On Thursday (February 6, 2025), the Department of Agrarian Law at the Faculty of Law, Gadjah Mada University, held a public discussion titled \u201cThe Controversy Over the Granting of Land Rights in Coastal Waters.\u201d This public discussion was held online via Zoom Meetings and broadcast live on the FH UGM Knowledge Channel. The discussion attracted more than 900 participants from various backgrounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The speakers featured in this public discussion were Prof. Dr. Maria S.W. Sumardjono, S.H., MCL, MPA. (Faculty of Law, Gadjah Mada University), Prof. Dr. Yonvitner, S.Pi., M.Si (Bogor Agricultural University), and Dr. Dedi Supriadi Adhuri (National Research and Innovation Agency), with Prof. Dr. Nurhasan Ismail, S.H., M.Si. (Faculty of Law, Gadjah Mada University).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the first presentation session, Prof. Maria highlighted the legal aspects of granting land rights in coastal waters. She explained that the concept of land rights in coastal waters is not a recent development. Pursuant to Article 4(2) of Law No. 5 of 1960 on the Basic Provisions of Agrarian Law (UUPA), land rights encompass the earth\u2019s surface, the earth\u2019s subsurface, water, and the airspace above it. In addition, Government Regulation No. 18 of 2021 on Management Rights, Land Rights, Apartment Units, and Land Registration also regulates the possibility of granting land rights on small islands and in coastal waters. In practice, many communities have already been granted land rights in coastal waters. Nevertheless, Prof. Maria emphasized that the granting of land rights in coastal waters can be revoked if violations of applicable legal provisions are found.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The discussion continued with a presentation by Prof. Yonvitner, who addressed the complexity of coastal ecosystems, which require strict monitoring to prevent ecological disturbances. He emphasized the importance of an Integrated Coastal Management Approach to ensure that the use of coastal resources does not exceed the carrying capacity. One key principle to be applied in this approach is the principle of integration, which underscores the importance of effective coordination among ministries and agencies in implementing an integrated coastal management approach. Additionally, coastal and small island zoning plans were identified as crucial tools for regulating the use of coastal areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The final presentation by Dr. Dedi addressed the tenure issues faced by fishermen and coastal communities in accessing and managing coastal and marine resources. He explained that coastal communities in various regions of Indonesia have long developed a system of land tenure based on local or customary laws to manage coastal resources. This system recognizes two categories of rights\u2014the right to subsistence and the right to ownership\u2014both of which are recognized under national law. However, on-the-ground realities show that corporate expropriation through various permits often threatens the sustainability of these traditional tenure systems. Therefore, stronger formal recognition of indigenous peoples\u2019 tenure systems is key to supporting sustainable coastal resource management.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The event then continued with a question-and-answer session that gave participants the opportunity to delve deeper into the issues discussed. In addition, Prof. Nurhasan, serving as moderator, summarized the key points discussed by the speakers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This discussion is closely related to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically Goal 4: Quality Education. As part of an educational institution, the UGM Faculty of Law is committed to creating an inclusive space for academic discussion for all segments of society. By bringing together experts in their respective fields, this discussion serves as a forum for academics, practitioners, and the general public to deepen their understanding of strategic issues in coastal zone management.<\/p>\n\n\n\n