What the council decided
HPL, or Hak Pengelolaan, is a management right over land held by a state body. Private users can occupy such land only on that body's terms. In Gilimanuk, on Bali's western tip, residents have lived on HPL land for decades.
On 1 October 2026, Jembrana's DPRD regional council approved in plenary a recommendation to release 884,925 square metres, or 88.49 hectares, from HPL status. The recommendation now goes to the regent.
Council chair Ni Made Sri Sutharmi confirmed the approval and said the recommendation was sent to the regent through the plenary.
The scale
The entire Gilimanuk HPL area covers 144.97 hectares. The release affects 2,358 plots occupied by about 2,849 households. Some families have lived there for two or three generations.
Around 56 hectares will remain under HPL, covering roads, temples, schools, health facilities, the port and government buildings. A special committee worked on the issue for more than a year, with its mandate extended twice.
The committee concluded that residents have long occupied the land in practice.
What still has to happen
This is a partial release of HPL land, not a transfer of management rights. Before SHM freehold certificates can be issued, the plots must be inventoried, verified and appraised.
A legal opinion from the Bali High Prosecutor's Office is also required. The report gives no timeline for issuing certificates.
Until then the land legally remains under HPL status.