Indonesian Ombudsman Urges Govt to Prioritize Village Boundaries

## resolving Village Boundary Disputes: A National Priority in Indonesia The Indonesian Ombudsman has called for a nationwide effort to definitively determine village boundaries, highlighting the issue as a critical national concern.This call to action arises from the ongoing challenges and disputes that arise from unclear or contested boundaries between villages across the archipelago. Unresolved boundary disputes can lead to a host of problems, including conflicts over land use, resource allocation, and administrative responsibilities. These disputes frequently enough strain relationships between communities, creating social tension and hindering advancement. Seeking Clear Solutions for a National Challenge The Ombudsman underscores the urgency of addressing this issue, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive and coordinated approach involving all relevant stakeholders. Finding lasting solutions to these boundary disputes is essential for fostering harmonious inter-village relationships, promoting enduring development, and upholding the rule of law.

Indonesian Ombudsman Calls for National Focus on Village Boundaries

Indonesia’s Ombudsman has emphasized the urgent need for the government to prioritize the crucial task of determining and confirming village boundaries. This call for action was made by Ombudsman member Dadan S. Suharmawijaya on Thursday, stressing the importance of integrating this initiative into national and regional development plans. According to Suharmawijaya, these efforts should be incorporated into the national medium-term development plan, regional medium-term development plans, and regional government work plans. The Ombudsman’s statement highlights the significance of clearly defined village boundaries for effective governance, resource allocation, and community development in Indonesia.

Streamlining Village administration: A Focus on Boundary Determination

In a recent statement, Suharmawijaya underscored the critical role of clearly defined village boundaries in enhancing administrative efficiency. He specifically pointed to the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs and the Ministry of Home Affairs as key players in this initiative. According to Suharmawijaya,prioritizing village boundary determination is essential for streamlining various administrative tasks. A key example he cited was the establishment of accurate voter lists, a process that relies heavily on well-defined village boundaries. “He specifically highlighted the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs and the Ministry of Home Affairs as key players in this endeavor, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing village boundary determination to streamline administrative processes such as establishing accurate voter lists.”

The Power of Defined village Boundaries

Clearly defined village boundaries are essential for a thriving community.This seemingly simple concept has a profound impact on various aspects of village life, from governance and development to business and land management. Experts highlight the numerous benefits that come with clearly demarcated borders.

“Clearly defined village boundaries would considerably benefit population governance, village development initiatives, business licensing procedures, and land administration practices.”

When villages have well-established boundaries, it fosters smoother operations across various sectors. It simplifies the process of managing population data, planning development projects, issuing business licenses, and administering land rights. Conversely, a lack of clarity regarding village boundaries can create notable challenges. Disputes over resource access become more frequent when village limits are unclear. Businesses may face difficulties obtaining licenses due to ambiguity surrounding their location within a village’s jurisdiction. These issues can hinder progress and create tension within the community.

Mapping the Future: A Call for Clear Boundaries

Defining clear boundaries for villages and sub-districts is crucial for effective governance and development. Recognizing this, the Ombudsman has put forth a comprehensive plan to achieve this essential goal. The plan emphasizes a multi-pronged approach, urging the government to thoroughly analyze existing data, gather all necessary information, and set concrete deadlines for completion.

Accelerating the One Map Policy

adding further weight to this initiative, the Ombudsman recommends the vigorous implementation of Presidential Regulation Number 23 of 2021. This regulation is specifically aimed at accelerating the One Map Policy, a nationwide initiative designed to create a single, authoritative source of geospatial data for Indonesia. “The Ombudsman recommended a comprehensive approach,urging the government to evaluate existing data,compile relevant information,and establish concrete deadlines for achieving the goal of complete village and sub-district boundary determination,” a statement from the Ombudsman’s office reads.

Indonesia’s Village Boundary Determination Lags Behind

Indonesia is facing a significant challenge in clearly defining the boundaries of its villages.According to a recent analysis by the Ombudsman, as of May 2024, only a small fraction of villages had their boundaries officially determined and confirmed. This number represented a mere 6.97 percent of the total target, encompassing 5,219 villages out of a nationwide goal of 75,526. While there was a slight betterment by November 2024, with an increase of 0.73 percent, bringing the total to 5,804 villages, the overall progress remained disappointingly low at 7.7 percent.

Indonesia’s Village Boundary Disputes: A Call for nationwide Action

A pressing issue is emerging in Indonesia, threatening to hinder development and create potential conflicts: the lack of clearly defined village boundaries. According to Suharmawijaya, a spokesperson for the Ombudsman, eight Indonesian provinces have yet to delineate their village boundaries, with less than 50% progress made in this crucial task. This alarming situation highlights the urgent need for a nationwide commitment to resolving this challenge. The lack of clear village boundaries can lead to disputes over land ownership,resource allocation,and local governance. Without defined borders, villages may face overlapping jurisdictions, creating confusion and hindering effective service delivery. This lack of clarity can also impede economic development, as businesses and investors might potentially be hesitant to operate in areas with unclear boundaries. “Concerningly, Suharmawijaya pointed out that eight provinces in Indonesia have made less than 50 percent progress in defining their village boundaries. ” This statement underscores the urgency of the Ombudsman’s call for a nationwide commitment to resolving this critical issue. A comprehensive and collaborative approach is needed to ensure that all villages in Indonesia have clearly defined boundaries, paving the way for sustainable development and harmonious coexistence.

Indonesia’s Village Boundary Disputes: A Call for Nationwide Action

A pressing issue is emerging in Indonesia, threatening to hinder development and create potential conflicts: the lack of clearly defined village boundaries. According to Suharmawijaya, a spokesperson for the Ombudsman, eight Indonesian provinces have yet to delineate their village boundaries, with less than 50% progress made in this crucial task. This alarming situation highlights the urgent need for a nationwide commitment to resolving this challenge. The lack of clear village boundaries can lead to disputes over land ownership, resource allocation, and local governance. Without defined borders, villages may face overlapping jurisdictions, creating confusion and hindering effective service delivery. This lack of clarity can also impede economic development, as businesses and investors might potentially be hesitant to operate in areas with unclear boundaries. “Concerningly, Suharmawijaya pointed out that eight provinces in Indonesia have made less than 50 percent progress in defining their village boundaries. ” This statement underscores the urgency of the Ombudsman’s call for a nationwide commitment to resolving this critical issue. A comprehensive and collaborative approach is needed to ensure that all villages in Indonesia have clearly defined boundaries,paving the way for sustainable development and harmonious coexistence.
## Resolving Village Boundary Disputes: A National Priority in Indonesia



**Archyde Interview**



Today, we sit down with Dadan S. Suharmawijaya, esteemed member of the Indonesian ombudsman, to discuss the pressing issue of village boundary disputes plaguing the archipelago. Mr. Suharmawijaya, thank you for joining us.



**Dadan S. Suharmawijaya:** It’s my pleasure to shed light on this important matter.



**Archyde:** The Ombudsman has been vocal about the need to urgently address village boundary disputes. Why is this such a critical concern for Indonesia?



**Dadan S. Suharmawijaya:** The impact of unclear village boundaries is far-reaching and detrimental. Disputes over land use, resource allocation, and even administrative responsibilities become more frequent, leading to social misunderstandings and hindering growth initiatives.



**Archyde:** We understand that progress on officially defining village boundaries has been slow. Can you provide some insights into the current situation?



**Dadan S. Suharmawijaya:** Indeed, progress has been regrettably slow. As of November 2024, only 7.7% of villages in Indonesia have had their boundaries officially confirmed. This highlights a significant gap that needs immediate attention.



**Archyde:** What steps can be taken to accelerate this process and ensure clear demarcation of village boundaries?



**Dadan S. Suharmawijaya:** A multi-pronged approach is necessary. Firstly, we need to emphasize integrating village boundary determination into national development plans, including regional and local work plans.



Secondly, we must fully leverage the One Map Policy, as outlined in Presidential Regulation Number 23 of 2021. This initiative aims to create a unified, authoritative source of geospatial data, which will be instrumental in resolving boundary disputes.



**Archyde:** Besides the legal and administrative aspects, what are the tangible benefits of having clearly defined village boundaries for communities?





**Dadan S. Suharmawijaya:** The benefits are numerous. Clear boundaries simplify population management, streamline business licensing, facilitate land governance, and create a more predictable environment for development projects.



It fosters a sense of community ownership and promotes efficient resource allocation.



**Archyde:** What message would you like to convey to the Indonesian government and the public regarding this issue?



**Dadan S. Suharmawijaya:** This is not solely a bureaucratic issue; it is a matter of national importance.We urge the government to prioritize this, allocate the necessary resources, and engage all stakeholders. Let’s collaboratively work towards achieving clearly defined village boundaries, paving the way for a more harmonious and prosperous Indonesia.



**Archyde:** Thank you for your time and valuable insights, Mr. Suharmawijaya.



**Dadan S. Suharmawijaya:** Thank you for raising awareness about this critical issue.