Hashim Urges Safeguarding of Public Housing Quality Amid Widespread Misappropriation

Jakarta – The Chair of the People’s Housing Task Force, Hashim Djojohadikusumo, has issued a strong warning regarding public housing projects. He cautioned all relevant officials against compromising building quality and demanded an end to all mark-up practices that harm and disappoint the public.

Hashim explained that he has received numerous reports from the Minister of Housing and Settlement (PKP), Maruarar Sirait, concerning the widespread misappropriation of public housing projects.

“I urge you strongly, sir – maintain quality, do not disappoint our people. I have heard many cases from Minister Ara Sirait about how public housing projects are frequently misappropriated. Many cases. If possible, sir, you and Deputy Commander Dodi, particularly regarding quality, sir. Do not disappoint our people,” Hashim stated at the launch event for 3 Million House Housing Development Initiative on Monday, 16 March 2026.

“We already know about these mark-up practices and everything else. Please, sir, pay careful attention to this – it is very, very important,” he added.

Hashim went on to recount how he was once tempted with offers of thousands of apartment units to reap fantastic personal profits. However, he flatly rejected the proposal.

“To be frank, someone told me, ‘Sir Hashim, we can make good money in strategic locations. Sir Hashim could claim an allocation of 1,000 apartments, 500 apartments. We could sell them and make five times the profit,’” Hashim said, mimicking the offer.

Hashim then emphasised that such corrupt practices must not be tolerated.

“I have already testified, sir, that such practices cannot happen! They cannot happen. This is for our people,” he asserted.

To prevent such misappropriation, Hashim has pressed for multilayered oversight. He has specifically requested that relevant officials conduct strict supervision of public housing projects to prevent embezzlement.