Ministry of Land Management Empowers Commune Chiefs to Certify Documents for Unregistered Land

• Sommana Yan
• 14 August 2025
• Local News
• 1728 Views

In a significant move aimed at streamlining land management processes, the Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning, and Construction, in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior, has bestowed authority upon commune and sangkat chiefs to certify essential documents related to unregistered land. This decision, encapsulated in Inter-Ministerial Prakas No. 046 Prak/DnS/Mph, emphasizes the importance of verifying both the identity of the immovable property involved and the parties engaged in the contract.

This new directive is a part of ongoing efforts to enhance land governance and ease administrative burdens in the country. It enables local leaders to play a pivotal role in the certification process, ensuring that transactions concerning unregistered land are performed with due diligence and responsibility.

Furthermore, the Inter-Ministerial Prakas extends certification powers to cadastral officers from the Department of Land Management, Urban Planning, Construction, and Cadastre at both the capital and provincial levels. These officers will be authorized to certify documents for registered land, including deeds of sale, gift deeds, mortgage contracts, and more.

In addition, cadastral officers are also empowered to certify contracts that establish rights such as permanent lease, easement, or usufruct, provided both parties consent. This initiative is expected to foster greater transparency and efficiency in land dealings, benefiting both landowners and prospective buyers.

This move reflects the government’s commitment to improving land management systems and ensuring better access to land resources for all citizens. As local chiefs gain these powers, it is anticipated that the overall process of land registration and transfer will become more accessible and user-friendly.

 

• land development and policy