Law Development Journal
Vol 8, No 2 (2026): June 2026

Mortgage Rights over Property Involving Foreign Nationals: Legal Risks and Reform in Indonesia

Alayna Lita Agzia Khalfani (Universitas Diponegoro)
Mira Novana Ardani (Universitas Diponegoro)



Article Info

Publish Date
25 Jul 2026

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the legal position of mortgage rights (Hak Tanggungan) over land or property owned or controlled by foreign nationals in the Indonesian secured transactions system, as well as to identify the legal risks faced by creditors and the corresponding mitigation measures. This research employs a normative juridical method with statutory, conceptual, and case approaches, analyzed using a prescriptive-analytical framework. The findings indicate that mortgage rights related to foreign nationals are legally valid only when imposed on the Right of Use (Hak Pakai) in accordance with Article 4 paragraph (2) of the Mortgage Law. Conversely, the imposition of mortgage rights over freehold land (Hak Milik) that is de facto controlled by foreign nationals through nominee arrangements is potentially null and void, as it violates the nationality principle in Indonesian agrarian law. Furthermore, creditors face multidimensional legal risks, including invalidity of security, unenforceability of execution, regulatory risks, and potential criminal liability. The study also reveals that effective risk mitigation requires a comprehensive approach, including rigorous legal due diligence, and appropriate structuring of collateral. Therefore, regulatory harmonization and strengthened supervisory mechanisms are necessary to enhance legal certainty and protection in mortgage practices involving foreign nationals.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

ldj

Publisher

Subject

Humanities Law, Crime, Criminology & Criminal Justice

Description

The aims of this journal is to provide a venue for academicians, researchers and practitioners for publishing the original research articles or review articles. The focus and scope of the articles published in this journal deal with a broad range of topics, including: Criminal Law; Civil Law; ...