Surabaya City Recovers Rp124 Billion in State Assets, Plans for SMEs and Green Spaces

The Surabaya City government has reaffirmed its commitment to securing and reclaiming state assets for the benefit of its citizens. In a significant move, the city, with the support of the East Java High Prosecutor's Office (Kejati Jatim), has successfully recovered a plot of land measuring over 96,932 square meters in the Jeruk sub-district of Lakarsantri. This valuable asset is estimated to be worth approximately Rp124.06 billion. The official handover of the land title certificate to the Surabaya City government marked the culmination of these efforts, taking place at the Kejati Jatim office on Tuesday (8/9). The recovered land encompasses several key public facilities, including the Tahura Jeruk (Jeruk Forest Park), a public health center (Puskesmas), and the Jeruk Reservoir. These facilities had been under the claim and occupation of third parties for many years. The successful recovery was achieved through non-litigation legal aid and intensive support provided by the State Public Prosecutors (JPN) from Kejati Jatim. This was further bolstered by collaboration with the East Java Regional Office of the National Land Agency (BPN Jatim). Mayor of Surabaya, Eri Cahyadi, expressed his appreciation to Kejati Jatim for their assistance in returning the city's assets. "Thank you to the East Java High Prosecutor's Office, so that the city government's assets can return, and God willing, we will use them for the benefit of the people of Surabaya City," he stated in a written statement on Wednesday (9/9/2026). He further explained the critical function of the Jeruk Forest Park area in West Surabaya, emphasizing its role as a vital green open space where residents can engage in activities and enjoy the environment. "As we know, this is a place for the people of Surabaya City to enjoy green open space. There is a reservoir, a place to rest, a place to play, so that the 96,932 square meters will be used for the benefit of the people of Surabaya City," he elaborated. The issue of land ownership surfaced when the Surabaya City government attempted to certify the land, only to encounter claims from individuals asserting ownership. "When we were about to certify it, suddenly there was an owner or someone who claimed that land. If we calculate the value that goes into the assets, it's Rp124 billion, this is not a small amount. An extraordinarily high value," he revealed. The support from Kejati Jatim was instrumental in resolving the dispute, leading to the issuance of the asset's certificate. The Mayor views this achievement as a significant part of the government's ongoing efforts to safeguard state assets and ensure they continue to benefit the public. "Alhamdulillah, with the assistance of the East Java High Prosecutor's Office, the asset can return to the Surabaya City Government," he added. As the Chairman of the Association of Indonesian City Governments (APEKSI), Eri Cahyadi assured that asset security remains a top priority for the Surabaya City government. He reiterated that government assets must be optimally utilized for the public's benefit, in line with the directives of President Prabowo Subianto. "So, today our concentration, the Surabaya City Government, is on utilizing and returning assets. As per the order of President Prabowo Subianto, how to utilize assets to the highest degree for the benefit of the people," he asserted. Beyond securing assets, the Surabaya City government is also planning the utilization of the land in the Jeruk area to support the community's economic activities. He mentioned that the area could later accommodate UMKM, serve as green open spaces, and function as water catchment areas. "Because God willing, the land in Jeruk will later have UMKM there. Like other assets that we will use for the interests of the people's economy, to reduce poverty and unemployment in Surabaya City," he explained. The Surabaya City government will coordinate with Kejati Jatim and Kanwil BPN Jatim to secure other assets that are still facing possession issues or disputes with third parties. "Because our duty as the Surabaya City Government is to secure state assets. State assets must be utilized by the people of Surabaya City as much as possible," he stated. He acknowledged that several Surabaya City government assets still require attention. Therefore, the city government will present data and provide a detailed explanation to Kejati Jatim to obtain their assistance in the asset security process. "So there are several, later we will also convey to Mr. Kajati, we will present to him. Hopefully, what we will include will also be the icons of Surabaya City from the past," he revealed. He expressed hope that the synergy between the Surabaya City government, Kejati Jatim, and BPN Jatim would be further strengthened, enabling all government assets currently held by third parties to be returned and utilized for the public's benefit. "Hopefully, with synergy with Mr. Kanwil BPN Jatim, with the guidance of Mr. Kajati Jatim, all assets can return to the Surabaya City Government," he concluded. Meanwhile, the Head of Kejati Jatim, Abdul Qohar, explained that the asset recovery was carried out through a non-litigation mechanism by the State Public Prosecutors (JPN) of Kejati Jatim. This approach allows for the resolution of asset issues without resorting to lengthy and potentially costly court proceedings. "Through the instrument of non-litigation legal aid, we are able to recover state wealth without having to go through a judicial process that takes a long time and may incur significant costs and consume energy. But while still prioritizing the principles of legal certainty and justice," he stated. According to him, the success of asset recovery demonstrates that the prosecutor's office plays a role not only in handling criminal cases but also in civil and state administrative matters. "This success confirms the crucial function of the prosecutor's office not only in the criminal realm but also in the civil and state administrative realms," he explained. He assessed that the certificate handed over to the Surabaya City government is not merely an administrative document. Behind the asset lie public facilities whose benefits can be directly felt by the community. "This is not just an administrative process, securing and recovering assets belonging to the Surabaya City Government, but it contains the rights of the people of Surabaya City in the form of public facilities whose benefits are directly felt," he elaborated. He also emphasized that the asset recovery should not only be viewed from the land value of Rp124 billion. More importantly, the presence of public facilities on this land holds long-term benefits for the community. "The value is far greater, namely the value of direct and indirect benefits from public facilities for the current generation and future generations," he stated. Therefore, he assured that Kejati Jatim is ready to provide assistance if the Surabaya City government discovers other assets still under dispute. Source: Detik