Minister Maruarar Sirait Urges Optimisation of Rp20 Million Home Renovation Aid in Tonja

Minister of Housing and Settlements (PKP) Maruarar Sirait has asked residents of Bali, particularly those in Tonja Village, Denpasar, who receive home renovation aid to optimise the Rp20 million stimulus provided by the government. “Yes, we maximise that Rp20 million, it is a stimulus, there is mutual cooperation, labour, and materials. Our national culture is gotong royong,” said Maruarar Sirait, who is familiarly called Ara, in Denpasar on Monday. The PKP Minister visited Banjar Oongan, Oongan Traditional Village, where there are two recipients of the home renovation aid. After hearing directly from the beneficiaries, he explained that from the Rp20 million provided, Rp2.5 million is budgeted for builders’ wages, while Rp17.5 million is used to purchase building materials. The renovation of the house belonging to Ni Wayan Pagehdi on Jalan Noja involved work on the roof structure, ring beams, walls, roof tiles, and floors over a period of 31 days. Ara added Rp10 million from his own pocket to help Ni Wayan Pagehdi, who works as a scavenger with an average monthly income of Rp500,000. “That is to help this mother. Her income is only that much, but she has three children. How can we not feel sorry for her? We are allowed to practise gotong royong,” he said. Ara urged the public to be open about the use of the home renovation aid funds without fear. Citing a report from the regional work unit, he noted that from the Rp17.5 million allocated for building materials, multiplied by five beneficiaries, the total capital amounted to Rp87.5 million. However, UD Gina, a local building supply store, was able to offer a price of Rp84,698,100, leaving a surplus of Rp2,801,900 which was returned to the beneficiaries. “Do the goods match the needs of the recipients? If it is not right, say it is not right; if it is right, say it is right. Do not be afraid, do not be forced. If it is not right, I want to check,” said Ara. He stated that the nominal amount of the Rp20 million home renovation aid will differ for regions located further away. However, for Bali Province, the aid value is uniform. Nevertheless, he said the government is ensuring the aid will continue to be pushed forward, evidenced by the fact that in 2025 the programme only reached 31 beneficiaries, whereas this year it has already reached 4,184 beneficiaries in Bali.