JAKARTA – The “roofing” program initiated by President Prabowo Subianto is considered not only focused on improving housing quality but also has the potential to become a driving force for the village economy. Several parties, from the government, regional legislatures, and industry players, have stated that the program to replace zinc roofs with clay tiles can stimulate economic activity at the grassroots level.
President Prabowo Subianto presented the idea of roofing at the National Coordination Meeting of the Central and Regional Governments in Sentul, Bogor Regency, West Java. The President assessed that the prevalence of rusty zinc roofs in several areas not only makes homes hotter but also reduces the aesthetic appeal of the environment.
“I want Indonesia’s roofs to be made of tiles. A roofing project for all of Indonesia,” Prabowo said.
Similarly, Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa stated that the gentengization program will certainly be funded by the government through the 2026 State Budget (APBN), with relatively limited funding requirements. The estimated cost of this program is less than Rp 1 trillion and can still be supported by available fiscal space.
“The roofing project won’t cost up to Rp 1 trillion. We can draw from reserve funds,” Purbaya said.
He explained that funding for the program could potentially come from the State Treasury Budget Section (BA BUN) or reallocation from other possible budget items. However, the funding scheme is still under discussion, and the government will ensure that budget allocations remain controlled and do not burden state finances.
“Realistically, the scope is much more limited. So, the budget can be controlled,” he added.
Meanwhile, H. Chusni Mubarok, Deputy Chairman of Commission B of the East Java Provincial DPRD, assessed that the roof tile program could be a strategic tool to enhance the economic potential of rural communities, particularly roof tile artisans. The involvement of the Merah Putih Village Cooperative will also strengthen the village economic chain, eliminating the centralization of economic activity in large cities.
“Groundings aren’t just about buildings, but about truly revitalizing the economic potential of rural communities. The President wants to ensure that economic circulation flows all the way to the villages,” he said in Surabaya.
Industry players also welcomed the plan. Edy Suyanto, Chairman of the Indonesian Ceramic Industries Association (Asaki), stated that the roof tile program has given new optimism to the national roof tile subsector.
“This is certainly encouraging news. It provides new optimism for the roof tile subsector. We are ready to expand to welcome new markets,” he said.
According to him, Asaki members’ current roof tile production capacity reaches 85 million square meters per year, with a utilization rate above 90 percent. This is due to the certainty of the roof tile program.
“We are optimistic that industrial expansion will accelerate, although we still need government support, particularly regarding the guaranteed supply of industrial gas and clay raw materials,” he concluded.
The gentengization program is now seen as part of a major national environmental planning agenda that is expected to improve the quality of life of the community while simultaneously encouraging the sustainable revival of the village economy.