Home Renovation Requirements to Be Eased, Housing Minister to Amend Land Title Rules

Minister of Housing and Settlement Areas Maruarar Sirait has announced that land title requirements for prospective recipients of the Self-Help Housing Stimulant Assistance (BSPS) programme will be eased to optimise aid distribution. According to the minister, known as Ara, one of the obstacles to the absorption of the BSPS programme has been the land title requirements. The Ministry of Housing and Settlement Areas has therefore held discussions with the House of Representatives, regional governments, and the Ministry of Social Affairs regarding the simplification of these requirements. “We plan to change the rules on land titles. To that end, I consulted with the Minister of Law so that everything is fulfilled. So all rules can also be changed. Rules should not hinder the state’s goodwill in helping the people. We do not hesitate to do this for the good of the people,” Ara said in Jakarta on Wednesday (22/7/2026). He expressed hope that the regulatory changes regarding land title requirements for prospective BSPS recipients can be realised soon. Ownership requirements that previously had to be proven with a certificate of ownership, girik, or similar documents are planned to be replaced with proof of land tenure strengthened by a certificate from the village head or ward head. “So the matter of land title is made simpler, namely land tenure. Later, a statement from the village head or ward head will suffice. This is a very progressive step and a hope of regents, mayors, and other ministries,” Ara said. According to the Ministry of Housing, one of the requirements for BSPS or home renovation aid recipients is owning or controlling land as evidenced by clear and valid ownership or tenure documents. The BSPS programme is a government stimulus for low-income communities to improve the quality of their homes or build new houses independently by promoting the spirit of mutual cooperation.