Sailah's Story: From Dirt Floor to Decent Home Thanks to Central Java Provincial Government Assistance

Deputy Governor of Central Java, Taj Yasin, stated that the inspection of uninhabitable houses (RTLH) in assisted villages in Kebumen is not only to check the physical condition of the houses but also the economic situation of the families. He made this statement during a visit on Tuesday, 14 July 2026. During the visit, Gus Yasin, as he is known, found that the family’s economic condition remains modest. The homeowner Sailah’s husband, Ade Suratman, is currently working as a cilok seller in Cirebon, West Java, while Sailah works as a domestic helper. Their combined income is barely sufficient to meet the family’s needs, and their eldest child, a high school graduate, remains unemployed. In response, Taj Yasin said the Central Java Provincial Government will attempt to connect Sailah’s child with various job opportunities and skills enhancement programmes, including job fairs, vocational training, and apprenticeship schemes, potentially even to Japan if available. Sailah expressed her gratitude for the home renovation, noting that her house, which previously had dirt floors and unplastered walls, is now much more decent. Edi Mulyanto, the head of the local neighbourhood association, explained that the Rp 20 million RTLH assistance was obtained through a proposal from the RT level, forwarded to the village government, and finally approved by the Central Java Provincial Government. The renovation, which included replacing the roof, tiles, beams, door and window frames, and improving the front of the house, was completed successfully thanks to a combination of the grant, family self-funding, and community mutual cooperation. Although the house is now habitable, Edi expressed hope that the government’s attention will continue, particularly to improve the family’s economic standing.