Ara Introduces 'One House, One Tree' Rule; Developers Say Residents End Up Opening Kiosks
JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The plan by Housing and Settlement Ministry (PKP) Minister Maruarar Sirait, known as Ara, to implement the ‘One House, One Tree’ concept has won support from housing developers. However, field observations show some residents of subsidised houses have turned the fronts of their homes into kiosks or shops.
Jaya Andriliwan Mohammad, alias Andre Bangsawan, the Chairman of the Central Board of the National Alliance of Housing Developers (Ketum DPP Appernas), said the tree-planting program in every house is positive for reducing heat in residential areas.
‘For us it’s good. First, the heat is incredibly high. So, with trees in front,’ he told Kompas.com after meeting Ara with three other developer associations at the PKP Ministry office in Jakarta, Monday (19 May 2026).
He said the concept is still in the socialisation stage for developers. He added that the issue was also discussed in a meeting with Ara. According to him, developers expressed various inputs regarding the implementation of the program. ‘We talked about it. And the Minister was extraordinary, giving us each opinions, even though there were differences,’ he said.
Nevertheless, Andre assured developers will carry out the ‘One House, One Tree’ program in line with government directives. ‘The solution is we will implement it. One house, one tree. Whether planted in front or at the back,’ he added.
This idea emerged when Ara attended the Million Tree planting event organized by Real Estate Indonesia (REI) in Kota Baru Bandar Negara (KBN), Lampung, on Friday (8 May 2026).
Ara is also preparing a new policy obliging every house to have a tree in its front area. The rule is being prepared as part of efforts to promote greening through the housing sector. The plan is part of government support for the tree-planting movement initiated by property developers.
According to the Gerindra politician, the policy is needed so housing development can proceed while maintaining environmental balance and ecosystem conservation.