Normative Inconsistencies and Conceptual Challenges in Riparian/Buffer Zone Land Regulation: A Doctrinal Study on Legal Certainty in Indonesia

Dolot Alhasni Bakung; Ronny Adrie Maramis; Muhammad Hero Soepeno; Josepus Jullie Pinori

doi:10.55927/ijsmr.v4i4.20

Authors

Dolot Alhasni Bakung State University of Gorontalo
Ronny Adrie Maramis State University of Gorontalo
Muhammad Hero Soepeno State University of Gorontalo
Josepus Jullie Pinori State University of Gorontalo

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55927/ijsmr.v4i4.20

Keywords:

buffer zone land, normative inconsistency, legal certainty, spatial planning law, environmental governance

Abstract

This study examines normative inconsistencies in the regulation of buffer zone land (tanah sempadan) and their implications for legal certainty in spatial and environmental governance in Indonesia. Using a doctrinal legal research approach, the study analyzes statutory regulations related to spatial planning, environmental protection, water resources, and agrarian law. The findings reveal that fragmented regulatory frameworks produce overlapping authority, differing legal classifications, and inconsistent land-use standards across regions. These inconsistencies weaken enforcement mechanisms and create uncertainty regarding land tenure legitimacy and spatial control policies. Strengthening regulatory harmonization and conceptual clarity is therefore essential to ensure effective spatial governance and sustainable environmental protection within buffer zone management in Indonesia.

References

Afrizal, A., Putra, E. V., & Elida, L. (2024). Palm oil expansion, insecure land rights, and land-use conflict in Indonesia. Land Use Policy, 146, 107325.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landusepol.2024.107325

Bachri, S., et al. (2024). Land use change simulation model in disaster mitigation spatial planning. Environmental Challenges, 14, 100862.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envc.2024.100862

Bakung, D. A., Soepeno, M. H., Bawole, H. Y. A. A., Junus, N., & Sarson, M. T. Z. (2024). Hukum agraria (Teori dan praktek). Yayasan Drestanta Pelita Indonesia. https://publisher.yayasandpi.or.id/index.php/dpipress/article/view/161

Bramanto, B., et al. (2023). Geodetic evidence of land subsidence in Cirebon, Indonesia. Remote Sensing Applications: Society and Environment, 30, 100933.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rsase.2023.100933

Darmayanti, N. P. E., Wiratny, N. K., & Sihotang, E. (2024). Legal certainty on building distribution and conformity with the detailed spatial plan in green open space zones. International Journal of Social Science Research.

https://doi.org/10.46799/ijssr.v4i7.853

Fidiyani, S. H. R. (2026). Comparison of the implementation of regional spatial planning policy in coastal sustainability governance. Jurnal Hukum UNNES.

Herusantoso, B. P. (2024). The antinomy of agrarian reform regulations after the establishment of the Land Bank Authority. Jurnal Ilmu Kenotariatan, 5(1), 17.

https://doi.org/10.19184/jik.v5i1.46593

Karjoko, L., et al. (2025). Legal inconsistency on the Right to Build in Indonesia’s strategic development areas. Journal of Sustainable Development and Regulatory Issues.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.proenv.2013.02.105

Kurosaki, T., Paul, S., & Witoelar, F. (2024). Land tenancy contracts and local political business cycles in Indonesia. Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, 227, 106764.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jebo.2024.106764

Nasir, M. (2024). Promoting Regional Strategic Area of Environmental for the Protection of Essential Ecosystem Areas in East Kalimantan. Mulawarman Law Review, 9(2), 36–50.

https://doi.org/10.30872/mulrev.v9i2.1602

Oktavia, D., et al. (2024). Dynamics of land use and land cover in Belitung Island, Indonesia. Heliyon, 10(12), e33291.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e33291

Pransisto, J. (2025). Normative criticism of the implementation of spatial planning law toward legal certainty of land rights. Jurnal Hukum dan Kebijakan.

Sittadewi, E. H., et al. (2024). Post-landslide restoration through multistrata agroforestry-based land management. Trees, Forests and People, 16, 100593.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tfp.2024.100593

Supriyanto, S., Budianto, A., & Santiago, F. (2024). Implementation of building use rights in state land management by developers. Jurnal Impresi Indonesia, 3(12), 933–939.

https://doi.org/10.58344/jii.v3i12.5733

Thoyyibah, K., Sugiarto, S., Takdir, M., & Kamaludin, K. (2026). Student satisfaction in learning services: A systematic review of Scopus data-based based on the PRISMA approach (2015–2025). Journal of Educational Sciences, 10(1), 896–908. https://doi.org/10.31258/jes.10.1.p.896-908