Housing Programme Expanded with Business Financing and Free Certification, Says Minister

Minister of Housing and Settlement Areas Maruarar Sirait has stated that the government is expanding the benefits of its housing programme for low-income communities by integrating home renovation assistance with certification programmes, business financing, and subsidised housing. Speaking after a socialisation event for the Self-Help Housing Stimulant Assistance programme in Bandung on Saturday, he explained that the government is collaborating with the Ministry of Industry to provide free certification for low-income residents and BSPS recipients. According to him, BSPS recipients will not only receive assistance to repair their homes but will also be encouraged to enhance their economic independence through government-facilitated access to business financing. On that occasion, he also announced that the government is opening access to Housing People’s Business Credit for low-income communities, with a financing ceiling of up to IDR 100 million without collateral and an interest rate of 0.5 percent. In addition to strengthening access to business financing, Maruarar said the government continues to promote home ownership through subsidised housing programmes, including both landed houses and flats. He noted that the construction of 1,000 subsidised flat units in the Kiaracondong area of Bandung City is targeted to commence this year as part of providing housing for low-income communities. Maruarar added that the government is also providing various conveniences for people purchasing subsidised homes. He highlighted that last year marked the highest achievement of subsidised housing under the Housing Financing Liquidity Facility scheme in Indonesian history, reaching 278,000 units in a single year, surpassing the 2023 figure of 228,000. He added that this achievement was supported by synergy between the central government and regional administrations in providing licensing and regulatory ease, enabling the housing programme to reach more low-income communities.