Transformation of agrarian law politics from perspective of customary law and administrative law

Abstract

Background: The dynamics of agrarian law politics in Indonesia demonstrate a complex interplay between customary law principles and the state’s administrative legal framework. Historically, agrarian regulation has reflected the state’s political agenda to control land resources, often leading to tension with indigenous and local land tenure systems. This study aims to explore the transformation of agrarian law politics through the perspectives of customary law and administrative law, focusing on the phenomenon of land-use conversion in Mataram City as a representative urban case in Indonesia. Methods: Using a descriptive qualitative approach combined with a literature review method, this research synthesizes findings from academic journals, government regulations, policy documents, and prior studies related to agrarian reform, local land rights, and administrative authority. Findings: The findings reveal that the transformation of agrarian law politics tends to favor administrative centralization and economic development priorities, often at the expense of customary law recognition. In Mataram City, the phenomenon of land-use conversion from agricultural land to residential and commercial areas illustrates the weakening of customary norms and community-based land control due to bureaucratic and market pressures. Conclusion: The conclusion highlights the need for a more integrative legal framework that balances administrative governance with the protection of customary land values to ensure sustainable and socially just land management. Novelty/Originality of this article: The novelty of this article lies in its theoretical integration of agrarian political transformation with an empirical urban phenomenon, providing a new analytical lens to understand how state administrative power interacts with customary legal traditions in Indonesia’s urban land policy context.