In a pivotal meeting focused on enhancing living conditions in Indonesia’s strategic border regions, Minister of Home Affairs Muhammad Tito Karnavian, who also serves as the Head of the National Agency for Border Management (BNPP), convened with key officials to discuss preparations for a crucial housing program. The high-level discussion, held with BNPP Secretary Makhruzi Rahman and other BNPP representatives at the Ministry of Home Affairs headquarters in Jakarta on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, underscored the government’s commitment to these vital areas.
During the session, Minister Karnavian issued a strong directive to BNPP officials: actively engage with and capitalize on the Uninhabitable Homes (RTLH) renovation program, an initiative spearheaded by the Ministry of Public Works and Housing (PKP) specifically targeting border communities. He highlighted that the PKP Ministry had already allocated funds for the repair of an impressive 15,000 RTLH units in these critical areas, a significant increase from the initial 10,000 units. “This [Minister PKP] Pak Ara, has already communicated 15,000; it was initially 10,000, now increased to 15,000. Therefore, the task of BNPP, I urge you, is to truly seize this program. Work on this with genuine dedication,” the Minister emphasized, stressing the importance of heartfelt commitment to the initiative.
To ensure the program’s efficacy and precise targeting, the Minister instructed BNPP to meticulously map eligible border areas, identifying suitable locations and the specific number of units requiring intervention in each region. Crucially, for detailed information on prospective beneficiaries, BNPP is tasked with collaborating closely with the Central Statistics Agency (BPS). Minister Karnavian explained that BPS possesses comprehensive social and economic data on the populace, including those residing in RTLH, thanks to its extensive surveys for the National Single Social and Economic Data (DTSEN). This collaboration will guarantee that the program reaches those who meet the established criteria, maximizing its positive impact.
Beyond immediate housing improvements, Minister Karnavian articulated a profound vision for the program’s long-term impact. He expressed confidence that these initiatives would significantly enhance the welfare of communities in border areas, thereby fostering a stronger sense of nationalism among residents. By improving their living standards, these communities would naturally become the frontline guardians of national sovereignty, acting as a vital “buffer zone for defense.” “Nationalism will emerge in them,” he affirmed. “They will become a buffer zone for national defense.”
Summary
Minister of Home Affairs Muhammad Tito Karnavian, also Head of the National Agency for Border Management (BNPP), recently convened a meeting to discuss preparations for a crucial housing program. He urged BNPP officials to fully utilize the Ministry of Public Works and Housing’s (PKP) Uninhabitable Homes (RTLH) renovation program, which has allocated funds for 15,000 units in strategic border regions. This initiative aims to significantly improve living conditions in these vital areas.
To ensure the program’s efficacy, BNPP is tasked with meticulously mapping eligible border areas and collaborating with the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) for accurate beneficiary data. Minister Karnavian believes these improvements will enhance the welfare and foster nationalism among border communities, positioning them as a vital “buffer zone for national defense.”