Slum House Renovations in Johar Baru Reach 500 Units

JAKARTA - The programme to renovate unfit-for-habitation houses (RTLH) in the Johar Baru area, Central Jakarta, has reached 500 units since it began in April 2025. As of now, 441 units have been completed, while the remaining 59 units are still under construction and are targeted to be finished by 31 May 2026. Housing and Settlement Areas Minister Maruarar Sirait, or Ara, directly inspected the implementation of the Bebenah Kampung programme by the Buddha Tzu Chi Foundation in Tanah Tinggi, Johar Baru, Central Jakarta, on Thursday (23/4/2026). “The progress has already reached 80 percent. We hope all work can be completed according to the target by the end of May,” Ara stated. The visit aimed to ensure that the renovation progress is running according to plan while strengthening collaboration between the government and social institutions. In addition to housing arrangements, the government is also encouraging economic empowerment of residents through support for micro, small, and medium enterprises (UMKM). A total of 38 UMKM are recorded to receive assistance in the form of business display cases as well as support for house renovations integrated with economic activities. “We are also encouraging financing involvement, including from SMF (PT Sarana Multigriya Finansial (Persero)), to strengthen UMKM’s access to capital so they can develop and become independent,” she said. Support for this programme continues to increase. On 16 April 2026, the Buddha Tzu Chi Foundation added a commitment to renovate 450 houses as part of the expansion of the Bebenah Kampung programme. In addition to inspecting the physical condition of the buildings, the Minister also held a dialogue with local residents to absorb aspirations and ensure the programme is running on target. The Bebenah Kampung programme in Johar Baru serves as an example of synergy between the government and humanitarian organisations in addressing unfit-for-habitation houses in urban areas, while also being integrated with community economic empowerment.