Minister Ara Speaks Openly About His Health Condition

The Minister of Housing and Residential Areas (PKP), Maruarante Sirait, has revealed details regarding his health condition amidst his busy schedule pursuing the government’s target for the distribution of subsidised housing. He stated that his condition has improved following a medical procedure.

“I am healthier now because a few percent was removed, and it is no longer blocking. So, I am healthier. To ensure continued health, we ask for your prayers,” he said at the BP Tapera office on Monday (21/09/2026).

Maruarar noted that the medical procedure took place over the weekend and did not significantly disrupt his ministerial duties. He even mentioned that he had resumed his work at the start of the week.

“I was admitted to the hospital on Saturday, the procedure was done in the afternoon. By Sunday morning, I was allowed to go home. By Monday, I was back at work,” said Ara.

These remarks were made during a performance evaluation and FLPP strategy meeting at the BP Tapera office.

“Praise God, we have a good doctor, named Prof Heri. He is extraordinary; he spends two weeks in Jakarta and three weeks in the Netherlands. Since it is the Netherlands, it is good. So, we trust our doctor is also good,” Ara added.

Amidst the government’s agenda to realise the FLPP (Housing Financing Liquidity Facility), he highlighted the significant task facing BP Tapera to accelerate the distribution of subsidised houses to ensure the government’s 2026 targets are met.

As of 21 September 2026, only 154,034 units, or approximately 44% of the 350,000-unit target, have been achieved. Maruarar remains present in the evaluation and acceleration strategy meetings.

The government still needs to pursue approximately 196,000 units within the effective remaining three months until the end of the year. The government is also preparing several acceleration steps, including plans for the mass signing of 71,000 subsidised housing contracts on 17 December 2026 in East Java.

“But there are only three months left,” said Ara.