RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia and China have agreed to strengthen cooperation in housing for low‑income communities (MBR), covering financing, construction technology, and building materials.

Minister of Housing and Settlement Areas (PKP), Maruarar Sirait, said the two countries exchanged experiences in addressing housing challenges and discussed policies implemented in both nations. “We discussed each other’s experiences in addressing housing issues in Indonesia and China,” Minister Maruarar said in Jakarta on Wednesday, July 29, 2026.

He explained that Indonesia is currently implementing several programs to support low‑income families, including subsidized housing, People’s Business Credit (KUR) for Housing, Permodalan Nasional Madani (PNM) Mekaar, and free land certificates.

“I requested that building materials such as cement, sand, and paint be sourced from Indonesia as long as they meet good specifications,” he added.

Minister Maruarar noted that both countries agreed to follow up on cooperation with a focus on housing for low‑income families, including land development, financing, and housing technology. “A partnership must be based on trust and mutual benefit,” he said.

Chinese Minister of Housing Ni Hong stated that his country is ready to expand cooperation with Indonesia, emphasizing the opportunity for both nations to learn from each other in addressing housing challenges.

“We will encourage our companies to expand their partnerships with Indonesian businesses. This cooperation will be carried out based on the principle of mutual benefit,” Ni Hong said.

He acknowledged that housing conditions and challenges differ between countries but stressed that exchanging experiences could lead to joint solutions. “We are ready to learn from each other and find solutions together, given that each country’s conditions are different,” he said.

Ni Hong hopes that cooperation in the housing sector will grow stronger through follow‑up programs. He also invited Minister Maruarar to visit China to further strengthen collaboration. (Misni Parjiati)