Maruarar: Renovation programme for 21,000 houses in Papua to begin in May 2026

Housing and Settlement Areas Minister Maruarar Sirait has affirmed that the renovation programme for 21,000 homes under the Self-Help Housing Stimulus Assistance Programme (BSPS) across Papua will begin implementation in May 2026. According to him, the programme targeting six provinces in Papua and covering 42 regencies/cities will enhance housing quality while driving regional economic growth. “I request the support of all regional heads. This programme will stimulate the economy, labour, building material shops, cement, sand, tiles, and more,” stated the Housing Minister during a working visit to Sorong City, Southwest Papua, on Tuesday. He explained that the home renovation programme not only focuses on providing decent housing for Low-Income Communities (MBR) but also has multiplier effects on the local economy, including job creation and increased activity in the construction sector. Nevertheless, Minister Maruarar highlighted that the implementation of government policies regarding the exemption of Acquisition Duty on Land and Building Rights (BPHTB) and Building Permit Approval (PBG) free of charge for MBR remains suboptimal in several regions, including Southwest Papua. “It’s said the mayor will issue the BPHTB and PBG free policy starting tomorrow. Even though it’s late, it’s better than nothing at all,” he said. During his three-day visit to Sorong, he admitted receiving many reports from the community about the concerning condition of homes, especially in coastal areas. “Some have not received assistance for 30 years. This cannot be allowed to continue. The President wants the state to be present where the poor are, in homes that are unfit for habitation,” he stated. He affirmed that the implementation of the home renovation programme will refer to official data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) to ensure that assistance is targeted at those in need.