Minister PKP Optimistic Malang City's Uninhabitable Housing Issue Will Be Resolved by 2026

Malang, East Java (ANTARA) - Minister of Housing and Settlement Areas (PKP), Maruarar Sirait, is optimistic that the issue of uninhabitable houses (RTLH) in Malang City, East Java, can be fully resolved by 2026 through the self-help housing stimulant assistance programme (BSPS).

Speaking after visiting residents receiving the BSPS programme in Buring Village, Kedungkandang District, Malang City, on Friday, Maruarar, known as Ara, stated that with the existing data, the team is ready to work hard. He noted that Malang City would be free of uninhabitable houses for underprivileged residents this year.

The renovation process for RTLH in Malang City is targeted for completion by October 2026 at the latest. “From 10 July, that means September, October,” he said.

During the visit, he observed that the conditions of the houses varied, with some lacking foundations and others suffering from leaking roofs. Ara emphasised that the housing renovation represents the state’s presence and commitment to its citizens, particularly those from underprivileged families. “Our team will work hard, and I have asked the city team to also work quickly, cleanly, and professionally,” he said.

Meanwhile, Malang Deputy Mayor Ali Muthohirin stated that there are 927 RTLH in the area, of which 100 have been targeted for repair through the local government’s programme and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. “The number being executed by the ministry is actually 674, then there were some that were lacking (not yet verified) and these were proposed and immediately approved (153 houses),” he said.

This brings the total number of uninhabitable houses targeted by the central government’s BSPS programme in Malang City to 827. The Malang city government confirmed that the recipients of the renovation programme, whether from the Ministry of PKP, local government, or CSR, are low-income community groups (MBR) falling into deciles 1 to 4.

Ali stated that the massive renovation of houses for underprivileged residents can improve their quality of life, particularly in terms of health. “We are certainly grateful, because everything is very beneficial to help Malang City become a liveable city,” he said.