Economist confident that Roof Tiling Programme will boost growth, prioritising poor areas

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Institute for Development of Economics and Finance (Indef) is convinced that the Roof Tiling Programme initiated by President Prabowo will boost economic growth, particularly through the empowerment of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), with priority implementation in impoverished areas that have substandard housing standards.

Indef Executive Director Esther Sri Astuti, contacted in Jakarta on Thursday, said the programme delivers tangible economic impacts through increased demand for tiles in various domestic production centres.

“I see the Roof Tiling Programme initiated by President Prabowo as aiming to replace zinc or asbestos roofs with clay tiles for the comfort, aesthetics, and health of housing,” she stated.

She explained that a significant surge in tile orders has been felt in several regions, such as Majalengka and Kebumen. This situation is also driving the revival of the national tile and ceramic industry, while serving as a momentum for MSME empowerment.

From social and environmental perspectives, Indef assesses the Roof Tiling Programme as capable of improving the quality of people’s housing.

According to her, houses become cooler, safer, and more comfortable compared to the use of zinc roofs, while also enhancing the aesthetics of the environment in densely populated areas.

Additionally, the use of clay tiles is considered healthier because it can reduce the risks posed by roofs made of asbestos materials.