Decent Housing: Definition, Criteria, and Mandatory Standards

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Homes serve not only as shelters but also as essential spaces for communities to live safely, healthily, and comfortably. Amid population growth and rising housing demand, understanding decent housing has become increasingly crucial. Syamsiar Nurhayadi, Director of Housing and Settlement Technical Development, stated that creating dwellings meeting all safety standards remains challenging, particularly due to limited land and high housing needs. The Decent Housing Pocket Book explains that a home is a building functioning as a habitable residence, a family development facility, a reflection of occupants’ dignity, and an asset for owners. A decent home meets building safety requirements, minimum space standards, and occupants’ health needs. Conversely, slum areas are residential zones where the quality of living has deteriorated. The PKP Ministry has established five key criteria for decent housing: structural safety and resilience; adequate space; access to clean drinking water; proper sanitation; and sufficient lighting and ventilation. First, homes must have strong and safe structural integrity. Building components, from foundations, columns, walls to roof frames, must be sturdy and made of durable materials. Structures should not exhibit cracks or tilting, nor be located in disaster-prone areas such as flood or landslide zones. Second, homes must provide adequate space for occupants. The minimum standard is 7.2 square metres per person, with an ideal recommended size of 9 square metres per person. Sufficient space is necessary to support daily activities and maintain residents’ health. Fourth, homes must have adequate sanitation facilities. A healthy toilet with a U-bend and waterproof floor must connect to a septic tank, wastewater treatment plant (IPAL), or another closed disposal system. Additionally, household waste must be managed to prevent environmental contamination. Fifth, homes must have sufficient lighting and ventilation. Adequate windows or vents allow optimal sunlight and air circulation. Technically, lighting openings should be at least 10% of the floor area, while ventilation openings should be a minimum of 5%.