Practitioner: Public shifts focus to safety when selecting building materials

Home industry practitioner Jali Wijaya stated that there is a shift in consumer behaviour regarding building materials, moving from a focus on motifs, colours, and appearance to prioritising safety, particularly in the selection of floor ceramics. Speaking in Tangerang, Banten, Wijaya noted that rising awareness of domestic accident risks has made consumers more selective about the types of tiles used.

Areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, terraces, and poolside locations are being heavily considered due to their potential to become slippery when wet. “Slippery floors remain a frequent cause of household accidents that often receive insufficient attention. We are seeing that the public is beginning to realise that choosing ceramics is not just about beautifying a home, but also about how the material can provide protection for all family members,” said Jali from Platinum Ceramics Industry.

According to Wijaya, this trend indicates a change in consumer mindset. While aesthetics were previously the primary priority, safety is now a crucial consideration. He explained that increased attention to safety is also driven by greater access to information regarding the risks of slipping at home, which can cause injuries of varying severity to anyone from children to adults.

This situation has led to a continuous increase in demand for ceramics with better grip. Consumers are now seeking products that reduce the risk of slipping without sacrificing comfort or the home’s appearance. In response to these changing needs, several companies are developing innovations, such as anti-slip technology designed to provide better traction in wet areas while remaining easy to clean.

“For over five decades, we have continued to follow the evolving needs of the Indonesian people. The innovations we introduce do not just pursue design, but also address the need for safer housing,” Jali added.

Dr Muhadi, Vice Chairman of the Indonesian Society of Internal Medicine (PAPDI), noted that emergencies in the elderly can be triggered by unsupportive environmental factors. He cited examples such as poor lighting or slippery floor surfaces that make the elderly prone to falls. “Therefore, caregivers living with the elderly must pay attention to both external and internal factors. We must improve the external factors,” he said.