By: Sylvia Mote *)
The central government’s commitment to expanding access to decent housing in Papua demonstrates its commitment to developing eastern Indonesia. Through the 3 Million Homes National Strategic Program launched by President Prabowo Subianto, Papua is prioritized to ensure that low-income communities directly benefit from development. This program not only addresses the basic need for housing but also serves as a crucial tool for reducing poverty, strengthening local economic activity, and providing healthier and more productive living spaces for the community.
Minister of Housing and Settlements (PKP), Maruarar Sirait, stated that the central government fully supports the proposed development of 14,882 affordable housing units in Papua. He emphasized that cooperation with the Papua Provincial Government will be strengthened to ensure smooth development acceleration. He also emphasized that this program represents a strategic breakthrough by President Prabowo, positioning Papua as an integral part of equitable national development. This view emphasizes that providing public housing has become a key priority on the government’s agenda, particularly in regions that have historically faced challenges in infrastructure and access to basic services.
The approach to housing development in Papua is not uniform, but rather involves adapting house designs and models to suit the socio-economic characteristics of each region. Maruarar stated that synchronizing central and regional data is key to ensuring that housing allocation is truly targeted. He believes that livable housing not only fulfills its physical function but also serves as a foundation for improving welfare, anchored in the community’s quality of life. This priority also emphasizes that Papua’s development no longer relies solely on large-scale projects, but rather on basic needs that directly impact the community.
One area demonstrating its readiness to welcome this program is Biak Numfor Regency. The regency government has proposed 3,400 affordable housing units, and this number is expected to increase once data verification for low-income residents is complete. The Head of the Biak Numfor PKP Office, Frits G. Senandi, explained that the verification process is ongoing, as data from several villages is arriving in stages. He assured that data updates will continue to be strengthened so that the central government can obtain an accurate picture of the housing needs in Biak Numfor. This situation reflects the local government’s serious response to the national program and its desire to ensure that no eligible residents are overlooked.
This program extends beyond coastal areas to remote areas such as Asmat Regency, designated as a pilot project for South Papua Province. The target of building 1,000 housing units out of the province’s total quota of 8,000 units marks an important first step toward bringing about real change in a region known for its infrastructure challenges. Johanes Kutanggas, President Director of PT Papua Bornesia Nusantara, a native Papuan, explained that the subsidized housing development in Asmat was carried out with local conditions in mind. He described how the use of local wood was the right choice because it suited the natural and cultural characteristics of the Asmat people. The concept of “building by and for the Papuan people” reflects an inclusive development approach and allows significant room for local wisdom.
Johanes believes that the 3 million housing program in Asmat carries strong humanitarian significance because it provides hope for people in need of decent housing, including fishermen, motorcycle taxi drivers, and those without a fixed income. This program not only fulfills basic community rights but also opens up new economic opportunities through the involvement of local contractors, local workers, and the use of local building materials. Thus, housing development in Asmat goes beyond providing units but also becomes a driver of the community’s economy.
Community leaders also expressed appreciation for the program’s implementation. Asmat tribal chief Felix Owom expressed his gratitude for the government’s presence and genuine concern. This statement reinforces the belief that the 3 million homes program has restored public optimism for inclusive and equitable development.
The government is also beginning to address post-development sustainability. Revitalized slum areas must be developed into productive spaces, such as tourist areas or creative economy centers. The government does not want redeveloped areas to become slums after a few years, so long-term management will be encouraged through collaboration with local governments, local communities, and businesses. This approach demonstrates that public housing development goes beyond providing physical buildings, but also encompasses sustainable spatial planning that supports economic activity and enables communities to reap long-term benefits.
These efforts demonstrate that the 3 Million Homes Program is a strategic tool for accelerating equitable development in Papua. With central government support, regional government preparedness, and local community involvement, Papua has a crucial position in the broader national development vision. The provision of affordable housing not only addresses housing issues but also symbolizes the state’s commitment to the people. This program reinforces the message that under President Prabowo Subianto’s administration, Papua’s development is no longer symbolic but is concrete, purposeful, and directly felt by the community.
*) Social Policy Observer in Papua
