Jakarta. Enggartiasto Lukita, former Chairman of Real Estate Indonesia (REI), voiced his support for the government's ambitious "Three Million Homes" initiative during a discussion organized by the Public Housing Ministry on Monday. He described the program as a significant step towards providing essential housing for low-income communities.

As a seasoned property developer, Enggar offered strategic insights into the challenges faced in executing this monumental project. He highlighted the critical issues of permitting and financing, stressing the need for clear deadlines to streamline the licensing process and ensure timely project progression.

"There are many notes to consider, such as the need to improve the permit timing. The Minister and the Housing Task Force have responded that a deadline will be set," the Executive Chairman of B-Universe Media Holdings said.

Enggar also addressed the importance of funding for housing finance, noting that if the Home Ownership Credit (KPR) scheme is utilized, sufficient long-term funding must be guaranteed.

Newly appointed Housing and Settlements Minister, Maruarar Sirait, elaborated on the initiative, emphasizing that it targets low-income individuals, including teachers, military personnel, police, civil servants, and the broader community. His aim is for the program to serve diverse segments of society equitably.

"We hope this program can serve as a role model and is not exclusive," Mauarar said.

In an effort to expedite housing procurement, Mauarar plans to leverage seized lands from the Attorney General’s Office and collaborate with state-owned enterprises (SOEs) to optimize the use of underutilized lands.

"I have coordinated with the Attorney General regarding the many seized lands owned by the state and how they can be utilized," he noted after being inaugurated by President Prabowo Subianto at the State Palace in Jakarta on Oct. 21.

He further highlighted that lands held by SOEs, including the Indonesian Railway Company (KAI), could be repurposed for housing projects.

Previously, Hashim S. Djojohadikusumo, Chairman of the Housing Task Force for President Prabowo Subianto, announced plans to construct three million houses annually, with two million allocated for rural and coastal areas and one million for urban regions.

According to Joko Suranto, Chairman of REI, Indonesia is facing a housing shortage of 12.7 million units, a backlog that has persisted for more than a decade.

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