A legal education broadcast titled “Inherited Land: Whose Rights? When Family Members Become Opponents” was aired live on RRI Yogyakarta’s Programa 2 on Wednesday (November 5, 2025). During the broadcast, the legal education team—comprising Eka Putri Endriana, S.H. (an undergraduate alumna and master’s student in Law at the UGM Faculty of Law) and Farrel Pramudita (an undergraduate student at the UGM Faculty of Law) collaborated with LPP RRI Yogyakarta to explore the issue of inheritance land disputes, which often tear family ties apart. This program serves as a humanistic forum for dialogue between the academic community and the general public regarding agrarian issues that are closely tied to daily life.
The topic of inherited land was chosen because it is one of the most common sources of family conflict in society. It is not uncommon for siblings, parents, children, and even grandchildren to disagree over who has the right to control and benefit from land left by their parents or grandparents. A lack of understanding of legal provisions, differing perceptions of justice, and the absence of clear documentation often cause conflicts to escalate and ultimately lead to lawsuits in court.
During the broadcast, Eka Putri Endriana explained in simple terms the concept of inheritance and who, in principle, is entitled to be an heir under Indonesian law. She also outlined various common issues that frequently arise, such as the sale of inherited land by one family member without the consent of other heirs, unilateral possession of land titles, or actions that prevent other heirs from utilizing the land. Listeners were encouraged to understand that issues surrounding inherited land are not simply a matter of “who is the strongest,” but rather about who, legally and morally, holds rights that must be respected.
Eka Putri Endriana emphasized that legal literacy is key to preventing family members from becoming “opponents” in court. “Conflicts often arise not because of malicious intent, but due to ignorance and miscommunication. If family members understand each other’s rights and obligations from the start, the division of inherited land can be managed in a more orderly and fair manner,” she said during the broadcast. She also emphasized the importance of open communication within the family both before and after the decedent’s passing.
Farrel Pramudita then highlighted the position of vulnerable parties in inheritance disputes, such as women, the youngest child living with their parents, or families who do not hold title deeds but have long managed the land. According to Farrel, a sense of hesitation, the cultural norm of “not wanting to cause offense,” and power dynamics within the family often lead some heirs to remain silent even when their rights are being overlooked. “The principle of family harmony should not be used as an excuse to silence rights. On the contrary, by sitting down together and being transparent, family relationships can be maintained while legal rights are protected,” he explained.
In terms of the program’s benefits, this broadcast provides a platform for the public to access legal information that is free, easily accessible, and presented in clear, accessible language. Listeners receive practical guidance on the initial steps they can take when facing issues related to inherited land, such as family discussions, mediation through village officials, consultations with legal experts, and options for resolution in court.
This initiative is also strongly aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). First, this program supports SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, particularly by improving access to legal information and promoting peaceful and equitable dispute resolution within families. Second, by promoting the fair distribution of inheritance and the protection of vulnerable parties, this broadcast contributes to SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, as equal access to land rights is one of the keys to reducing inequality within families and society. Furthermore, the orderly and legal management of inherited land is also related to
Through the program “Inherited Land: Whose Right Is It? When Family Members Become Opponents,” RRI Yogyakarta and the UGM Faculty of Law demonstrate that legal education for the public is not merely about discussing legal provisions, but also a concrete effort to build harmonious, just, and rights-aware families. The hope is that more and more citizens will come to understand that maintaining family harmony and upholding legal rights are two goals that can be achieved simultaneously through dialogue, deliberation, and a sufficient understanding of the law.
Writer: DEMA Justicia
