[ Foto : Istimewa ]
METROPOLITAN POST— Public anger has erupted over the West Manggarai Land Office (BPN)’s continued inaction regarding the enforcement of a ruling covering an 11‑hectare plot. Florianus Surion Adu, Head of the Joint Secretariat of West Manggarai Youth and Community Groups, has publicly accused local BPN chief Daniel Emanuel Lunesi of disregarding a legally binding final verdict issued by the Supreme Court.
The land was awarded to the heirs of Ibrahim Hanta via a cassation ruling dated 8 October 2025, yet until now the case has stalled at the Land Office. Certificate administration, which should have been processed in the community’s favour, remains blocked without clear explanation.
Allegations of Collusion
In a statement issued Saturday (6 June 2026), Florianus insisted the agency’s silence goes beyond mere administrative delays and points to behind‑the‑scenes manipulation.
“The Land Office is no longer a public‑serving state body. There is strong suspicion it has become a tool protecting land mafia groups — parties who lost in court but refuse to relinquish their claims,” Florianus told reporters firmly.
He added that allowing a Supreme Court ruling to hang in limbo undermines legal authority. Such conduct, he said, constitutes defiance of the rule of law — something the land agency is duty‑bound to uphold.
Conflict Warning for Labuan Bajo
Florianus warned the hold‑up harms not only the heirs but creates a “ticking time bomb” in Labuan Bajo. As a top‑priority national tourism destination, unresolved land disputes risk damaging the city’s reputation.
“This improper stance taken by Daniel Lunesi sets the stage for social unrest. We suspect hidden obligations and undisclosed interests are driving the office to side with the losing parties instead of following the law,” Florianus added.
Taking the Fight to Central Authorities
Refusing to stand idle, the Joint Secretariat has declared it will confront alleged land mafia networks entrenched within the land agency. Concrete measures are being prepared: direct reports to the President and the Ministry of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning / National Land Agency headquarters in Jakarta, as well as plans for mass demonstrations in Labuan Bajo.
“We demand legal certainty. If the Land Office continues to turn a blind eye to a final Supreme Court ruling, the public will take to the streets seeking justice for heirs who have lawfully secured their rights — and they must not be blamed,” Florianus concluded.
At press time, West Manggarai Land Office chief Daniel Emanuel Lunesi has yet to issue any official response despite the serious criticism directed at him.(Red)
