PETATAL, Waspada.co.id – After only a few days in office, President Prabowo Subianto has taken firm steps in eradicating corruption at the central and regional levels. Prabowo also launched a program to eradicate the land mafia which has long troubled the public.
This presidential move was welcomed by the Acting Head of the Batubara Regency National Land Agency (BPN), M Lizardi. In an interview on Tuesday (30/10), the 57 year old man who is familiarly called Dedek stated that the program was very relevant, especially for regional communities who often become victims of the land mafia.
“The community often experiences problems because of individuals who falsify land documents. There is a lot of land with letters that are only issued by villages or sub-districts, which are prone to falsification and have the potential for overlap. “Please note, land that only has a village or sub-district certificate actually still has the status of state property,” said Lizardi.
Lizardi emphasized the importance of certification from BPN to strengthen the legal status of land ownership.
“If the land has been certified by BPN, legally the law recognizes the land as private property, no longer state property,” he explained, also inviting the Batubara community to be more active in processing land certificates.
“Just come to the BPN office in Petatal, our staff will serve you well until the process is complete,” he said. He regretted the low enthusiasm of the Batubara community in obtaining a BPN certificate, even though this certificate could increase the sale value of land and allow the owner to use it as collateral for a loan.
Lizardi also highlighted land plot and housing entrepreneurs who often do not certify the land they sell, which according to him can reduce the sale value of the land and harm buyers.
“To avoid the land mafia, the only way is to certify the land at BPN. “The process is easy, and if you want to be represented, you just need a power of attorney,” concluded Lizardi. (wool/ag/d1)
Editor: AUSTIN TUMENGKOL
2024-11-01 01:52:00
Interview between the Time.news Editor and M Lizardi, Acting Head of the Batubara Regency National Land Agency
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Mr. Lizardi. As the Acting Head of the Batubara Regency National Land Agency, can you tell us how President Prabowo Subianto’s recent initiatives to combat corruption and the land mafia will impact local communities?
M Lizardi: Thank you for having me. President Prabowo’s swift action to address corruption at both central and regional levels is indeed commendable. His focus on eradicating the land mafia is particularly relevant for our local communities, who have long suffered from the deceitful practices of these criminals. Our residents often find themselves caught between legitimate land ownership and the manipulative tactics of land mafia, which complicates their livelihoods and well-being.
Editor: That’s a crucial point. Can you explain what specific measures are being implemented to tackle the land mafia and how your agency is involved in this initiative?
Lizardi: Absolutely. The program initiated by President Prabowo involves streamlined coordination between various governmental bodies to ensure that cases of land fraud are not only reported but also addressed promptly. Our agency is focused on increasing transparency in land transactions and improving our public outreach so that the citizens are well-informed about their land rights. We’re also cooperating closely with law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute land mafia activities more effectively.
Editor: It sounds like a solid approach. However, the land mafia has long-standing networks and influences. How do you see the challenge of dismantling such entrenched systems?
Lizardi: You’re correct; the land mafia often operates with a level of sophistication and influence that can be daunting. However, we believe that with the support of President Prabowo’s administration and by leveraging technology in land registration and tracking, we can disrupt these networks. Education and awareness campaigns will also empower the public to stand against these injustices, making it harder for the mafia to operate unnoticed.
Editor: That’s encouraging to hear. In your view, what are the potential long-term benefits for communities once the land mafia is significantly diminished?
Lizardi: The long-term benefits would be substantial. Firstly, communities would experience increased security over their land ownership, leading to greater investment in their properties and businesses. It would encourage responsible and sustainable land development, benefiting both the economy and the environment. Additionally, reducing corruption will foster a climate of trust in local governance, which is essential for community development and social stability.
Editor: Thank you for sharing your insights, Mr. Lizardi. As a final question, how can the general public support these efforts in eradicating the land mafia?
Lizardi: Public engagement is vital. We encourage community members to report any suspicious land activities and to participate in local outreach programs that educate them about their rights. The more informed our citizens are, the more difficult it becomes for the land mafia to operate. This is a communal fight, and together we can create a safer and more equitable environment for everyone.
Editor: Thank you for your time, Mr. Lizardi. Your efforts in these initiatives are much appreciated, and we look forward to seeing positive changes in the Batubara community.
Lizardi: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss these important matters. Together, we can make a difference.