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| Indonesian Minister of Agrarian Affairs Firmly Bans Conversion of LP2B Rice Fields: A Strong Message to Regional Leaders at IPDN Orientation. |
Sumedang, Indonesia – June 25, 2025, The Minister of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning/Head of the National Land Agency (ATR/BPN), Nusron Wahid, issued a firm warning to all regional leaders across Indonesia: do not approve the conversion of rice fields that have been designated as Sustainable Food Agricultural Land (LP2B).
Speaking at the Leadership Orientation for Regional Heads and Deputy Heads (Wave II – 2025) held at the Institute of Public Administration (IPDN) in Sumedang, Minister Nusron emphasized the serious consequences of land misuse.
“Only non-LP2B land can be considered for conversion permits. LP2B rice fields are strictly protected and cannot be converted under any circumstance,” he said in front of 86 regional leaders.
Why Is Converting LP2B Rice Fields a Big Deal?
Minister Nusron explained that LP2B is a crucial policy for safeguarding Indonesia’s national food security. The nation’s increasing demand for housing, energy infrastructure, and industrial development must not come at the cost of losing its productive agricultural land.
“Affordable housing requires cheap land. The choice often ends up being between rice fields and plantations. If we keep converting rice fields, we’ll lose our productive land and fail to achieve food self-sufficiency,” he stressed.
What Exactly Is LP2B?
LP2B stands for Sustainable Food Agricultural Land, which refers to rice fields designated for permanent use as agricultural areas. If, under very specific conditions, an LP2B-designated field must be converted, it must be replaced with land of equal quality and productivity.
This designation falls under the authority of local governments. According to the National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN), Indonesia aims to include at least 87% of its total rice field area under LP2B protection.
Local Governments Hold the Key
During the orientation session, Minister Nusron called for stronger coordination between the central and local governments. Regional heads are expected to manage land use wisely and responsibly, considering both short-term development goals and long-term sustainability.
Also present at the event were Harison Mocodompis, Head of the Public Relations Bureau at ATR/BPN, Yuniar Hikmat Ginanjar, Head of BPN’s West Java Regional Office, and Deputy Minister of Transportation, Suntana, who served as a keynote speaker.
The message from Indonesia’s Minister of Agrarian Affairs is crystal clear: Protect LP2B rice fields at all costs. These lands are a national asset that must be preserved to ensure the country’s future food security. Local governments must not compromise long-term sustainability for short-term development gains.
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