The government’s plan to develop subsidized housing units measuring 18 square meters has sparked public debate and criticism. Responding to the controversy, Dr. Ikaputra, an architectural engineering expert from Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), stated that while the proposed size is acceptable, it must be designed as part of a structured “incremental housing” or “core house” concept, supported by adequate land for future expansion.
“Eighteen square meters is the international minimum standard for post-disaster emergency housing. It is not meant for permanent residence. If intended for long-term use, the growth plan must be clearly outlined,” said Dr. Ikaputra to reporters at UGM Campus on Thursday, Jul. 3, 2025.
He explained that homes with an 18-square-meter floor area are commonly used as initial shelters for disaster victims.
In such an emergency context, this housing is acceptable.
However, if this concept is applied to permanent housing, several key considerations must be addressed.
According to Dr. Ikaputra, the success of such housing models lies in the concept of incremental or “growable” homes, those built in stages according to the homeowner’s economic capacity. He criticized the limited land area allocated for these units.
If the house is built on a 25-square-meter plot, only 7 square meters remain for future expansion.
“The issue isn’t the 18-square-meter house itself, but the plot size, which is too small. Ideally, the land should allow for at least double the initial structure, plus green open space,” he noted.
He recommended a minimum plot size of approximately 50 square meters.
This would provide sufficient space for the gradual expansion of the building, the addition of rooms based on the family’s evolving needs, and the incorporation of greenery and healthy drainage systems.
Without this, he warned, the risk of creating overcrowded and slum-like settlements would increase.
In addition to horizontal incremental housing, Dr. Ikaputra also proposed an alternative: the construction of low-cost rental apartment blocks, particularly in urban areas where land is scarce and expensive.
He emphasized that such housing solutions could be effective if supported by accessible public transportation.
“If rental apartments are built on the outskirts of cities where land is cheaper, there must be easy access to workplaces, like nearby train stations or affordable public transport, so that it remains efficient for all parties,” he added.
Dr. Ikaputra also emphasized the importance of planning for housing growth from the outset.
This involves not only ensuring the safety of building structures, especially in earthquake-prone areas, but also spatial arrangements that support long-term family life.
He shared UGM’s experience in building post-disaster homes following the Yogyakarta earthquake and the Merapi eruptions, noting that incremental housing can succeed if its architectural and structural designs are properly planned from the beginning.
“What matters isn’t just the size of the house, but whether it can grow safely and humanely. Clear planning from the start is crucial because decent housing is not only about the floor area, but also about ensuring a decent life inside. A well-intended housing plan should not result in uninhabitable areas,” he concluded.
Author: Bolivia Rahmawati
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Lintang Andwyna
Illustration: Freepik