By: Anggina Putri Anindya )*
The “Gentengisasi” (Gentengization) program, initiated by President Prabowo Subianto, affirms the government’s commitment to delivering real, down-to-earth development that directly impacts the rural economy. More than just a program for environmental improvement and residential aesthetics, gentengisasi is positioned as a strategic instrument to stimulate community production, strengthen village cooperatives, and promote economic equality from the grassroots. Within the broader framework of national development, this policy reflects the government’s commitment to villages as the primary foundation of Indonesia’s economic strength.
President Prabowo Subianto has consistently emphasized that Indonesia’s image must reflect the nation’s progress and dignity. Well-organized, comfortable, and beautiful public housing is seen as a symbol of the state’s presence in people’s daily lives. Through the roofing movement, the government is encouraging the transformation of public housing to make it healthier and more suitable, while simultaneously breaking the dependence on zinc roofing materials, which have historically been less conducive to comfort and environmental quality. Indonesia’s target of being zinc roof-free within the next few years demonstrates the seriousness of this policy direction.
What distinguishes the roof tile program from previous housing development policies is its strong focus on stimulating the village economy. President Prabowo has positioned the Merah Putih Village and Sub-district Cooperatives as the spearhead of national roof tile production. The cooperatives serve not only as distribution institutions but also as production centers equipped with local-scale roof tile factories. By utilizing locally available clay raw materials, villages are encouraged to become active producers in the national supply chain.
This approach conveys a strong ideological message that development need not always rely on large-scale urban industries. Villages possess the potential of natural resources and labor that can be transformed into independent economic forces. Through roof tile production, the government is creating a space for simple, affordable, yet impactful community-based industrialization. Each tile produced in the village is not just a building material, but a symbol of a vibrant local economy.
From a governance perspective, gentengization is designed as a collaborative effort. The central government does not monopolize the role, but rather invites local governments, communities, and the private sector to actively participate. This spirit of togetherness reinforces the narrative that the gentengization program is not an elitist project, but rather a national agenda that grows from collective participation. With the involvement of many parties, the program’s reach and sustainability are believed to be strengthened.
Fiscal support for this program also demonstrates both prudence and optimism from the government. The Ministry of Finance stated that the budget requirements for gentengization are relatively manageable because the targets are clear and measurable. The government ensures that every rupiah allocated has a direct impact on the community. With the available fiscal space, gentengization is positioned as an efficient and productive social investment, not a budgetary burden.
From a national industry perspective, the roof tile policy is a significant catalyst for growth. The Ministry of Industry assesses that this program opens up significant expansion opportunities for the domestic roof tile industry. The high level of industry readiness demonstrates the sector’s ability to respond quickly to government policy directions. Furthermore, roof tile policy is seen as a catalyst for the revival of local resource-based industries, which have long been the backbone of the people’s economy.
The Indonesian Ceramic Industries Association (AICI) sees roof tile restructuring as a new source of optimism for the national roof tile industry. With its large production capacity and extensive industrial network, this program is believed to be able to stimulate new job creation, both in the manufacturing sector and at the village level. The synergy between large industries and village cooperatives creates a mutually reinforcing and sustainable economic ecosystem.
Regional government support further confirms that gentengization is accepted as a shared, cross-regional agenda. The Jakarta Provincial Government fully supports the President’s directive, demonstrating that the spirit of environmental management through gentengization is relevant for both villages and large cities. This demonstrates the program’s high adaptability and ability to meet the needs of diverse regions across Indonesia.
The Gentengisasi program reflects a more down-to-earth development paradigm. The state is present not merely as a provider of subsidies, but as a driver of the people’s economic ecosystem. By involving cooperatives, national industries, local governments, and communities, Gentengisasi has the potential to be an example of how simple policies can produce multi-faceted impacts: more comfortable homes, more productive villages, growing industries, and a more beautiful image of Indonesia. If implemented consistently and collaboratively, Gentengisasi goes beyond simply replacing roofs; it also builds the dignity of people’s homes and strengthens the foundations of the village economy.
)* Infrastructure and Public Housing Policy Analyst