Currently, there are 81 million productive millennials in Indonesia who have not yet been able to own a home or acquire housing facilities. In response to this issue, President Joko Widodo has revealed the government’s strategy.
He has requested that vertical housing with a transit-oriented development (TOD) concept, which integrates living facilities with public transportation, be built in major cities.
“This is what big cities need, not just in Jabodetabek but in all major cities throughout the country, vertical housing needs to be built,” said Jokowi during the inauguration of the Semesta Mahata Apartments in Margonda, Depok on Thursday, April 13, 2023.
Secondly, Jokowi has requested that TOD concepts be implemented in city centers, particularly on land owned by PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero). This will help to address the shortage of housing for both millennials and the general public.
“It’s important that they can quickly reach all the desired points like here. Want to study nearby, want to go to a nearby hospital, want to live in the city center, just take the KRL (Commuter Line Train) and arrive in 10-15 minutes. Integrated housing with mass transportation is needed,” he added.
It should be noted that Semesta Mahata Apartments in Margonda is located right next to Pondok Cina Station in Depok, which is a good example of how the dependence of society on private vehicles can be reduced.
“Not everyone uses a car, everyone buys a car, causing traffic everywhere. I think this is a good example for the long term,” said Jokowi.
Meanwhile, Minister of State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN) Erick Thohir revealed that his department is currently collaborating with the Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) to initiate vertical housing projects with a TOD concept. This involves both state-owned enterprises and Perumnas, the national housing company, to help alleviate the housing crisis in Indonesia.
“In this way, we want to ensure that housing problems are synergized with public transportation,” added Erick.
The government’s strategy to tackle the housing crisis in Indonesia, particularly among millennials, is to prioritize the development of vertical housing with a TOD concept in major cities.
This will provide affordable housing options that are conveniently located near public transportation, reducing dependence on private vehicles and alleviating traffic congestion. Collaboration between state-owned enterprises and the national housing company is expected to help accelerate the implementation of this strategy.
