Heaptalk, Jakarta — The Ministry of Housing and Settlements (PKP) has initiated an affordable housing program for journalists in collaboration with Statistics Indonesia (BPS).
Minister of Housing Maruarar Sirait and Head of BPS Amalia Adininggar Widyasanti signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Ministry’s office in Wisma Mandiri, Central Jakarta (04/08). The program aims to ensure journalists access decent and affordable housing.
In its initial phase, this cross-sector initiative targets providing 1,000 subsidized housing units for journalists across various regions. The first batch of 100 affordable homes will be handed over to selected journalists on May 6, 2025. The selection process will involve the Press Council and the Indonesian Journalists Association (PWI). “We recognize the challenge in prioritizing recipients, as demand will likely exceed available units. Therefore, we want to ensure the selection is objective and well-targeted,” said Maruarar at the Ministry’s office (04/08).
Amalia explained that the eligibility criteria have been adjusted to be more inclusive. Journalists residing in Greater Jakarta with a monthly income of up to Rp13 million for married applicants or Rp11–12 million for single applicants can still qualify for the subsidy. “Initially, we set the income cap at Rp7–8 million. However, after considering field conditions and the vital role of journalists in society, we relaxed the limit to allow more journalists to benefit,” Amalia stated.
Receiving full support from Komdigi
Also present at the MoU signing was Minister of Communication and Digital Affairs (Komdigi) Meutya Hafid, who expressed full support for the affordable and livable housing program. Meutya emphasized its importance in upholding journalism as a pillar of democracy in Indonesia, noting that President Prabowo Subianto has shown strong commitment to media welfare.
“We appreciate this initiative because, having been a journalist for 10 years myself, I know not all journalists are prosperous—many still lack access to affordable housing financing or live below decent standards,” she said during a press conference at the Ministry of Housing (04/08).
She further affirmed that her ministry would facilitate stakeholder coordination to ensure the program’s effectiveness. “This profession is not just important but essential in safeguarding democracy. Journalists’ welfare must be part of the nation’s strategic agenda—not only symbolic sympathy, but concrete action with tangible impact,” Meutya concluded.
