VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

President Joko Widodo handed out thousands of land certificates to farmers and communities in South Sumatra in a bid to offer legal certainty.

Some 600 thousand certificates were received by representatives of farmers and residents at the Plaza Benteng Kuto Besak, Palembang, South Sumatra Province, on Friday.

The president stated that the certificate provides legal certainty to the local community on the right of ownership.

Hence, if there is a certificate, then the right of ownership becomes safe, he added.

In addition, if the need arises, the certificates can be used as collateral in banks.

President Widodo emphasized that the certificates should be used to meet the main interests, so it should be considered first.

"Do not borrow money from the bank if you cannot return it. Hence, be careful," he stated.

The most important aspect is that the certificate ensures the right to property will be safe, so it provides convenience, he remarked.

In 2018, it targets to distribute nine million certificates, he added.

Meanwhile, South Sumatra Governor Alex Noerdin revealed that for this year, it targets to distribute 175 thousand certificates.

Next year, South Sumatra Province has set a target to distribute 250 thousand certificates, he added.(ANTARA)