Nur Mahmudi Ismail: JP/Arief Suhardiman

DEPOK: Mayor Nur Mahmudi Ismail says his administration welcomes the central government’s plan to provide affordable housing for journalists in the municipality.

“We will support the idea by taking care of the permits, as long as the location is in residential area,” he said, as quoted by tempo.co on Sunday.

Public Housing Minister Djan Faridz had earlier issued a press release that said the ministry planned to develop 1,000 houses for journalists in Citayam, Depok.

He said it was a request from President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono in a show of appreciation for journalists who have worked hard but still could not afford a house.

“We will appoint state housing developer Perumnas to manage the project,” he said in a statement on Thursday.

According to the minister, each house would be sold for Rp 45 million (US$4,900), with a 10 percent down payment and up to Rp 400,000 in repayments per month. State-owned worker’s insurance firm Jamsostek could cover the down payments.

The housing development is expected to be completed within six months.

The Public Housing Ministry said it would also cooperate with the State-Owned Enterprises Ministry to allot their corporate social responsibility funds to refurbish the houses.

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