Only 71 Percent of Houses in Madura Deemed Fit for Habitation, Says Said Abdullah

House of Representatives member Said Abdullah has drawn attention to the persistently low quality of housing in Madura, noting that only 71 per cent of homes on the island are considered fit for habitation. The remaining 29 per cent, he said, fail to meet basic standards of liveability.

Speaking in Sumenep, the legislator from the East Java XI electoral district described the situation as a serious challenge requiring the attention of all stakeholders, particularly state administrators. He emphasised that food, clothing, and shelter are fundamental human needs and key indicators of public welfare.

‘The state therefore has a responsibility to ensure that the people can meet their basic needs in a decent manner, including having a healthy and liveable home,’ said Said, who also chairs the Regional Leadership Council of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) in East Java.

The Chairman of the House Budget Committee explained that a house is more than just a physical structure; it is a space where families build their lives, create their histories, and nurture their hopes for the future. Yet, the reality on the ground shows many families remain unable to afford a decent home due to economic constraints. Even those who own houses are often forced to live in conditions that are deeply concerning.

Said noted that the housing problem remains a major national issue. He pointed out that Indonesia’s housing backlog is currently estimated at around 15 million units. Simultaneously, the number of uninhabitable homes nationwide is still extremely high, reaching approximately 43.3 million units.