Legal Literacy - The conversion of agricultural land into non-agricultural land, such as shopping centers or housing, has become an increasingly pressing issue in Indonesia. This phenomenon not only impacts food availability but also changes the social and economic landscape of society. In this context, the law is often used as a tool to legitimize these changes, while the impact on the environment and society is often ignored. This article will discuss who is responsible for land conversion, focusing on legal and social aspects. 

Background of Land Conversion

Land conversion in Indonesia has become part of rapid urban development. Data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) shows that the area of agricultural land in Indonesia decreases by approximately 100,000 hectares per year due to conversion to non-agricultural land (BPS, 2021). One concrete example is in Jakarta, where many green areas that once functioned as rice fields have now been transformed into malls and shopping centers. According to a Kompas report, approximately 60 percent of green open spaces in Jakarta have been lost in the last two decades, replaced by commercial buildings (Kompas, 2020). 

Research results indicate that this land conversion is often driven by economic needs, such as increasing regional income and creating jobs. However, the long-term impacts of this conversion are often ignored. Research by Adiyaksa and Djojomartono (2020) shows that the conversion of agricultural land into industrial land in Kendal Regency has resulted in a decrease in local food production and an increase in dependence on imported food.