Heaptalk, Jakarta — The dream of owning a decent and affordable home is becoming a reality for many low-income families in Central Halmahera, North Maluku. The Ministry of Housing and Settlement Areas (PKP) has allocated 1,000 subsidized housing units for residents in the region, as part of its effort to improve housing access across Indonesia’s eastern provinces.
This announcement has been met with enthusiasm from locals, many of whom have long struggled with the high cost of housing or have been living in temporary accommodations.
“Alhamdulillah, this is the news we’ve been waiting for. My husband and I have been renting for years. If we have the chance to apply for a subsidized home, we definitely will,” said Maria Uktolseja, a housewife from Kobe Kulo village, Friday (05/16).
For information, Minister of Public Housing and Settlements (PKP) Maruarar Sirait officially announced the housing allocation on Thursday (05/15) in Jakarta during the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Central Halmahera Regent Ikram Malan Sangadji and Head of the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) Amalia Adininggar Widyasanti.
On the agenda, Maruarar stated, “This is part of our mandate from President Prabowo Subianto to work swiftly and effectively in delivering tangible benefits to the people”.
He added that the subsidized housing would be made available through the government’s Mortgage Liquidity Facility (KPR FLPP) scheme.
Local authorities view the program as transformative. Regent Ikram stated that beyond providing shelter, the program also has the potential to raise the standard of living and improve social mobility for many residents.
“A house is more than a building—it represents security and social dignity. This program gives our people hope and a stronger sense of belonging,” he said.
Many residents are hoping that the program will be carried out transparently and efficiently, ensuring that those who truly need assistance are prioritized.
“I hope the houses go to families who really need them, not to those who are already well-off,” said Rusdi La Ode (42), a fisherman from Patani district.
BPS Head Amalia Adininggar Widyasanti added that Central Halmahera, along with Surabaya, would serve as a pilot region for improved housing data collection. The initiative is expected to strengthen the accuracy and planning of future housing programs nationwide.
With support from both the national and local governments, the people of Central Halmahera are now looking forward to a brighter future—one where the right to adequate housing is no longer just a dream, but a foundation for a better life.
