Surabaya buildings remain in use despite court seizure order

Surabaya Deputy Mayor Armuji conducted a sudden inspection of disputed buildings located at Jalan Rajawali Numbers 17, 19, and 21. Despite the Surabaya District Court having issued a seizure order for the properties due to an ongoing land encroachment case, business activities continue to operate within the premises.

The dispute involves two primary parties. Rifky, who claims ownership, presented a Certificate of Ownership (SHM) stating he purchased the buildings from PT Java Motor via a sale and purchase agreement. Conversely, Sri Purwani, who has occupied the site since the 1970s, claimed her family resided there under orders from PT Java Motor but was unable to provide written documentation to support this claim.

The legal conflict escalated in March 2025 when Rifky reported alleged damage and land encroachment to the police, leading to Sri Purwani being named a suspect. Rifky has questioned the effectiveness of the court-ordered seizure, asking, “What is the purpose of the seizure if the suspect still occupies and even uses the place for business?”