BNPP Inaugurates Renovation of 15,000 Houses in Border Areas
The government, through the National Border Management Agency (BNPP) of Indonesia, has officially launched a programme to improve the quality of 15,000 Substandard Houses (RTLH) in remote, frontier, and outermost (3T) areas spread across 40 districts/cities in 17 provinces. This programme is implemented through the Self-Help Housing Stimulus Assistance (BSPS) scheme as a concrete step towards equitable development up to border regions, on Thursday, 23 April 2026.
Interior Minister (Mendagri) and Head of BNPP Indonesia, Muhammad Tito Karnavian, emphasised that this programme represents the state’s commitment to improving the welfare of border communities. He assessed that previously, there had been few programmes directly addressing the real needs of communities in those areas.
“One of BNPP’s tasks and the government’s is to deliver justice to border communities. It is also to enhance the welfare of border communities so that they feel proud of the nation, proud of the government, and nationalism will grow stronger,” said Interior Minister Tito.
He explained that initially, the BSPS programme in border areas was allocated for only 10,000 units out of a total of 400,000 houses in the national programme of the Ministry of Housing and Human Settlements (PKP) for 2026. However, after a field visit to areas affected by flash floods in the Sitaro Islands, North Sulawesi, the number was increased to 15,000 units.
“There has been no programme since ancient times to renovate houses in border areas. And we have selected 40 strategic districts and cities in the borders, covering 17 provinces,” he added.
The Interior Minister also expressed appreciation for the support from the President and cross-ministerial and agency synergy in succeeding this programme. He stressed the importance of the role of the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) in ensuring that aid distribution is on target through the verified National Single Socio-Economic Data by name and by address.
Meanwhile, Minister of PKP Maruarar Sirait affirmed that the people’s house renovation programme is a national priority in line with the President’s directives. He stated that the increase in the number of houses to be renovated this year is very significant compared to the previous year.
“Last year, it was 45,000 houses across Indonesia. This year, 400,000 houses. The increase is extraordinary, from 45,000 to 400,000. Last year, there were 222 districts and cities that did not receive this programme, especially in border areas. This year, no one should be left out,” said Maruarar.
He added that the implementation of the BSPS programme is fully based on BPS data, with locations determined by the Head of BNPP Indonesia. The programme also involves technical assistants and empowerment assistants to ensure renovation quality meets each house’s needs.
“We are ready to work quickly. Within one to two months ahead, this programme will already be underway,” he said.
Head of BPS Indonesia, Amalia Adininggar Widyasanti, viewed the collaboration between BNPP Indonesia, the Ministry of PKP, and BPS as a strategic step in strengthening border area development based on data. According to her, the use of accurate data is key to the effectiveness of government interventions.
“We have also provided backlog data on substandard housing for 40 districts and cities in border areas. And we have seen that indeed the majority of border areas have very high rates. There is about 85 percent of houses that are substandard in one of the border district areas,” explained Amalia.
In addition, BPS provides village-city classifications and coastal area criteria based on BPS Head Regulation Number 268 of 2025, which serves as an important reference in national housing programme planning.
In closing, BNPP Indonesia emphasised that this renovation programme for 15,000 RTLH is expected to spark other ministries and agencies to bring thematic programmes to border areas, such as building people’s markets, docks, and educational facilities. With cross-sector synergy and accurate data support, border area development is hoped to become increasingly inclusive, just, and sustainable.