Minister Maruarar Mandates One Tree per Subsidised House, Cites Environmental Reasons

Minister of Housing and Settlement Areas (PKP) Maruarar Sirait has introduced a new rule requiring every subsidised house to plant one tree. This forms part of an environmental conservation programme and follows up on directions from President Prabowo Subianto.

Maruarar announced the measure at a mass ceremony for 62,000 subsidised Home Ownership Loan (KPR) units and the disbursement of Rp880 billion in People’s Business Credit (KUR) for housing in Batang Regency, Central Java, on Thursday (30/7/2026).

“Today, in support of his directive on protecting the environment, we are issuing a rule that every subsidised house must plant one tree so that greening becomes more widespread,” Maruarar said.

“And all developers have stated their agreement. That’s right, isn’t it? Everyone agrees? No one feels pressured — all agree sincerely,” he added.

Maruarar also reported that the roof-tile programme (gentengisasi) has begun in several regions. The programme started in Majalengka and Pleret as part of efforts to improve housing quality.

“The gentengisasi programme is also running well. It has started in Majalengka and Pleret. This year there will be even more work, as around 400,000 houses are to be renovated and around 340,000 subsidised houses built. This means SMEs are moving, roof-tile producers are moving, building supply shops are moving, and the people’s economy moves with them,” he said.

On the same occasion, Maruarar said the provision of home ownership loans (KPR) with a 40-year tenor has now been realised. However, the public will still be given a choice of tenors of 10, 20, 25, 30, and up to 40 years.

The scheme was prepared through cooperation between BP Tapera, the Ministry of Finance, the Financial Services Authority (OJK), and several other stakeholders.

“The directive regarding KPR tenors of up to 40 years can now be implemented together with BP Tapera, the Ministry of Finance, OJK, and all stakeholders. But the public will still be given a choice,” he said.