PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - The West Java Provincial Government discussed investment certainty and rice field management on April 30, 2026 in Bandung City with the West Java Indonesian Employers Association and local governments to maintain the business climate and protect food crops.

West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi led a coordination meeting regarding the change in status of 87 percent of Raw Paddy Fields to Sustainable Food Agricultural Land which has a direct impact on the business world.

This policy has the potential to change the designation of industrial land to agricultural land, thereby affecting the licensing process and legal certainty for business actors.

The Chairman of the West Java Indonesian Employers Association, Ning Wahyu, said that the business world supports spatial planning but requires certainty regarding policy implementation.

"We appreciate the Governor of West Java's efforts to resolve the issue of land use changes and their impact on businesses through this coordination meeting," Ning said.

Sudden changes in land status are considered to hamper investment because permits cannot be continued.

"The sudden change in land use from industrial to agricultural use in a number of areas has created legal and investment uncertainty, particularly for companies that have already acquired land or are in the process of finalizing land acquisitions, as the change in land status prevents further permit processing," Ning said.

The central government, through the Directorate General of Spatial Planning of the Ministry of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning/National Land Agency, encourages the involvement of business actors in the preparation of regional spatial planning.

The Governor of West Java emphasized that harmonizing land data between provinces and districts/cities is a key step in producing appropriate policies.

The verification process for Raw Paddy Fields is targeted for completion within two weeks as the basis for revising the West Java Regional Spatial Plan.

"With Apindo's involvement, I hope entrepreneurs understand that the matter is currently being resolved, so they don't become overly anxious," said Dedi.

This policy provides direct benefits to the community by maintaining a balance between protecting food land and creating jobs.

"We also ask for responsive support from the Regents and Mayors to ensure this issue doesn't drag on, thereby maintaining a conducive business environment and encouraging job creation," Ning said.

(Rep no/bhf)