South Jakarta Faces 141,000 Uninhabitable Houses, PKP Ministry Accelerates Renovation Program

Despite South Jakarta's reputation as a center for business, offices, residences, and economic activity, the area still faces the challenge of uninhabitable houses (RTLH). Data from coordination between the Ministry of Public Housing and Spatial Planning (PKP) and the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government reveals an estimated backlog of around 141,000 houses in South Jakarta. The government is addressing this issue through the 'House Surgery Program.' Minister of Public Housing Maruarar Sirait (Ara) affirmed the state's commitment to assisting residents in slums and those needing home renovations, even in urban centers like Jakarta. The PKP Ministry is significantly increasing its allocation for the 'House Surgery Program' in DKI Jakarta Province. For 2026, the target is 10,300 units, a substantial rise from 158 units in 2025. South Jakarta is slated to receive 2,000 of these units, distributed across 10 sub-districts and 45 villages. The Tebet District alone is allocated 759 units. During a review in Bukit Duri Village, Tebet District, Minister Sirait and Minister of Home Affairs Tito Karnavian met with three prospective beneficiaries: Nurhayati, Santi, and Lukman. Santi, who lives with six family members in a 16-square-meter house and earns around IDR 500,000 per month as a salon employee, exemplifies the dire conditions. Her home suffers from structural weaknesses, a fragile roof, a dirt floor, a damaged asbestos roof, and inadequate sanitation and ventilation. Santi's house surgery is scheduled to commence on September 25, 2026, with completion targeted for December 1, 2026. Beyond South Jakarta, North Jakarta, Central Jakarta, and West Jakarta will each receive 2,000 units in 2026, while the Thousand Islands will get 300 units. Overall, DKI Jakarta has an estimated 823,000 RTLH, according to PKP Ministry data. Minister Sirait emphasized the need for public awareness campaigns to ensure the program reaches those in need. To expedite implementation, the ministry has streamlined procedures through Ministerial Regulation Number 6 of 2026, aiming for accuracy, transparency, and good governance. The DKI Jakarta Regional Government will also review the land legality of program sites to ensure faster implementation and work certainty. Furthermore, an 'Open Shop Selection' (PTT) mechanism was used for material procurement in Bukit Duri, achieving a budget efficiency of approximately 2.25% (Rp3,082,600), with the savings to be reallocated for further assistance. Source: VOI English