OPEN LETTER TO JICA: Land Dispute and Corruption Risk Overshadowing Jambi Retention Basin Project
NGO L.I.M.B.A.H Urges JICA to Enforce “Clean and Clear” Policy and Freeze Compensation Payment for Disputed Land
JAMBI, Indonesia (January 22, 2026) – The environmental justice organization Perkumpulan L.I.M.B.A.H (Lembaga Inisiasi Membangun Bumi Agar Hijau) today issued an urgent open letter to the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) regarding serious legal irregularities in the land acquisition process for the Jambi City Main Drainage and Retention Basin Project, a strategic infrastructure initiative funded by JICA Loan.
L.I.M.B.A.H officially alerted JICA that a crucial plot of land within the project area is currently under active litigation in the Jambi District Court, registered under Case Number 16/Pdt.G/2026/PN Jmb as of January 2, 2026.
Violation of “Clean and Clear” Principle The lawsuit challenges the validity of Land Certificate (SHM) No. 532 held by Ubaidillah et al., which allegedly overlaps with the lawful inheritance land belonging to the heirs of Ratumas Saidah (based on a 1963 Court Ruling).
Habib Ahmad Syukri Baraqbah, Chairman of the Board of L.I.M.B.A.H and Representative of the Heirs, stated that proceeding with compensation payment for this disputed land would be a direct violation of JICA’s Guidelines for Environmental and Social Considerations, which mandate that land acquisition must be “Clean and Clear” (free from legal disputes).
“We are sending a loud and clear message to the Chief Representative of JICA Indonesia. There is an active lawsuit involving the project land. If the implementing agency (BWSS VI) proceeds to pay compensation to the Defendant (Certificate Holder No. 532) while the court case is ongoing, it constitutes a misuse of funds and potentially supports land mafia practices. We urge JICA to protect the integrity of its aid by ensuring not a single Yen is spent on legally defective land,” stated Habib Syukri.
Red Flag: Opposing Party Failed to Appear L.I.M.B.A.H also highlighted a significant “red flag” in the administrative process. During the official clarification meeting facilitated by the National Land Agency (BPN) of Jambi City on December 17, 2025, the opposing party (holder of SHM 532) failed to appear to defend their claim, while the Plaintiffs presented full digital plotting data and historical court rulings.
“The opposing party’s absence during the official data verification process by BPN indicates a lack of legal standing. It is alarming that the project implementers are still considering processing payments to a party that refuses to be transparent,” added Andrew Sihite, Chairman of Perkumpulan L.I.M.B.A.H.
Ultimatum to Freeze Payment Through a formal Legal Warning (Somasi) Number 184/SOMASI-JICA/I/2026, L.I.M.B.A.H has demanded the Sumatra VI River Basin Organization (BWSS VI)—the local implementing agency—to:
- IMMEDIATELY FREEZE any compensation payment related to SHM No. 532.
- Deposit the compensation funds in the District Court (Consignation) as required by Indonesian Law (Law No. 2 of 2012 on Land Acquisition) until a final and binding court decision is reached.
L.I.M.B.A.H warns that failure to comply with these legal requirements will result in reports to the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) and further escalation to JICA Headquarters in Tokyo.
About Perkumpulan L.I.M.B.A.H
Perkumpulan L.I.M.B.A.H is a civil society organization based in Jambi, Indonesia, dedicated to environmental justice, sustainable development, and public accountability monitoring.
Media Contact: Habib Ahmad Syukri Baraqbah Chairman of the Board Perkumpulan L.I.M.B.A.H Jambi Province 0813.6628.5797
Legal Counsel: Abdurrahman Sayuti, S.H., M.H., C.L.A & Partners 0823.1138.7680
DISCLAIMER This press release is issued based on authentic legal documents, including the Lawsuit Registration No. 16/Pdt.G/2026/PN Jmb dated January 2, 2026, and the Official Minutes of Clarification from the National Land Agency (BPN) Kota Jambi dated December 17, 2025. All statements regarding “land mafia” or “irregularities” are allegations currently subject to judicial review, adhering to the presumption of innocence principle.