First Batch of Indigenous Reserved Land Loans Approved; Legislator Chen Ying Calls for Inclusion of Agricultural and Fisheries Cooperatives

According to Central News Agency, the loan program for Indigenous reserved land officially launched at the beginning of this year, with three credit guarantee cases now approved after bank review.

Currently, only three banks are participating in the lending program. Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) legislator Chen Ying has called for expanding the system to include credit departments of agricultural and fisheries cooperatives.

In a press release, Chen highlighted that Indigenous reserved land, restricted to ownership by Indigenous people, has long faced challenges in financial markets due to limited liquidity and difficulty serving as effective collateral.

Chen first proposed the concept of an 'Indigenous Development Fund' in the Legislative Yuan in 2016, but after years of stalled progress, she shifted focus in 2021 to promoting a 'Credit Guarantee System for Indigenous Reserved Land Loans.' Through repeated questioning of the Premier and relevant ministries, and after a decade of advocacy across three administrations, the program was finally realized and officially launched this year, enabling financial institutions to accept Indigenous reserved land as collateral.

Tsai Jhih-yong (Ljaucu‧Zingrur), Chairperson of the Council of Indigenous Peoples (CIP), announced that the first batch includes three approved cases—one for economic industry loans and two for housing loans—totaling approximately NT$11.79 million. As of May 18, 18 additional applications are under review by financial institutions, with a total requested loan amount of about NT$110 million. The Indigenous Reserved Land Loan program is a significant cross-ministerial achievement and a crucial step in addressing financial needs in Indigenous communities.

Chen emphasized that prior to the formal launch of the credit guarantee system, many agricultural and fisheries cooperatives in Indigenous regions had already been providing loans secured by reserved land, demonstrating deep familiarity with local economic needs. However, only three institutions—Taiwan Cooperative Bank, Land Bank of Taiwan, and the Agricultural Bank of Taiwan—are currently authorized lenders.

She argued that incorporating long-standing local cooperatives into the system would expand financial service access points, enhance proximity and convenience, and make it easier for Indigenous people to obtain necessary funds.

Chen stressed that the policy goes beyond merely solving access to credit—it represents a deeper commitment to Indigenous land justice and property rights. Returning land to Indigenous communities is a step toward historical justice, but if systemic barriers prevent the land from generating financial value, true property rights remain compromised. She urged the CIP to continuously expand the program’s applicability and service scope, ensuring reserved land becomes a usable and developmental asset for Indigenous peoples. (Edited by Yang Sheng-ru)