By: Diki Rahman
The government, through collaborative efforts across agencies, has launched a subsidized housing program specifically for journalists. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to improve the welfare of media professionals while strengthening the foundation of democracy in Indonesia. It demonstrates that the state is present not only in discourse but also in inclusive, targeted action.
The program is implemented through the Housing Financing Liquidity Facility (FLPP) scheme, designed with pro-people requirements. FLPP offers a fixed 5% interest rate, only 1% down payment, and a repayment tenor of up to 20 years. In addition, it provides technical support such as exemption from the Land and Building Rights Acquisition Fee (BPHTB), Building Approval (PBG), and other administrative conveniences.
This program applies not only to journalists in big cities but also to those in remote regions, ensuring geographic inclusivity. Two phases of distribution have already taken place. The first phase began on May 6, 2025, with the symbolic handover of 100 subsidized housing units for journalists in several cities, including Cibitung, Medan, Palembang, Makassar, Manado, and Yogyakarta.
Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs (Menkomdigi) Meutya Viada Hafid stated that although the initial target was 1,000 units, overwhelming demand led to an increase in quota to 3,000 units. This directly addresses the needs of more than 70,000 journalists who do not yet own adequate housing. While journalists are given special attention, the scheme also aligns with the national subsidized housing program’s target of providing 3 million units for low-income communities.
Minister of Housing and Settlement Areas (PKP), Maruarar Sirait, during the symbolic handover, emphasized that journalists should also have access to quality subsidized homes built by responsible developers. He praised Menkomdigi’s commitment to ensuring decent housing for journalists.
The program is carried out under inclusive mechanisms. Head of Statistics Indonesia (BPS), Amalia Adininggar Widyasanti, explained adjustments to eligibility criteria, particularly income thresholds, to ensure more journalists—especially in the Greater Jakarta area—can benefit. Initially, the maximum income limit was set at Rp7–8 million. However, after considering on-the-ground realities and the urgent role of journalists as democracy’s pillar, the threshold was revised: married journalists with incomes up to Rp13 million and single journalists with incomes between Rp11–12 million are now eligible.
In the digital era, journalists’ role as providers of credible information is vital. Yet, economic realities hinder them, with around 70% of Indonesia’s 100,000 journalists lacking proper housing. By offering subsidized housing, the government not only provides physical access to decent homes but also strengthens journalists’ sense of security, enabling them to remain critical and professional without economic pressures.
Beyond subsidies, this is an affirmation of democratic values. When the government ensures access to affordable, livable housing, journalists are freed from daily economic uncertainty. They can focus more fully on their mission to seek and deliver the truth—the very foundation of a healthy democracy.
With proper housing as a stable foundation for life, journalists can produce higher-quality work without being burdened by financial worries. State presence in supporting media welfare reinforces its commitment to democracy and press freedom. With government-backed welfare and protection, journalists can work with peace of mind, upholding their role as a critical, independent, and trustworthy pillar of democracy.
Nevertheless, concerns have been raised. The Alliance of Independent Journalists (AJI), the Indonesian Television Journalists Association (IJTI), and the Indonesian Photojournalists Association (PFI) have questioned whether special housing schemes for journalists might compromise press independence. The government responded by stressing transparency, the involvement of independent bodies such as the Press Council and the Indonesian Journalists Association (PWI), and a broader long-term target involving the general public, ensuring the program remains inclusive rather than exclusive.
This initiative reflects a pragmatic and responsive governance style, balancing humanistic policy with strategic priorities. Recognizing journalists as a profession critical to democracy, the government provides special attention without undermining their independence. The subsidized housing program for journalists is a strategic, inclusive step—strengthening press welfare, supporting a healthy democracy, and embodying a government that delivers not just promises but tangible results.
Through inter-agency synergy, an increased quota of 3,000 units, and transparent, affordable mechanisms, the government underscores its commitment to inclusive development. This success not only expands equal access to housing but also provides a strong foundation for accelerating equitable growth across society. More than just numbers, this synergy represents a sustainable framework to ensure that every citizen, without exception, benefits from inclusive development.
)The author is a Public Policy Analyst