The head of the development department of the Jakarta Public Housing and Public Buildings Agency, Melly Budiastuti, said three rusunawa would be available for middle-class residents: Rusunawa KS Tubun with 520 units, Semper with 250 units and Rawabuaya with 358 units.

“We are still looking for approval from Jakarta Legislative Council Commission C,” Melly said, as quoted by wartakotalive.com.  Commission C oversees financial affairs.

The rent is set at Rp 2.8 million (US$209) per month for a 36-square-meter unit based on Public Works and Public Housing Ministerial Regulation No.18/2007.  

"If the council agrees, there will be a gubernatorial decree on the matter," she said.

At present, rusunawa are reserved for evictees or poor residents, who are charged less than Rp 600,000 per month. The Jakarta administration subsidizes rusunawa across the city.

Commission C deputy head Santoso said he would discuss the proposal with the agency, adding that the council would ask for further details on the rent calculation.

Santoso, however, suggested that the agency find another solution rather than a cross subsidy, which does not consider an effective solution.

“Currently, people are allowed to live [in rusunawa] forever. That should not be allowed,” Santoso said, adding that there should be a limit of around 10 years for residents to live there.

After ten years, he added, those residents should find a new place to live, so they would be encouraged to work hard. (wnd)

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