By: Gavin Asadit )*
The government continues to strengthen its village-based development agenda through an approach that focuses not only on social assistance but also on creating productive economic activities. One breakthrough, launched in early 2026, is the “roof tile” program, a national initiative to replace zinc roofs with tiled roofs as part of environmental improvement and strengthening the domestic building materials industry. This program is projected to become a connecting link between the community’s need for adequate housing and the empowerment of small businesses and village cooperatives.
The idea was introduced directly by President Prabowo Subianto at the National Coordination Meeting of the Central and Regional Governments in Sentul, Bogor. In his remarks, the President emphasized that development is not only about large infrastructure, but also touches on the details of people’s daily lives, including the quality of their roofs. He stated that the government wants to encourage the widespread use of roof tiles to make residential areas look neater, cooler, and healthier, while also boosting production activities in the regions. The President emphasized that the roof tile movement is expected to become a national project involving community cooperation.
The replacement of zinc with tile roofs has both technical and social justifications, as zinc roofs tend to absorb excess heat, create noise during rain, and rust more easily. Meanwhile, clay tiles have proven to be more suitable for tropical climates, as they can reduce heat and maintain a more stable room temperature. By improving housing quality, the government believes the burden on public health will be reduced and the comfort of village families will improve. Aesthetics will also be enhanced, as residential areas appear more organized.
Furthermore, the government views roof tile production as a village-based industrialization strategy. Roof tile production is not a process that relies entirely on large machinery, but rather is labor-intensive and can be managed on a small scale. From clay processing, molding, drying, and firing, all stages can be handled by local labor. This is where the program is positioned as a new economic driver: villages become not only consumers of building materials, but also producers.
To this end, the government is promoting the role of village cooperatives and MSMEs as key actors. By strengthening cooperative institutions, communities are given the opportunity to collectively manage roof tile production units. This scheme is considered capable of generating local revenue, expanding employment opportunities, and strengthening village independence. The government is providing technical assistance, production training, and access to financing to ensure cooperatives meet quality standards.
Funding for this program does not rely solely on the national or regional budgets. He believes the spirit of collaboration is being fostered, allowing the government to open up private and public participation in funding and providing production facilities. This collaborative approach will make the program more sustainable and avoid undue burdens on the state’s fiscal resources.
Support from technical ministries is also pouring in. The Ministry of Industry sees roof tile production as an opportunity to expand the national building materials industry. The large demand for roof tiles will encourage the utilization of existing factories and open up space for the growth of new production centers in the regions. This momentum is crucial for strengthening the domestic supply chain to reduce over-reliance on imported products, while also accelerating the distribution of industry to rural areas.
Several local governments have also welcomed the directive. Provincial and district/city governments have begun mapping areas with a predominance of zinc roofs and preparing pilot programs. Through this initial project, the government aims to ensure the effective production, distribution, and installation of roof tiles before expanding nationwide. This gradual approach is considered crucial to maintain quality and ensure tangible benefits for the community.
The government continues to prioritize quality standards and environmental sustainability. Produced roof tiles must meet specifications for strength, durability, and material safety. Training for craftsmen and product certification are being provided to ensure village products are competitive in the broader market. This ensures that roof tiles are not only used for local needs but also have the potential to be marketed to other regions as a superior village commodity.
Overall, the government views roofing as a policy that combines three objectives: improving the quality of people’s housing, strengthening domestic industry, and stimulating the village economy. This program goes beyond simply replacing roofs; it also builds a production ecosystem that provides direct added value to the community. With synergy between the central government, regional governments, cooperatives, and businesses, roofing is expected to become a concrete example of development based on local strengths.
Through this approach, the government is optimistic that villages can transform from objects of development into key drivers of the economy. When roof tiles are produced in the village, installed on residents’ homes, and the proceeds are returned to the local community, that’s where the industrial and economic chains of the village are truly connected.
)* The author is an observer of social and community issues