Minister Ara states that the construction of 1,000 flats in Tanah Abang will continue
Minister of Housing and Settlement Areas (PKP) Maruarar Sirait (Ara) has stated that the plan to build 1,000 units of rental flats (rusun) on land owned by PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) in the Tanah Abang area will continue despite facing legal dynamics.
“So I have thoroughly checked with the Ministry of ATR/BPN, because in our country, the authority for legality is with ATR/BPN. And it has been stated that it is clear and clean, it is state land,” said the PKP Minister when met during an inspection of the progress of house renovations and slum area revitalisation in Menteng Tenggulun, South Jakarta, on Friday.
She emphasised that the project is part of the government’s efforts to provide decent housing for the community, particularly in urban areas with high housing needs.
The construction of the flats is planned on land owned by PT Kereta Api Indonesia, which is believed to be a state asset based on checks with the Ministry of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning/National Land Agency (ATR/BPN).
The construction programme will be carried out through a corporate social responsibility (CSR) scheme by PT Astra International Tbk as a form of collaboration between the government and the private sector.
“So I think we are very confident that it is a state asset. And of course, we will use it for the interests of the state as per President Prabowo’s direction on how land and water should be used for the benefit of our people. Well, there it is planned to build 1,000 CSR rusun units from Astra,” said Minister Ara.
According to her, this synergy serves as a real example of how state assets can be utilised productively for the benefit of the wider community.
The government is also preparing a scheme for the utilisation of the flats, including determining the priority beneficiary groups for the construction.
The target groups will not only include low-income communities but also middle-income communities who need access to housing in strategic urban areas.
“Whether it’s MBR or low-income communities. And in Jakarta and other big cities, there are quite a few middle-income communities (MBT). So we will prepare the regulations later,” she explained.
“If it’s 1,000 flat units, if two rooms per unit, then roughly 4,000 people can be accommodated there. Isn’t that good? If it’s right and good, please support it. If not, just criticise me,” said Minister Ara.
She views this step as a concrete solution in addressing housing needs in the capital while encouraging the optimal utilisation of state assets for the people’s interests.
It is known that the land in Tanah Abang planned for the construction of 1,000 flat units is currently facing a legal dispute polemic.
A lawsuit has been filed at the Central Jakarta District Court with the defendants including PT KAI and the Ministry of ATR/BPN.