Indonesia and China explore housing sector cooperation opportunities

The Indonesian and Chinese governments are ready to explore strategic cooperation opportunities in the housing sector, including technology transfer and discussions on financing and land. This was conveyed by Minister of Housing and Settlement Areas Maruarar Sirait following a bilateral meeting with China’s Minister of Housing and Urban-Rural Development Ni Hong in Jakarta on Wednesday. “We discussed our respective experiences, both in Indonesia and China, on how to handle housing issues, how to handle the backlog of people who do not yet own a home, and also how to handle the backlog of people who already have a home but it is unfit for habitation,” said Minister Maruarar. He stated that the home ownership backlog remains a major problem. Nationally, the home ownership backlog reached 9.6 million units based on the 2025 National Socio-Economic Survey. “We also exchanged ideas on land, financing, and technology. Finally, we agreed on a follow-up focusing on housing for low- and middle-income communities,” he said. The three-hour discussion also covered strategic housing programmes in both countries. Maruarar highlighted effective land provision for urban housing and the construction of subsidised housing that emphasises green and sustainable aspects. “Specifically for subsidised housing, one house must have one tree for greening,” he said. Meanwhile, China’s Minister of Housing and Urban-Rural Development Ni Hong said the housing discussion with Indonesia was open and important. “We are also willing, under the direction of both governments, for the two countries to create new areas of cooperation in the housing sector. This is because Indonesia is a major trading partner, so housing cooperation is expected to rise to a higher level,” said Minister Ni Hong. China will also encourage its business sector to participate in housing cooperation development to ensure good quality. “Conditions in each country are different, so the challenges experienced and faced will also be different. But we are willing to learn from each other and find solutions together,” said Minister Ni Hong. “After this meeting between the two countries, we can certainly create more enthusiasm for a close friendship,” he added.