POSMETRONEWS.COM – Attorney Dr. Endang Hadrian, S.H., M.H. is representing his client, Lilianny Suryanto, in an ongoing land dispute. In order to clarify the circumstances of the case, he publicly outlined the relevant facts and chronology underlying his client's legal position.

It should be noted that the dispute involving Emilton Suryanto and Oktavianus Leo has not yet been fully resolved, despite a previous court determination declaring the earlier execution proceedings non-executable. The disputed property is located in the Bukit Sylvia tourism area in Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), one of the region's most popular tourist destinations visited by both domestic and international travelers.

According to Endang Hadrian, the approximately 10-hectare parcel of land was not unlawfully claimed by Emilton Suryanto. Rather, it was lawfully acquired through a sale and purchase transaction conducted in accordance with the applicable laws and regulations. Accordingly, there is no legal basis to conclude that Emilton Suryanto unlawfully occupied or possessed the land.

These facts were presented publicly by Dr. Endang Hadrian, S.H., M.H., acting as legal counsel for Lilianny Suryanto, in an official statement delivered to members of the media in Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara, on 13 October 2025.

Endang Hadrian further explained that Lois Leo had never received a formal transfer of customary (adat) land rights from the competent Customary Authorities (Fungsionaris Adat), namely Ishaka and Haku Mustafa. Consequently, Oktavianus Leo, as the heir of Lois Leo, does not possess documentary evidence establishing a lawful transfer of customary land rights in Labuan Bajo. Under the customary land system applicable in the region, ownership of customary land must be acquired through a valid transfer from the competent customary authorities, rather than merely through prolonged physical occupation.

The Defense also rejected the opposing party's argument that ownership had been acquired through the doctrine of acquisitive prescription (acquisitieve verjaring) or adverse possession. According to Endang Hadrian, the doctrine is inapplicable in this case because customary land rights in Labuan Bajo cannot be established solely through long-term possession but must arise from a lawful transfer under the applicable customary legal framework.

Sources: POSMETRONEWS.COM  and POSBERITAKOTA.COM