President Prabowo Pushes for Roof Tile Replacement Programme, Citing Health and Aesthetics

President Prabowo Subianto is encouraging the public to reduce the use of corrugated iron roofing on buildings, promoting a national programme to replace iron and asbestos roofs with clay tiles. Beyond health considerations, he stressed the importance of maintaining environmental aesthetics to advance the tourism sector, during the inauguration of the revitalised Semarang Tawang Station in Central Java. ‘Aesthetics, beauty must be preserved,’ Prabowo stated. He noted that historically, Indonesians did not commonly use iron sheeting for roofing, having long been familiar with clay tiles and natural materials like palm fibre. ‘Originally, the Indonesian people did not use iron sheeting. If necessary, we should return to using palm fibre, return to using thatch. If not, we must find alternatives. Our people have long been able to make clay tiles. Tiles are not new technology; our people have used tiles for ages,’ he said. According to Prabowo, iron sheeting has the weakness of rusting easily, and he expressed concern that rust and chemicals from building materials could impact public health. ‘This iron sheeting rusts quickly, and this rust is not good for health. There will be so many lung diseases without us realising it. Young people are already getting lung cancer even though they do not smoke. Where does it come from? From rust, from asbestos, from various chemicals,’ he explained. On the occasion, Prabowo also instructed regional heads, from governors to mayors, to pay attention to environmental conservation and cleanliness in their respective areas. He added that Indonesia must build an image as a clean, beautiful, and well-maintained country, with no more litter or derelict buildings, to enhance Indonesia’s appeal globally. ‘There must be no wild rubbish, no unkempt buildings, no rust everywhere. We must change and we can change. Let us create a brilliant Indonesia, a beautiful Indonesia, an attractive Indonesia,’ he said.