Riri Rahayu, Jakarta – The Ministry of Housing and Settlement Area is preparing 1,000 subsidized housing units for journalists, a move the ministry denies is part of the efforts to silence dissent against government programs, including the 3 million housing program.
"Well, they ought to (criticize the government programs)," said Ara on April 8, 2025, in his office, adding that it's the journalist's duty to convey factual news instead of palatable ones. "They can also give suggestions and solutions," he added.
Ara reaffirmed that journalists are part of the pillars of democracy. He emphasized that journalists should not be silenced just because they receive housing benefits from the government. "Democracy must be upheld," said the Gerindra Party politician.
Regarding the allocation of subsidized housing for journalists, Ara mentioned that the program is intended to answer Indonesians' needs. Farmers, fishers, and other workers will also enjoy the subsidized housing program.
The news about housing units for journalists was first conveyed on April 1, while Minister Ara was attending an open house hosted by Danantara CEO and Investment Minister Rosan Perkas Roeslani.
Minister Ara said the government is also preparing 60,000 units of subsidized housing that will be allocated for fishers, laborers, and migrant workers. Furthermore, 30,000 housing units are prepared for health workers, including nurses, midwives, and public health workers.
There will also be around 5,000 subsidized houses for Indonesian Army soldiers and 14,500 for police personnel. "Out of 220,000 units. We are doing this for certainty. For whom? For the banks, distributors, for Tapera (Public Housing Savings), developers, and consumers," the minister said.