Heaptalk, Jakarta – Minister of Public Housing and Settlements (PKP), Maruarar Sirait, has revealed alleged foul in the construction of 2,100 housing units intended for former Timor-Timur fighters in Kupang Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT).
According to the Minister, the findings were based on an investigation conducted by the Ministry’s Inspectorate General, which identified deviations from the approved Work Plan and Specifications (RKS). Meanwhile, the housing project was carried out by several state-owned enterprises (SOEs), including PT. Brantas Abipraya (Persero), PT. Nindya Karya (Persero), and PT. Adhi Karya.
“We deployed the Inspectorate General team and found signs of foul in the housing construction for former Timor fighters in Kupang,” said Maruarar during a press conference in Jakarta.
He emphasized that the quality of housing must align with the standards set by President Prabowo Subianto, highlighting the government’s commitment to delivering livable and dignified homes for the former fighters.
In response to the findings, Minister Maruarar held a coordination meeting with Deputy Minister of State-Owned Enterprises, Kartika Wirjoatmodjo, and representatives from the involved SOEs. He urged them to immediately rectify the deficiencies and guarantee the quality and safety of the housing units.
Inspector General of the Ministry, Heri Jerman, detailed the technical violations observed during an on-site evaluation involving experts from Nusa Cendana University. Among the key issues identified were foundations that did not meet depth requirements—intended to be 90 to 170 centimeters but found to be only 30 to 40 centimeters in some cases—as well as inadequate soil compaction, cracked walls, and poor drainage due to improper elevation.
“The foundation work was far below standard. In addition, poor land compaction caused the buildings to settle unevenly. Many houses had cracked walls, and rainwater was not draining properly because the building elevation was level with the ground,” explained Heri.
The Ministry’s Inspectorate General has activated its anti-corruption initiative, known as SEKOP (Submit Corruption Cases), and formally handed over the case to the East Nusa Tenggara High Prosecutor’s Office on March 20, 2025.
Deputy Minister Kartika Wirjoatmodjo confirmed that the Ministry of SOEs had received the report and is committed to addressing the issues.
“Three state-owned companies—PT. Brantas Abipraya, PT. Nindya Karya, and PT. Adhi Karya—will take corrective action, including reinforcing the structures and improving land elevation to ensure proper drainage. These houses must be safe and livable for the former Timor fighters,” said Kartika.
