MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM - North Sumatra Governor Muhammad Bobby Afif Nasution has reaffirmed the provincial government's commitment to supporting the development of subsidized housing and the provision of affordable homes for the public. The support is aimed at strengthening cooperation between local governments and housing developers to provide decent and affordable homes equipped with basic infrastructure.
Bobby Nasution made the statement when he received a delegation from the Central Executive Board (DPP) and the North Sumatra Regional Executive Board (DPD) of the Association of Indonesian Housing and Settlement Developers (Apersi) for a meeting at the North Sumatra Governor's Office, Jalan Diponegoro No. 30, Medan, on Tuesday, September 29, 2026.
The meeting discussed various issues related to housing development. These included subsidized housing, support from the regional government, the availability of building materials, basic infrastructure, and developers' needs in implementing housing projects for the public.
Developers as a Link Between Government and the Public
According to Bobby, the success of government programs requires the involvement of various stakeholders to ensure that the benefits of development actually reach the public. In the provision of housing, developers play an important role because they are directly involved in the construction process and the provision of homes for the community.
"Government programs must reach the public. This requires a link. Developers are an important part of this because they connect the government with the people who benefit from these programs," Bobby said.
Bobby explained that the North Sumatra Provincial Government remains open to providing support within its authority to advance the development of the housing sector. However, such support must be aligned with various other government programs.
He emphasized the importance of considering the relationship between residential development and the needs of the community. These needs include food supplies and various facilities required in residential areas.
"We agree that we have to adapt to existing conditions. As for what we can support as a regional government, we are ready to help," he said.
According to Bobby, the regional government and developers need to establish good communication so that problems arising in housing development can be discussed jointly and solutions can be found.
SUPPORT FOR HOUSING DEVELOPMENT: North Sumatra Governor Bobby Nasution emphasizes that the regional government will support housing development as long as it complies with applicable programs and regulations. (PHOTO: Munawar Harahap)
Availability of Building Materials and Clean Water
In addition to support for residential development, Bobby also highlighted the availability of building materials. Rising material prices are an issue that requires particular attention because they could affect the continuation of construction projects. This is especially relevant to subsidized housing, where selling prices are subject to limitations.
Therefore, Bobby called for cooperation between the North Sumatra Provincial Government, Apersi, regency and city governments, and other housing developer associations to ensure the sustainability of housing development.
The regional government also encouraged developers to make use of the free drinking water connection program provided through regional drinking water companies (PDAM). The program can help improve public access to clean water while strengthening basic infrastructure in residential areas.
Access to clean water is an important component in creating decent housing. A home needs not only a building that meets applicable standards but also basic infrastructure so that residents can live in appropriate conditions in their new homes.
Bobby expressed hope that developers would make optimal use of facilities and government programs that can support housing development. The construction of subsidized housing should therefore not focus solely on the number of housing units built but also on their suitability and the needs of the beneficiaries.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Bobby once again emphasized the importance of stronger cooperation between the North Sumatra Provincial Government, regency and city governments, Apersi, and housing developers.
"The regional government is ready to support developers' activities as long as they are in line with existing programs and regulations. We want housing development to move forward and benefit the public," Bobby said.
COMMITMENT TO SUBSIDIZED HOUSING DEVELOPMENT: Apersi DPP Chairman Dedi Indra Setiawan explains that housing developers remain committed to constructing subsidized housing despite continued increases in the prices of various building materials. (PHOTO: Munawar Harahap)
Apersi Highlights Rising Material Prices
Meanwhile, Apersi Central Executive Board Chairman Dedi Indra Setiawan appreciated the support and cooperation provided by the North Sumatra Provincial Government and regency and city governments. According to Dedi, the support is particularly evident in the areas of licensing and housing development.
Dedi explained that developers are responsible for ensuring that the houses they construct can be handed over to the public in accordance with applicable regulations. This responsibility also applies to the construction of subsidized housing intended for people with certain economic circumstances.
However, according to Dedi, developers face the challenge of rising prices for various building materials. This development is particularly relevant because prices for subsidized housing are relatively fixed, while construction costs may continue to increase.
"After completion, we hand the houses over to the public. This is our responsibility as developers, including for subsidized housing. House prices remain relatively stable while material prices continue to rise. Nevertheless, we remain committed to building and fulfilling our responsibilities," said Dedi, who was accompanied by Apersi North Sumatra DPD Chairman Yulius and other board members.
According to Dedi, continued support from the regional government is necessary to ensure the sustainable development of the housing sector. He particularly highlighted the need for housing in Deli Serdang Regency and several other areas of North Sumatra.
In his view, good cooperation between the government and developers can help ensure the continuity of housing development while meeting the housing needs of the public.
The meeting between Bobby Nasution and the Apersi delegation also discussed the importance of cross-sectoral coordination in housing development. The regional government provides support within its authority, while developers carry out housing construction and interact directly with the beneficiary residents.
During the meeting, Bobby was accompanied by North Sumatra Provincial Information and Communications Service Head Erwin Harahap, North Sumatra Housing and Settlement Service Head Rahmad Hidayat Siregar, North Sumatra Public Works and Construction Service Head Chandra Dalimunthe, and North Sumatra Investment and One-Stop Integrated Services Service Head Nurbaiti Harahap.
Cooperation between the regional government and housing developers is expected to strengthen the development of the housing sector in North Sumatra. The partnership is also part of efforts to expand public access to decent and affordable housing and ensure that residential development remains in line with existing programs and regulations. (IDNC)
REPORTER: Ahmad Zulfikar | EDITOR: Fik Sagala