International Journal of Law and Society
Vol 5 No 1 (2026): International Journal of Law and Society (IJLS)

Digital Land Certification in Indonesia: A Trilemma of Law, Tech, and Society

Roesli, Mohammad (Unknown)
Pratiwi, Yeni Ika (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
20 May 2026

Abstract

This study examines the prospects and challenges of digitizing land certificates in Indonesia, with a focus on legal certainty within the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) framework. Through a socio-legal comparative case study of three distinct regions: Jakarta (high-capacity urban), Yogyakarta (hybrid socio-cultural), and East Nusa Tenggara (low-resource rural), data were collected via semi-structured interviews (n=45). Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) (n=12 sessions), field observations, and normative legal analysis. The findings reveal a clear cross-regional pattern: Jakarta demonstrates strong gains in transparency and efficiency through blockchain pilots; Yogyakarta shows mixed outcomes shaped by digital literacy and gender dynamics; while East Nusa Tenggara experiences net exclusion due to infrastructure deficits. Digitization potential is critically hampered by three interlocking barriers: (1) legal inconsistencies (vertical conflicts within agrarian law hierarchies and horizontal misalignment between UUPA and digital transaction laws); (2) technological disparities (stark digital divide excluding rural communities); and (3) socio-economic exclusion (low digital literacy and gender-based barriers). The study reconceptualizes legal certainty as a multiplex construct, simultaneously technical, legal, and social, and offers an integrated governance-centric framework comprising legal harmonization, tiered technological rollout, and participatory design. It contributes to SDG 16 (peace, justice, and strong institutions) and SDG 9 (innovation and infrastructure).

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

IJLS

Publisher

Subject

Humanities Education Law, Crime, Criminology & Criminal Justice Social Sciences

Description

International Journal of Law and Society (IJLS) focuses on law and social studies theory and practice. It publishes articles by Indonesian and foreign authors dealing with current national and international law, legal philosophy, legal history and other law-related social science disciplines. It ...