Minister Seeks Easier Land Tenure Rules for Self-Help Housing Aid Recipients

Minister of Housing and Settlement Areas (PKP) Maruarar Sirait (Ara) has stated that the land tenure requirements for prospective recipients of the Self-Help Housing Stimulant Assistance (BSPS) programme must be simplified. He noted that one of the obstacles to the absorption of the BSPS programme is the requirement for proof of land rights. He has discussed this with the House of Representatives (DPR RI) and local governments, and has also received input from the Ministry of Social Affairs regarding land tenure. “We are planning to change the rules regarding land tenure. For that reason, I have come to consult with the Law Minister so that everything is fulfilled. So all rules can also be changed. Rules should not hinder the state’s goodwill in helping its people. And we do not hesitate to do that for the good of the people,” Ara said in Jakarta on Wednesday. He expressed hope that the planned regulatory changes regarding land tenure requirements for BSPS candidates can be realised and simplified, whereby the ownership requirement proven by a freehold certificate, ‘girik’ or similar documents could be replaced by proof of land control simply evidenced by a letter from the village head or ward administrator. According to information from the Ministry of PKP, one of the criteria for receiving BSPS assistance, commonly known as house renovation, is owning or controlling land with clear and valid proof of ownership or control. The Self-Help Housing Stimulant Assistance (BSPS) is government funding support for low-income communities to improve the quality of or build new homes on a self-help basis and founded on the principle of mutual cooperation. The Ministry of Housing and Settlement Areas (PKP) continues to strengthen the governance of the BSPS programme implementation to ensure it is better targeted. This effort is carried out through synergy with the Ministry of Home Affairs (Kemendagri) and Statistics Indonesia (BPS) in updating beneficiary data by utilising the ‘Go PKP’ digital system. The BSPS programme aims to mobilise and enhance self-reliance in fulfilling the need for liveable housing and its environment. The programme’s governance is also strengthened by a system where the selection of shops or building material suppliers is carried out by the Beneficiary Group (KPB) and assisted by Field Facilitators (TFL). In 2026, the BSPS quota will increase significantly to 400,000 units from the previous 45,000 units in 2025. This increase is evidence of the government’s commitment to expanding public access to decent housing.