Responding to the government’s plan to build subsidized homes measuring 18 square meters for low-income communities, Social Development and Welfare (PSDK) expert, Dr. Nurhadi, believes this policy risks creating new poverty if not accompanied by a focus on housing quality and supporting facilities.
“This policy needs to be reviewed to prevent new poverty in the future,” Dr. Nurhadi said on Monday (Jul. 7).
According to Dr. Nurhadi, the availability of housing is one of the basic services in social policy, alongside education, health, employment, and food.
The state is indeed obligated to meet these basic needs, but merely providing houses is not enough.
“Quality and feasibility also need to be considered,” Dr. Nurhadi added.
According to Dr. Nurhadi, subsidized homes measuring 18 square meters do show the state’s intention to guarantee housing rights for low-income communities.
However, if it only pursues quantity without considering quality, this policy could impact mental health, especially for mothers and children.
It also increases the risk of domestic violence.
Dr. Nurhadi also highlighted the importance of a more comprehensive approach.
Housing cannot be separated from basic facilities such as clean water, sanitation, access to employment, transportation, and health services.
“A house without services is not a home. Rather, it is a shelter without dignity,” Dr. Nurhadi emphasized.
Dr. Nurhadi believes that the massive construction of small subsidized homes can also trigger the formation of new slum areas.
This is especially true if occupied by low-income communities gathered in one location without adequate facility support.
As a solution, Dr. Nurhadi suggested that the government consider other alternatives, such as building flats.
According to Dr. Nurhadi, with the same budget, the government could build larger flat units with shared public space facilities. This would create more humane and decent housing.
“Direct surveys of the low-income community need to be conducted. What they consider to be decent housing. Re-consultation with prospective occupants is highly necessary,” Dr. Nurhadi explained.
Author: Ika Agustin
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Afifudin Baliya
Illustration: Freepik.com