Enviro News Asia, Banyuwangi — Minister of Forestry Raja Juli Antoni has officially issued Decree No. 373 of 2025 regarding the Approval for the Release of Permanent Production Forest Area for Community Settlements and Agricultural Land in Dusun Pancer, Sumberagung Village, Pesanggaran Sub-district, Banyuwangi Regency, covering an area of 152 hectares on behalf of the Banyuwangi Regent.
The decree was handed over directly by the Minister of Forestry to the Regent of Banyuwangi, Ipuk Fiestiandani Azwar Anas, along with community representatives, at De Djawatan on Monday (July 14, 2025).
“Alhamdulillah, I have officially handed over the decree to the Regent and community representatives. This means the land you have been living on is no longer designated as forest area — Alhamdulillah,” said Minister Raja Juli Antoni in his official statement.
The decree also mandates the Banyuwangi Regency Government to provide a replacement land (land swap) of 164 hectares in Situbondo Regency, East Java. The forest release was carried out in accordance with legal procedures and existing forestry regulations.
The Minister explained that there are still further steps required before the issuance of land ownership certificates, including boundary demarcation, parcel determination, and the CPCL (Prospective Beneficiaries and Prospective Locations) process.
“There are just a few more steps to go, please be patient. The boundary demarcation will be handled by the Regent, as the applicant, but will of course be assisted by us,” said the Minister.
Nonetheless, Minister Raja Antoni assured that the remaining administrative process will be simplified and accelerated, in line with directives from the President and Vice President.
Previously, Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka personally heard the concerns of residents of Dusun Pancer, Sumberagung, regarding the land swap process on Monday (June 23, 2025). The Vice President then instructed the Minister of Forestry to resolve the matter by July 9 at the latest. It is noted that the decree was completed ahead of schedule, on July 1, 2025. (*)
