been victims of natural disasters who still occupy temporary housing (huntara) since 2020.

According to him, natural disasters that occurred in 2020 resulted in many residents losing their homes.

This made PTPN VIII, which at that time would extend the Right to Use Business (HGU), was asked to remove some of the HGU land that was requested to be used as a permanent residential area for victims of natural disasters, which was around 52.8 hectares.

"The permanent residences in question are in several villages, namely Urug Village, Sipayung Village, Sukaraksa Village and Cigudeg Village," he explained.

In this investigation, continued Dadan, another finding is that the occupancy rate of permanent housing that has been built in four villages in Bogor Regency is still low. This condition contradicts the number of disaster victims who occupy temporary housing.

Furthermore, his party also found an update of the PTPN VIII HGU which was processed at the local Land Office or BPN Regional Office which had issued a portion of the HGU area of 52.8 hectares for permanent housing for victims of natural disasters.

"PTPN VIII's HGU land has been disbursed covering an area of 52.8 hectares by PTPN VIII to the state in accordance with the Decree of Shareholders of PTPN VIII and followed up with a Cooperation Agreement between PTPN VIII and the Bogor Regency Government," he said.

However, not all areas that have been applied for huntap have been used by the Bogor Regency Government. Only 38.6 hectares have been used and there are still 14.2 hectares that have not been built.

The Ombudsman also found that there were vacant land areas used by individuals that were not in accordance with the designation or were based on the Bogor Regent's Decree. With these findings, the Ombudsman conveyed CORactive Advice for related agencies to be implemented.

Dadan asked the Bogor Regency Government to provide corrective suggestions. First, prepare a scheme to settle land ownership and provide permanent housing along with other supporting facilities for flood and landslide disaster victims in Cigudeg District, Sukajaya District, Bogor Regency in 2004 and 2020.

Second, the Bogor Regency Government must carry out stages of physical and juridical security of 52.8 hectares of area and other assets on it for residential relocation due to natural disasters in Bogor Regency by referring to the provisions of the applicable legislation including the Cooperation Agreement between PTPN VIII and the Bogor Regency Government.

Third, the Bogor Regency Government has compiled a re- factual verification scheme to ensure the accuracy and existing conditions for recipients of permanent housing assistance for victims of natural disasters listed in the Bogor Regent's Decree.

Fourth, to form an integrated team to supervise the process of re-verification, submission and certification of permanent residences. In addition, the President Director of PTPN VIII was asked to submit and ensure the completeness of the requirements for the application for the Cikasungka Gardens HGU renewal on behalf of PTPN VIII to the Ministry of ATR/BPN Cq. West Java Province BPN Regional Office.

To the West Java BPN Regional Office and Bogor Regency Kantah, the Ombudsman asked to immediately follow up on the HGU renewal request on behalf of PTPN VIII submitted by PTPN VIII in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

Then, immediately follow up on the application for land rights submitted by the Bogor Regency Government regarding the provision of permanent housing along with other supporting facilities for victims of floods and landslides in Cigudeg and Sukajaya sub-districts, Bogor Regency.

"Finally, to immediately provide certainty of issuance of land ownership rights for residents of flood and landslide disaster victims in Cigudeg and Sukajaya sub-districts, Bogor Regency," Dadan concluded.

Based on the Ombudsman's corrective advice, the reported agency, namely PTPN VIII, Bogor Regency Government, Ministry of ATR/BPN) is committed to following up.