The North Jakarta City administration is throwing its full support behind the central government’s home renovation initiative, the Self-Help Housing Stimulant Assistance (BSPS). This year, 2,000 housing units in North Jakarta have been earmarked for revitalization by the Ministry of Housing and Settlement Areas (PKP).

With roughly 174,000 homes currently classified as substandard, North Jakarta Mayor Hendra Hidayat is focusing efforts on the Cilincing and Penjaringan areas.

"We're grateful for this initiative and are ready to fast-track the data collection and uploading process by early September 2026," he expressed, Friday (8/28).

Hendra elaborated that properties proposed for the aid must meet several strict criteria. Most notably, they must not be located in buffer zones, involve land disputes, or occupy state-owned land.

The program specifically encourages the tradition of gotong royong (a communal work), with local RT/RW heads tasked with involving neighbors as the primary workforce. This ensures the project benefits the community both through better housing and local job opportunities.

"Together, let's create a safer and more comfortable living environment for North Jakarta people," he concluded.

During an on-site inspection to Cilincing, Housing Minister Maruarar Sirait personally verified that the BSPS aid is being directed to the right people according to predefined standards.

"We are cross-checking the data to make sure it's factually correct. Our goal is to move quickly while upholding proper governance and ensuring the aid is accurately targeted," he explained.

He detailed that each BSPS recipient will receive a Rp 20 million grant, with construction scheduled to run from September 8 to November 8, 2026. He emphasized, the program's execution must tap into local economic potential, particularly by utilizing neighborhood labor and nearby building supply stores.

"Aim to hire local residents and source materials from shops in the vicinity. This ensures the program also stimulates the area's economy," he added.

He then called for a rigorous vetting process to ensure the aid reaches the most vulnerable residents. This precision is vital for residents like Udin Marudin, who expressed profound gratitude upon learning he was a candidate for the program.

Working daily as a pigeon seller to support a household of nine, Udin struggles to maintain the ancestral home where he was born. With four families squeezed into one deteriorating structure, the renovation is more than just a repair—it’s a lifeline.

"This program is a miracle. I hope the government continues to look out for people like us so we can all live in dignity. Thank you, Mr. President and Mr. Governor, for truly caring for the common people," he admitted.