Hans David Tampubolon – Public Housing Minister Djan Faridz says that there is no political motive behind his ministry's recent plan to develop cheap housing for journalists.

"The program was launched because journalists at the Public Housing Ministry and eventually, in Indonesia, wanted to have houses," he said. Djan added that at least 1,000 journalists in the Jakarta region had submitted a request to own the cheap houses.

Djan had earlier issued a press release that said the ministry planned to develop 1,000 houses for journalists in Citayam, Depok, just south of Jakarta. He said it was a request from President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono in a show of appreciation for journalists who have worked hard but still could not afford a house.

According to the minister, each house would be sold for Rp 45 million (US$4,900), with a 10 percent down payment and up to Rp 400,000 in monthly installments. State worker's insurance firm PT Jamsostek could cover the down payments. The housing development is expected to be completed within six months.

The Public Housing Ministry said it would also cooperate with the State-Owned Enterprises Ministry to allot their corporate social responsibility funds to refurbish the houses. (nvn)