OVER the last two years Saifuddin SH has been helpless in dealing with people at the Surabaya National Land Agency (BPN) office. His efforts to obtain a certificate of ownership right (SHM) to his land are met with endless red tape.

Every time he inquires about the certificate he receives a casual reply. Just be patient. It is under consideration, says the lawyer quoting the response of the BPN apparatus.

Saifuddin claims to have submitted all the