The Prudential Principle of Land Deed Officials in Addressing Defects of Consent in Deeds of Division of Joint Rights over Marital Joint Property

The Deed of Division of Joint Rights (Akta Pembagian Hak Bersama or APHB) is an important legal instrument in the division of land rights, including land classified as joint marital property following divorce. In practice, the preparation of an APHB may give rise to legal issues when the consent of one party, particularly the wife, is given under circumstances that are not free, such as domestic pressure, economic dependence, or abuse of marital power. This study aims to analyze the responsibility and prudential standards of Land Deed Officials (Pejabat Pembuat Akta Tanah or PPAT) in detecting defects of consent resulting from abuse of circumstances (misbruik van omstandigheden) in the preparation of an APHB, as well as to examine the legal consequences of deeds made under such conditions. This research employs a normative juridical method using statutory, conceptual, and case approaches, particularly through an examination of Supreme Court Decision Number 227 K/Pdt/2019 and South Jakarta District Court Decision Number 1079/Pdt.G/2024/PN Jakarta Selatan. The results show that PPATs are not only administratively responsible for examining document completeness, but are also obliged to substantively ensure the existence of free consent from the parties. A PPAT’s negligence in detecting domestic pressure or abuse of circumstances may render an APHB voidable, or even null and void if the transfer of joint marital property is carried out without valid consent from the entitled party. In addition, PPATs may be held administratively, civilly, or criminally liable depending on the degree of fault. Therefore, the active application of the prudential principle is essential to ensure legal certainty and protection for vulnerable parties in the division of joint marital property.

Deed · Lease · Normative · Property rights · Real property · Supreme court · Legal and Social Justice Studies · Legal Studies and Policies · Marriage and Family Dynamics