Roof Tiling Programme in North Jakarta Makes Homes Cooler, Resident: Big Difference from Asbestos

JAKARTA - The government-initiated roof tiling programme has been acknowledged for its benefits by one resident whose home roof was rehabilitated from asbestos to tiles. Kukum (46), a resident of RT 8 RW 1, Sunter Agung Village, Tanjung Priok, North Jakarta, admitted that his home is now more comfortable compared to before. Before the renovation, Kukum’s roof still used asbestos that was heavily damaged, making the indoor temperature feel hot. After being replaced with tiles, Kukum assessed that the indoor temperature has become cooler, especially during the day. “This one dampens it a bit, not too hot. The benefits are really different using tiles compared to asbestos,” he explained. Initially, he was asked to help find other residents interested in the programme, but since no one applied, he then submitted his own home for renovation. “In the end, that day they surveyed it right away. Two days later, the work started,” he said. The work was carried out by a team of workers brought in by the TNI, along with assistance from TNI members. “The work was done about three weeks ago, if I’m not mistaken,” he stated. In fact, he had long planned to renovate independently. However, limited funds had prevented the plan from being realised. Kukum hopes the roof tiling programme can reach more residents still using asbestos roofs, especially in his area. “I hope, as I talked to Mr Babinsa yesterday, it seems there will be more, but I don’t know if it will be in this location again or spread to other RW, like that,” he added.