Home Affairs Minister Inspects People's Housing Programme Buildings in Sorong

Home Affairs Minister (Mendagri), Muhammad Tito Karnavian, directly inspected the people’s housing programme at Kadar Malibera Residence III Housing, Sorong City, Southwest Papua. During the inspection, Tito, along with Public Works and Housing Minister Maruarar Sirait and BPS Chief Amalia Adininggar Widyasanti, examined the building conditions and engaged in dialogue with the housing residents.

From the inspection, Tito encouraged Sorong Mayor Septinus Lobat to support the people’s housing programme initiated by President Prabowo Subianto.

He requested that Septinus implement the policy of waiving building permit fees (PBG) for low-income communities (MBR), noting that Sorong City has not yet applied this policy.

Tito specifically asked the Sorong Mayor to comprehensively understand the policy of waiving PBG and Acquisition Duty on Land and Buildings (BPHTB) fees for MBR. He cautioned that when implementing the policy, local leaders must understand its technical execution.

“Later, when speaking publicly, it will be said that PBG and BPHTB are free, and tomorrow the public will think it’s free. No, not everything is free. Only low-income communities get it for free,” Tito stated in a written statement on Monday (27/4/2026).

In the lively dialogue session, Tito and his entourage checked the conditions of houses occupied by local residents. They also held discussions with developers.

After inspecting the housing conditions in the area, the Home Affairs Minister and his entourage proceeded to the slum area in Malawei Ward, Sorong City. At this location, they also assessed and conversed with local residents.

These efforts mark the government’s presence in ensuring that people in Papua have access to decent housing. This aligns with President Prabowo’s programme, which pays special attention to the small people, including in Papua.

Also present at the inspection were Southwest Papua Governor Elisa Kambu, Sorong Mayor Septinus Lobat, Executive Committee Chairman for the Acceleration of Special Autonomy Development in Papua (KEPP OKP) Velix Vernando Wanggai, and other relevant parties.