Home Affairs Minister and Housing Minister Ensure BSPS Programme in Balikpapan Targets the Right Recipients

Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian and Housing and Settlement Areas Minister Maruarar Sirait visited Teritip Ward in Balikpapan on Tuesday (5/5). This working visit aimed to inspect preparations for implementing the Self-Help Housing Stimulus Assistance (BSPS) programme in the area.

Both engaged in direct dialogue with residents to ensure the housing assistance reaches the appropriate parties. Data accuracy checks were conducted by examining the physical condition of buildings and the economic capacity of aid recipients on site.

“There was a mutual cooperation scheme earlier, and the regional government also got involved. That’s good in my view. Regional governments with strong local revenue (PAD) can allocate funds for housing programmes,” Tito stated in a written remark on Tuesday (5/5).

He assessed that local government involvement is a key factor in broadening the reach of housing programmes. Such support was evident from the commitment of the East Kalimantan Provincial Government and the Balikpapan City Government to increase aid allocations.

According to him, many communities still lack decent housing, so collaboration between central and local governments needs to be strengthened. The role of regional heads is seen as influential in the success of programmes targeting basic community needs.

“Many communities in the regions still do not have decent homes. Therefore, the support of regional heads is very important; this also serves as an indicator of leadership success,” Tito emphasised.

After the inspection, the two ministers continued their agenda by observing a community tender simulation held at Balikpapan State Junior High School 13. The event was attended by residents showing high interest in the programme’s implementation mechanism.

On the same occasion, the Home Affairs Minister also launched the BSPS programme for the entire Borneo Island virtually. The launch was marked by striking a wooden gong as a symbol of the programme’s broader implementation.

The presence of several regional officials further strengthened inter-agency coordination in supporting this programme, including East Kalimantan Governor Rudy Mas’ud and Balikpapan Mayor Rahmad Mas’ud along with local Forkopimda elements.