Agricultural Land Conversion Gets Worse

Minister of Agriculture Syahrul Yasin Limpo stated the agricultural land conversions to non-agricultural land are getting rife. In a working meeting with the House of Representatives (DPR) on Monday (3/29), Syahrul revealed the data on a total of 150,000 hectares of agricultural land turned into industry and roads in 2019. The rate was far above the 1990s condition when only 30,000 hectares of land were converted.

"Indeed, there is the fact that the agricultural land to non-agricultural land conversions is still happening, and even tends to get worse in urban areas," he said. Syahrul continued, the decision on agricultural land conversion rests with the local government. However, local officials must have clear reasons before converting agricultural lands. "If the land conversion occurs because of a conspiracy and with no replacement, there will be big consequences for the officials," said Syahrul.