Housing Minister Proposes Building Homes Above Rivers as Land Prices Soar
Minister of Housing and Settlement Areas (PKP) Maruarar Sirait has proposed the idea of building housing above rivers. The concept has emerged as one alternative to address land constraints and high land prices in urban areas.
According to Ara, as he is known, housing demand continues to rise alongside population growth. Meanwhile, land prices in major cities are becoming increasingly expensive, necessitating various breakthroughs to provide decent housing at affordable prices.
One idea under consideration is utilising the space above rivers or canals for the construction of three-to-four-storey apartment blocks.
“Let me say this so it does not become a polemic: how at some point there could be a breakthrough, for example starting to think about building three- or four-storey housing with steel that does not require a lift, but above existing rivers or canals. Pray for us,” he said at the Indonesia Property & Bank Award 2026 event at Hotel Mulia, South Jakarta, on Friday (28/8/2026).
Ara acknowledged that the idea is still likely to generate pros and cons. Nevertheless, the Ministry of Housing and Settlement Areas will first develop a comprehensive construction concept, including materials, construction, regulations, and building costs.
“Perhaps today many people say it is impossible, but pray for us, because land is getting more expensive. I see there are many rivers. Pray for us; hopefully in two to three months I can present the concept to the public,” he said.
If the concept is accepted by the public, developers, and relevant parties, it is not impossible that the idea of housing above rivers will be realised.
“If the people agree, if the numbers work, if developers are on board, we will go ahead and build housing above rivers. I will not force it. I think we need to think about many breakthrough ideas for the good of this country,” said Ara.
Speaking to journalists after the event, Ara said that over the next three months his ministry will examine various aspects, from applicable regulations and construction to building costs.
“The first thing to be studied is the legal review. Then the construction review, then the price, and then all aspects of housing. All aspects,” he said.