The development of inclusive housing necessitates good cooperation among the central government, regional governments, and the private sector, in general
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Minister of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) Basuki Hadimuljono accentuated the importance of inclusive housing based on the principle of justice for all societal elements.

"It is essential to develop the concept of inclusive housing that emphasizes the principle of justice, so that all elements of society can avail safe, decent, and affordable housing, including those from the low-income bracket," Hadimuljono remarked during an online Indonesia Housing Forum seminar here, Thursday.

The minister noted that the provision of safe, decent, and affordable housing for the well-being of citizens is part of the government's agenda that aligns with the 11th goal of SDGs to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.

He assessed that currently, housing development conditions in the country were not yet ideal. People from the higher income bracket live in the city center, with accessible transportation services to facilitate their activities. On the other hand, several low-income people still reside in suburbs where transportation costs are steeper.

“The development of inclusive housing necessitates good cooperation among the central government, regional governments, and the private sector, in general,” he noted.

Hadimuljono remarked that the provision of inclusive housing in Indonesia still encountered myriad grave challenges, including the low percentage of mortgages to GDP as compared to other countries, where it is only around 2.9 percent.

In addition, the issue of several uninhabitable houses and housing backlog still persists. In the 2020-2024 National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN), the government has targeted to increase the number of families living in decent houses, from 56 percent to 70 percent, or equivalent to 11 million families.

“We all believe that urbanization will not only be viewed as a burden but also as an opportunity to improve the people's welfare if it can be planned properly, managed with clear regulations, and provided adequate budget,” Minister Hadimuljono emphasized.

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Translator: Aji Cakti, Raka Adji
Editor: Sri Haryati
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