Ahok’s Take on Public Housing: No More Lifetime Residency in Jakarta’s Rusunawa

Background: Ahok’s Housing Policy

Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, better known as Ahok, served as Jakarta’s Governor from 2014 to 2017. One of his key policies was the construction of low-cost rental apartments (Rusunawa) to house residents displaced by river normalization projects and slum revitalization efforts.

During his tenure, Ahok allowed residents to live in Rusunawa for life, with the rental rights even passing down to their children, provided they followed the rules and paid a daily rental fee of Rp10,000. This policy was designed to give Jakarta’s low-income residents long-term housing security.

Ahok argued that not everyone could afford homeownership, so Rusunawa should serve as permanent housing for those in need. This approach also prevented residents from returning to slums or illegally occupying riverbanks.

Policy Shift Under Acting Governor Heru Budi Hartono

With Ahok out of office, Jakarta’s housing policy took a turn under Acting Governor Heru Budi Hartono.

Heru redefined Rusunawa as temporary housing, limiting residents’ stay. His rationale? More people should have access to affordable housing rather than letting some occupy the same units indefinitely.

He also believed that residents should strive for economic independence, eventually moving to privately owned housing rather than relying on subsidized government apartments.

Ahok’s Response to the Changes

Ahok strongly opposed the new time-limited policy, arguing that it puts vulnerable residents at risk of losing their homes. He suggested that the matter should be left to Jakarta’s newly elected leadership — Governor Pramono Anung and Deputy Governor Rano Karno — rather than being altered by a temporary official.

He also raised concerns about **corruption and favoritism in the allocation of Rusunawa units, accusing certain officials of illegally selling or unfairly redistributing apartments**.

Debate Over Jakarta’s Public Housing Policy

Supporters of Ahok’s Lifetime Residency Policy

• Ensured long-term housing security for low-income families.
• Prevented people from returning to slums or illegal settlements.
• Improved overall well-being, allowing residents to focus on work and education.

Supporters of Heru’s Temporary Residency Policy

• Increases housing availability for more people.
• Encourages self-sufficiency, pushing residents to seek private housing.
• Reduces dependency on government subsidies.

What’s Next for Jakarta’s Rusunawa?

With Jakarta’s new leadership taking office, the future of Rusunawa policies remains uncertain. Will they restore Ahok’s lifetime residency model, or will Heru’s approach of temporary housing prevail?

The challenge lies in balancing housing security for vulnerable citizens while ensuring equal access to affordable homes for all. One thing is clear — Jakarta’s public housing policy needs a long-term strategy that serves both current and future residents.

meeshilgers.com