Press Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia at the Inauguration of Millennial Housing for Indonesia, at the Samesta Mahata Margonda, Depok, West Java Province, 13 April 2023

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
The housing is needed to be developed in big cities throughout the country, not only in Greater Jakarta area. First, constructing vertical housing is really important. Second, construction using transit-oriented development (TOD) must also be started immediately in city centers where there are assets of ground of PT KAI [state-owned railway company]. Therefore, housing shortage both for millennials and the people in general can be addressed. Most importantly, it would be faster to reach destinations. As you can see here, campus is near, hospital is near. If you want to go to city center, just take commuter line, and you’ll reach the destination in 10-15 minutes.

I think an integrated housing with mass transportation is needed. No everyone owns a car. If everyone uses a car, there will be traffic congestion at every corners. I think it will show great results in a long term.

Journalist
Sir, how is the access for mass transportation in low-cost housing located in satellite cities including Depok, Bogor, and Tangerang?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
It’s all about preference. There are many mass transportation modes available, such as commuter line, [intercity] train, MRT, LRT. The development will begin in areas that are ready for TOD. If we also adopt it in areas outside Jakarta and develop the transportation, we might face obstacles since we firstly must work on land acquisition process which is the most difficult one. Since the land is already acquired here, the development must be started immediately. The most important thing is to provide choices for the people: there are housing at the city centers, near mass transportation modes, or outside Jakarta. I guess there are many choices to choose from. You only have to choose one that is most suitable for you.

Journalist
Sir, the Eid al-Fitr is around the corner. Will you host an open house?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
We had not held any iftar dinner or open house event for three years. [Government officials] are now allowed to have a gathering with their families, friends, or neighbors.

Journalist
Sir, since there is a hike in COVID-19 case in some countries, do you have any directive regarding that matter considering many people will participate in this year mudik [Eid homecoming]?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
The most important thing is vaccination and booster jabs. For those who haven’t taken their booster jabs, please do it immediately.

Second, based on result of serosurvey, 98.5 percent of people in Indonesia already have COVID-19 immunity. It’s such a high percentage. Nevertheless, those who haven’t received vaccination or booster jabs must remain vigilant. Take your jabs so we can be protected from COVID-19. There is indeed an increase in the number of case, but it’s still below WHO’s standards. The WHO’s standard is 8,000 [cases], while the cases in Indonesia is in a range of 600-900. I think it’s still under control.

Journalist
Sir, around 81 million millennials do not have a house. What is the solution to that matter particularly in regions?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
As I said earlier, I gave an order [to develop it] not only in Greater Jakarta area, but also other cities, such as Surabaya, Medan, Semarang, Bandung, Makassar, and other cities facing serious problem with traffic congestions, for instance, Palembang. Adopt TOD in cities that with traffic congestion.

Journalist
Is there any target, Sir? Maybe a certain number of housing …

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
You can ask the Minister, Erick [Thohir].

Journalist
Sir, regarding rights to allowances for government officials working in the Nusantara Capital. When will the Presidential Regulation be issued?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
If the draft is already on my desk, I will sign it immediately. However, it takes time to draw up the regulation, calculate the amount of allowance, and it requires inter-ministerial consolidation. Most importantly, the rights will be maintained and we will speed up the process. I just discussed it yesterday.

Journalist
Sir, regarding Asset Forfeiture Bill, when will the Letter of the President be issued?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
We keep pushing for the passing of Asset Forfeiture Bill into a law. It’s crucial; the law is important.

I ordered the House of Representatives and related ministries to complete the process immediately. Afterwards, I will issue the Letter of the President as soon as possible. We have been pushing for it for a while. How come it hasn’t passed into a law yet?

(RAS/HD)