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| Land Rights That Changed Lives How Asahduren’s Communal Land Certificate Sparked New Economic Hope |
From the traditional village of Asahduren in Jembrana, Bali, comes an inspiring story about how communal land—passed down through generations—finally gained strong legal recognition. Through the issuance of a communal land management certificate (HPL), the local Indigenous community now enjoys wider economic opportunities, legal certainty, and a clearer path toward self-sufficiency.
For the people of Asahduren, this certificate is far more than a legal document. It has become a turning point that opens access to work opportunities, connects farmers with off-takers, and strengthens the village’s economic foundation.
The traditional leader of Asahduren, I Kadek Suentra, shared how the certificate directly improved the community’s chances. “Because of the HPL certificate issued by BPN, we can finally manage our customary land properly and collaborate with PT Nusantara Segar Abadi. Without legal status, this partnership would have been nearly impossible,” he said on Tuesday (11/03/2025).
From Aging Clove Trees to Cavendish Bananas A New Path Forward
Before receiving support from the national land reform program (Reforma Agraria), most residents relied heavily on clove farming. However, many clove trees were old and no longer productive. Prices had also dropped, making income increasingly unstable.
“Once our communal land received its certificate, we had the chance to partner with PT NSA and start planting Cavendish bananas. This became our way out,” Suentra explained.
Cavendish bananas were chosen because they grow well in Asahduren’s hilly terrain, have fast harvest cycles, and offer a stable market through an off-taker system.
A Long Journey Toward Legal Certainty
Suentra recalled the long struggle before the communal land could be fully certified. Around mid-2024, the village began coordinating with the Jembrana Land Office, ensuring the land had no disputes, verifying boundaries, and completing official measurements.
Finally, in September 2024, the Asahduren community proudly received its communal land certificate during the National Communal Land Conference in Bandung—a historic moment for the village.
Government Support Continues Beyond Certification
The efforts of the Ministry of ATR/BPN did not stop at granting the certificate. After securing the community’s land rights, the government followed up by opening economic access so the land could be productively used.
“BPN continued to monitor our progress—how we used the land and how it benefited the community. We also asked for additional support so our land could truly empower us,” Suentra added.
Their request was quickly answered by the Directorate General of Land Arrangement. Windra Pahlevi, who represented the directorate at the time, ensured that the cooperation between the traditional council of Asahduren and PT NSA had a solid business model and a clear legal framework.
“In early November 2024, we visited the site with PT NSA to inspect the land. Once the conditions were confirmed, both parties agreed to manage 9,800 square meters of communal land for Cavendish banana cultivation,” Windra explained.
He emphasized that ATR/BPN ensured each step—seed provision, training, crop maintenance, and marketing—was regulated to protect farmers and guarantee fair benefits.
Real Impact on the Indigenous Community
Today, thanks to the full cycle of the Reforma Agraria program—from land certification to economic empowerment—Asahduren residents are experiencing real improvements in their daily lives. Income is more stable, farmers have secure buyers, and previously idle land is now productive.
The hilly areas that once held aging clove trees have transformed into thriving banana plantations that bring new hope to the Indigenous community.
For Asahduren, Reforma Agraria is not just a government program. It is the beginning of a more secure, self-reliant, and prosperous future.
