"We must have an integrated policy to encourage such housing development. Those who aim for capital gains might think it is more profitable to invest in property than deposits. But we must not build so many houses that the excess supply becomes a target of investment," he noted at the opening of the 14th congress of Indonesian Real Estate here on Monday.
The country needs 15 million additional houses in 2013 and supply is far short of demand, he added.
The lack of houses must be translated into operational projects that fulfil demand for housing, he noted.
"If supply lags demand we, in the government, must question what the priority of national housing development policy is," he said.
The central government, regional governments, businessmen and the community must work hand in hand to resolve the problem, he added.
"Those who have adequate income should no longer be the priority for housing. Let us focus our attention on those who cannot afford to buy houses. This is a logical and ethical choice, in line with our spirit as a nation with strong unity," he said.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2013
