Strengthening Legal Certainty for Waqf Land in Indonesia Through Certification: A Study at the Magetan District Land Office

Abstract

Waqf land plays an important role in the social and religious life of Indonesian society, particularly in relation to worship, education, social activities, and general welfare. In order to maximize the use of waqf land and protect it from potential legal disputes, it is essential to register and issue waqf certificates. These certificates serve as legal evidence in the country's land system. The purpose of this study is to analyze the function of waqf land certificates in providing legal certainty and to examine the development of waqf land registration in Magetan Regency. The approach used in this study is normative-empirical. This method combines a legal review of waqf regulations and data collection from waqf registration documents, interviews with staff from the Land Office, and direct observation in the field. The results of the study show that waqf land certificates serve as strong evidence of rights, provide legal protection for nazirs, and guarantee legal certainty for waqf beneficiaries. Empirical data also shows an upward trend in the registration and issuance of waqf land certificates in Magetan Regency in recent years. This increase is due to the accelerated waqf land registration program, socialization carried out by the Land Office, the active role of the Office of Religious Affairs, and increased public awareness of the importance of waqf land legality. The results of the study indicate that the more waqf land is registered, the stronger the legal protection and certainty in the management and utilization of the waqf. This study also suggests that there should be increased coordination between agencies and education for the community to expand the coverage of waqf land certification, in order to create safe, orderly, and sustainable waqf management.