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BATAM – AswinNews.com | Public information disclosure once again takes center stage in Batam after Raja Alip, a resident of Nongsa, won an information dispute against the Batam Indonesia Free Zone Authority (BP Batam).
On August 7, 2025, the Riau Islands Information Commission (KIP Kepri) ruled that BP Batam must publish land allocation data on its official website and install information boards on every allocated plot of land. The decision was hailed as a crucial step toward preventing conflicts and ensuring transparency in land management.
However, BP Batam rejected the ruling and filed an appeal with the Tanjung Pinang Administrative Court (PTUN), registered under case number 22/G/KI/2025/PTUN.TPI.
Raja Alip’s Counterarguments
In his written response to BP Batam’s lawsuit, Raja Alip presented detailed rebuttals:
- Legal Standing:
Citing Article 28F of the 1945 Constitution and Article 4 of the Public Information Disclosure Law (UU KIP), Raja Alip argued that every citizen has the constitutional right to access public information without needing to prove a special interest. - Ultra Vires Argument:
He dismissed BP Batam’s claim that KIP Kepri overstepped its authority by ordering the installation of information boards. According to him, the measure is a logical consequence of transparency, ensuring the public can directly access land allocation data on the ground. - Personal Data Protection:
Raja Alip rejected BP Batam’s assertion that land allocation data constitutes personal information. He emphasized that Land Allocation Decrees (KPT) are public decisions issued by a state body and must be disclosed under UU KIP. - Jurisprudence:
He cited the Supreme Court Decision No. 121 K/TUN/2017, which established that land data and lists of state land right holders are public information and must be disclosed.
Raja Alip’s Demands at PTUN
In his petition, Raja Alip requested the Tanjung Pinang Administrative Court to:
Reject BP Batam’s objection.
Uphold KIP Kepri’s ruling No. 002/11/KI-KEPRI-PS/2025.
Order BP Batam not only to publish data online but also to hand over the Land Allocation Decree (KPT/PL) directly to him.
Impose litigation costs on BP Batam.
Support from Legal Practitioners
Young lawyer Penebar Gemilang Harahap, S.H., welcomed the KIP Kepri ruling, calling it consistent with the constitution.
“Installing information boards on allocated land is a vital form of transparency, allowing the public to monitor land use. This aligns with Supreme Court jurisprudence affirming that land data is public information,” Harahap explained.
He further stated that Raja Alip’s fight sets a strong precedent for other citizens to claim their right to public information.
Editorial Note
The case of Raja Alip vs. BP Batam marks a significant moment for the enforcement of Indonesia’s Public Information Disclosure Law, particularly regarding land governance—an area often marred by controversy.
Key takeaways from this case include:
Constitutional Rights: Access to public information is a fundamental right, not a privilege.
Land Transparency: Land allocation involves state assets and public interest, making disclosure mandatory.
Legal Precedent: The ruling could serve as a benchmark for similar disputes in other regions with complex land management issues, especially Batam.
AswinNews will continue monitoring the proceedings at the Tanjung Pinang Administrative Court to ensure the legal process remains transparent, fair, and aligned with public interest.
