The Importance of Verponding in Indonesian Land History: Historical Overview and Implications

Abstract

Verponding, a land administration system that has long been an integral part of Indonesia's land history, plays a crucial role in land formation and mapping in the country. In historical context, Verponding has provided a strong foundation for land ownership regulation, infrastructure development, and community building in Indonesia. This paper presents an in-depth historical review of the role of Verponding in Indonesian land history and its implications for modern land development. Verponding, derived from the Dutch word "verponding," refers to the process of land mapping and registration carried out during the Dutch colonial period. This system not only records land ownership but also delineates land boundaries and associated rights. Over time, Verponding became the basis for land administration in Indonesia and influenced land policies implemented to this day.Through historical review, we can understand how Verponding laid the groundwork for Indonesia's land system, shaping land ownership patterns and regulating relationships between landowners and the state. The implications of Verponding are still felt in various aspects of community life, including agriculture, infrastructure development, and land conflict resolution. However, despite its significant historical value, Verponding also poses several challenges and controversies. Issues related to document validity, unregistered land ownership, and conflicts between traditional and modern systems are part of the complexity in implementing Verponding principles. In the context of modern land development, it is essential for the government and stakeholders to consider the legacy of Verponding in designing inclusive, fair, and sustainable land policies. Further research on the history, implementation, and impact of Verponding can provide valuable insights into addressing contemporary and future land challenges in Indonesia.