Preventing Speculators, Hashim Reminds That Manggarai Housing Must Not Be Bought in Bulk
Chairman of the Housing Task Force (Satgas Perumahan) Hashim Djojohadikusumo has emphasised the importance of the principle of fairness in the implementation of the Manggarai Affordable Housing programme. He has asked managers to ensure that housing distribution is carried out under a one-applicant-one-unit scheme in order to prevent bulk-buying practices by certain parties.
Hashim reminded that no individual should purchase units in large quantities and then transfer or resell them. He highlighted the potential misuse of identity, such as using the names of staff or personal assistants, to take control of assets that should be intended for the wider public.
“Do not buy in bulk. Out of 3,000, certain people might buy 300 or 500, then entrust them to someone, to their driver, under the driver’s name, under the office boy’s name. We must be fair: one customer, one applicant, one place of residence,” Hashim said at the groundbreaking ceremony for Manggarai Affordable Housing in Jakarta on Friday (21/8).
According to Hashim, strengthening execution on the ground is a crucial challenge for the government. The project is part of a strategy to expand transit-oriented development (TOD) housing on strategic state-owned land, especially around railway stations.
The government plans to replicate this TOD concept in various other regions, including Kampung Bandan, Bandung, Surabaya and Semarang. Hashim stressed that the provision of decent housing is the result of cross-ministerial and institutional collaboration to guarantee access to housing for the public.
Manggarai Affordable Housing itself is being built on 2.2 hectares of land covering Block G, Block F and Block H. The project will deliver 3,784 vertical housing units divided into eight towers, complete with 150 retail units as supporting facilities for the area.
Construction is targeted for completion within 18 months. PT KAI has assured that all units will be prioritised for low-income communities (Masyarakat Berpenghasilan Rendah/MBR) in accordance with government criteria, while maintaining transparent governance and safeguarding railway operational safety.