"We hope that the National Land Agency's (BPN's) Papua Regional Office can find solutions so that the community can use the customary lands but at the same time not damage the environment," Acting Governor of Papua Ramses Limbong remarked here on Tuesday.
Limbong made the statement while speaking at the Agrarian and Spatial Affairs Day (Hantaru) at the BPN Papua Office.
The acting governor called for a solution, such as a supportive law for customary land, so that the community can truly feel the benefits of its utilization and not damage the environment.
"In addition, the status of customary lands in Papua must be clarified with certificates," he stressed.
He emphasized that protected zones and forests in customary lands cannot be exploited or sold.
Related news: Minister Tjahjanto gives land certificates to indigenous Papuans
He expects the BPN Papua Regional Office to continue improving public services, especially for those without land rights certificates.
Meanwhile, office head, Roy Eduard Wayoi, stated that currently, all land offices across Papua have carried out the certification process electronically in accordance with the Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning Ministry's policy.
Wayoi expressed hope of a synergy being fostered between the ministry, local governments, stakeholders, and indigenous peoples in identifying and mapping customary areas before the certification process is carried out.
He emphasized that this aims to protect the customary rights of indigenous peoples in Papua.
"The issuance of certificates to indigenous peoples is free because the Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning Ministry has allocated a budget, so it is the local governments' turn to respond to this, so that the (land certification) program runs well," he explained.
Related news: Home Affairs Ministry collaborates for customary land certification
Translator: Ardiles L, Kenzu
Editor: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
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