Evaluating land policies for suitable toll road development in Yogyakarta

This study aims to identify key factors influencing land policies for the Yogyakarta toll road and assess whether land acquisition supports green infrastructure development. Using qualitative methods, it combines primary data from questionnaires and in-depth interviews with 33 sub-district (Panewu) and village (Lurah) leaders, alongside secondary data from regulations and literature. Panewu is the leader of a sub-district area, while Lurah is the leader of a village area. The Analytic Hierarchy Process is applied to evaluate land policy based on appropriateness, responsiveness, equity, adequacy, efficiency, and effectiveness. The findings reveal that policy alignment is crucial for land acquisition. The process prioritizes community welfare through fair compensation, economic growth, and transparency, aligning with the Sultanate’s leasing strategy. The national land policy is perceived as fairer, earning greater public trust. The study identifies that toll road construction impacts 35.48 hectares of agricultural land, mitigated through elevated designs and land substitution, supporting green infrastructure goals. The study concludes that integrating community welfare, transparency, and environmental safeguards into land policies ensures sustainable development. Practical implications include enhancing stakeholder engagement, equitable compensation, and reinvesting lease revenues into infrastructure. These measures align land acquisition practices with broader sustainability objectives, providing a model for similar regions.