By Wiratama Andrayudha )*
Meeting the need for adequate housing for low-income communities (MBR) continues to be a strategic priority for the government. Amidst the increasing national housing demand, the subsidized housing program exists not only as an effort to provide shelter, but also as a concrete step to strengthen access to quality housing for residents. The government wants to ensure that every house built truly provides tangible benefits and improves the quality of life of its recipients.
Presidential Chief of Staff, Muhammad Qodari, believes that providing housing for low-income families can no longer focus solely on quantity. He emphasized the importance of ensuring building quality, a well-maintained environment, and comfort for residents as part of the new standards for national housing development. During various field visits, he found that many subsidized housing projects have been well-managed and are able to provide a decent living experience for their recipients. His assessment indicates that the transformation of housing provision is indeed moving in a positive direction.
Qodari also emphasized that the quality of subsidized housing should serve as a benchmark for development throughout Indonesia. He believes that public trust in government programs will increase if each housing project demonstrates professional management and provides real comfort for residents. He emphasized that the subsidized housing program is not just about building housing units, but also about creating an environment where better, healthier, and more empowered communities can thrive.
Furthermore, Qodari assessed that the success of the housing program does not depend on a single institution, but rather the result of the synergy of all parties involved. He stated that the development of low-income housing is a collaborative effort that requires close coordination between technical ministries, local governments, developers, and banks as providers of financing. He noted that the housing ecosystem is large and complex, requiring strong leadership and solid cross-sector collaboration. Therefore, he expressed his appreciation for the hard work of all parties.
Support for the national housing program also comes from the property industry. Joko Suranto, Chairman of the Indonesian Real Estate Association (REI), stated that the property industry is a vital driving force for the national economy. With links to more than 185 related industries, housing development activities have a broad economic impact, directly supporting regional and national economic growth. He views the government’s significant focus under President Prabowo Subianto through the three million homes program as concrete evidence of the state’s commitment to meeting the people’s housing needs and serving as a stimulus for the industry to move more dynamically.
Furthermore, the financing sector plays a central role in ensuring the three million housing program runs on target. PT Bank Tabungan Negara (Persero) Tbk., a bank with a strong mandate in housing finance, expressed its commitment to fully support this priority program. BTN’s Director of Consumer Banking, Hirwandi Gafar, stated that the bank has prepared a range of financing support programs on both the supply and demand sides. BTN is a major contributor in providing financing to the public, particularly through the Home Ownership Loan (KPR), Apartment Ownership Loan (KPA), Subsidized KPR, and Home Construction Loan (KPR).
BTN focuses not only on providing financing for new homes but also on addressing long-term challenges in the housing sector by channeling capital support for the renovation of uninhabitable houses (RTLH). This effort aligns with the government’s directive that the three million housing program encompasses both new construction and improvements to the quality of housing for the underprivileged. Support for RTLH renovations is crucial because many residents still physically own homes that do not meet housing standards. BTN views improving housing quality as part of the overall solution to meeting national housing needs.
Overall, the subsidized housing program has evolved into a strategic instrument for national development. The availability of affordable, livable housing not only addresses basic needs but also serves as a foundation for improving the quality of human resources. Comfortable housing and a healthy environment enable people to live more productive lives, achieve social stability, and have better access to education and economic opportunities.
Going forward, the success of this program depends heavily on consistent quality control, increased developer capacity, and a strengthened financing ecosystem. With solid synergy between the central government, local governments, the property industry, and financial institutions,With the support of the community as beneficiaries, housing development for low-income families (MBR) will continue to move forward. The subsidized housing program is not simply the provision of housing units, but a concrete step towards building a more inclusive, equitable, and accessible future for national housing for all levels of society.
With the commitment of all stakeholders, the national housing program is expected to be a driving force for equitable development and a symbol of the state’s presence in meeting the basic needs of its citizens. The subsidized housing program and the target of three million homes are proof that the state is present not just with plans, but with concrete actions that have a direct impact on public welfare.
)* The author is a public policy observer
