BANTEN – The government’s commitment to providing decent housing for low-income communities (MBR) continues to be strengthened through a subsidized housing program that emphasizes building quality and environmental comfort. This commitment was reflected in Presidential Chief of Staff Muhammad Qodari’s direct inspection of the Pondok Banten Indah housing complex in Serang, Banten, as part of preparations for the mass contracting of 50,000 subsidized housing units.
This inspection is part of the initial series of steps leading up to the mass contracting ceremony, scheduled for December 18, 2025, and planned to be attended by President Prabowo Subianto. During the inspection, Qodari inspected the physical condition of the buildings, basic infrastructure, and the layout of the housing complex to ensure that the subsidized houses are truly ready for occupancy.
“This is preparation for the mass contracting ceremony for 50,000 houses, which, God willing, the President will attend. So, this is a preparatory meeting leading up to the event,” said Muhammad Qodari.
The inspection results showed that subsidized housing in the area met government standards. Qodari emphasized that the housing program is not only focused on achieving numbers, but also on the quality of safe and comfortable housing.
“Housing demand is high and continues to increase. After seeing it firsthand, the housing is well-organized and the building quality is good,” Muhammad Qodari emphasized.
During the visit, Qodari also spoke with residents to hear their firsthand experiences. One of them was Iman Mutaqin, an expedition driver who has moved into a subsidized house under an affordable mortgage scheme. He believes the location of the residence, which is close to his workplace, provides easy daily mobility.
“The monthly installments are still affordable, and the distance to work is close, making daily activities more efficient,” said Iman Mutaqin.
Residents’ assessments are an important indicator of the program’s success. The government hopes that the quality of housing in Banten can become a national benchmark.
“Resident testimonials demonstrate that the program’s objectives have been achieved, and this is expected to serve as an example in other regions,” added Muhammad Qodari.
Qodari also emphasized the importance of cross-sector collaboration in ensuring the success of the subsidized housing program, from technical ministries to developers.
“This is the hard work of a large housing ecosystem, with the Ministry of PKP as the coordinator, along with all stakeholders,” concluded Muhammad Qodari.
Developers also expressed support for the program. Roni, Chairman of the Banten Regional Executive Board of the Indonesian Association of Real Estate Associations (REI), expressed their readiness to support the national public housing program.
“Full support is given to the three million homes program, and developers are ready to be part of its success,” said Roni.
He added that various pro-people policies, such as exemptions from BPHTB (Loans for Building and Real Estate Taxes) and PBG (Loans for Building and Real Estate Taxes), fixed subsidized mortgage interest rates, and down payment assistance, have encouraged the absorption of subsidized housing in the region.
“This year’s subsidized housing quota reaches 350,000 units and is an extraordinary policy under President Prabowo,” Roni emphasized.
Going forward, the subsidized housing program is expected to continue to drive improvements in the welfare of low-income families (MBR) while encouraging developers to maintain housing quality sustainably. (*)