Jakarta – The central government has reaffirmed its strong commitment to accelerating the provision of affordable housing for low-income communities in Papua. This support was conveyed by the Minister of Housing and Settlement (PKP), Maruarar Sirait, during a meeting with Papua Governor Mathius Fakhiri in Jakarta on Tuesday (November 11, 2025).
“This 14,882-home development program is part of President Prabowo’s breakthrough National Strategic Program of 3 Million Homes. Papua is a crucial part of efforts to achieve equitable national development,” said Maruarar Sirait.
He emphasized that collaboration between the central government and the Papua Provincial Government would be key to the program’s success. He stated that building public housing is not merely an infrastructure issue, but rather a comprehensive effort to improve public welfare and reduce poverty in eastern Indonesia.
Furthermore, Maruarar Sirait explained that his ministry will ensure that the development process is accompanied by data synchronization between the central and regional governments. This step is necessary to ensure targeted aid distribution, particularly for low-income communities who have traditionally struggled to access adequate housing.
“We will align data with the Papua Provincial Government to ensure the housing program truly reaches those in need,” he stressed.
He also highlighted the importance of sustainability in post-housing areas. Maruarar Sirait emphasized that revitalized areas should not revert to slums quickly.
“The areas that have been developed must have long-term prospects. For example, they could be developed into tourist centers or creative economic zones that create new jobs,” he added.
The Ministry of PKP plans to adapt housing models and designs to suit Papua’s socioeconomic characteristics and geographic conditions. This adjustment is deemed crucial to ensure that the housing being built is not only physically feasible but also able to support the economic activities of the local community.
“Every region has its own unique characteristics. Therefore, home designs must adapt to these to encourage local economic growth,” said Maruarar Sirait.
Meanwhile, Papua Governor Mathius Fakhiri expressed his appreciation for the central government’s attention to the housing needs of the Papuan people. He hopes this collaboration will accelerate poverty alleviation and strengthen equitable development.
“We are proposing 14,882 habitable housing units to address the urgent needs of the Papuan people who lack adequate housing. The provincial government is ready to fully collaborate with the relevant ministries,” concluded Mathius Fakhiri.
With this support, the government is optimistic that the housing program in Papua will be a strategic step in strengthening the social and economic resilience of the community and accelerating development transformation in eastern Indonesia. (*)
