1,297 Central Java cooperatives built on protected paddy fields

A significant number of Village/Kelurahan Red and White Cooperatives (KDKMP) in Central Java, totaling 1,297, have been established on protected paddy fields, a designation that legally prohibits land conversion. This situation raises concerns about compliance with land use regulations.

Desy Arijani, the acting head of the Central Java Provincial Cooperatives and SMEs Office, confirmed the number of KDKMP built on protected land. She acknowledged that the location of these cooperatives is often determined through village consultations, with infrastructure development handled by PT Agrinas Pangan Nusantara in collaboration with the TNI. Arijani stated that the provincial office is unsure of the exact reasons for construction on protected land and is awaiting decisions from other ministries, such as the Ministry of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning/National Land Agency (ATR/BPN), regarding the resolution for these KDKMP.

According to regulations, protected paddy fields cannot be converted. Arijani mentioned that coordination with the ATR/BPN and the Ministry of Public Works and Housing (PUPR) has occurred, but no definitive government decision has been made on whether these structures will be legalized or how the situation will be resolved. She noted that if land conversion were to occur, Indonesian law typically requires a threefold replacement of the converted land area, a process she described as not easy.

Earlier, Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi had also pointed out that several KDKMP buildings were situated on Sustainable Food Agricultural Land (LP2B). He indicated that the National Strategy for Corruption Prevention (Stranas PK) team had noted these instances. Luthfi stated that his office is currently mapping and collecting data on these buildings and will consult with the Ministry of ATR/BPN for guidance. The issues discussed with Stranas PK included the revitalization of LP2B and the matter of buildings constructed on such land.