INDONESIA LAUNCHES HOUSING INITIATIVE FOR JOURNALISTS

By Mohd Iswandi Kasan Anuar

JAKARTA, May 7 (Bernama) -- The Indonesian government has introduced a subsidised housing programme in Bekasi, West Java, aimed at assisting around 70 per cent of the country’s 100,000 media workers who struggle to find affordable accommodation.

The housing initiative is a partnership between government ministries and the private sector to recognise journalists’ contributions to democracy and public accountability, according to a statement from the Ministry of Communication and Digital on Wednesday.

“We affirm that journalists, who have dedicated themselves to the pursuit of truth, also have the right to live in decent housing. The government’s role is not only to supervise but also to be a caring partner in their welfare,” said Minister Meutya Hafid, a former journalist, at the launch event.

During the event, Meutya and Housing and Settlements Minister Maruarar Sirait symbolically handed over keys to subsidised houses for 78 journalists and five media workers at Gran Harmoni Housing in Cibitung, located over 40 kilometres from central Jakarta.

Similar ceremonies took place in Medan, Palembang, Makassar, Manado, and Yogyakarta, where 10 journalists in each location were handed their keys.

Maruarar  also announced that the number of subsidised homes available for journalists will increase from 1,000 to 2,000 units, depending on demand.

However, several press organisations, including the Alliance of Independent Journalists (AJI), the Indonesian Television Journalists Association (IJTI), and the Indonesian Photojournalist Association (PFI), have voiced opposition to the programme.

In a joint statement issued on April 15, the groups acknowledged the need for housing but argued that journalists should access subsidies through existing public channels like other citizens.

“If the government wants to improve journalists’ welfare, it should ensure media companies comply with labour laws, including fair wages and better working conditions,” said AJI Chairperson Nani Afrida.

-- BERNAMA