Indonesia's Proposal of Tiny, Subsidised Homes for Young Urbanites Draws Flak

Experts Say Cramped Conditions Could Jeopardise Physical, Psychological Well-being

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JAKARTA - The Indonesian government's proposal to develop compact, subsidised housing for urban youth is facing growing criticism from both experts and potential occupants, who say the poor design and cramped living conditions of these "mini houses" could jeopardise their inhabitants' physical and psychological well-being.

The Public Housing and Settlements Ministry last week showcased two prototype units at Lippo Mall Nusantara in South Jakarta.

The homes, which are slated for development in Jakarta and the surrounding cities of Bekasi, Bogor, Depok and Tangerang in partnership with real estate giant Lippo Group, have a starting price of 100 million rupiah (S$7,860) and can reach up to 140 million rupiah, depending on location and size.

The single-bedroom unit measures just 14 sq m and sits on a 25 sq m plot, featuring a living room and a bathroom, while the larger double-bedroom unit offers 23.4 sq m of floor space on a 26.3 sq m plot that includes a living room and two bathrooms.

Each unit also comes with a carport nearly as large as the living area.

"These smaller homes aim to attract young people, particularly Gen Zers who wish to live closer to their workplace in minimalist and affordable homes in urban areas," the ministry's urban housing director Sri Haryati said on June 16.

But critics say the mini houses fall far short of acceptable standards and could do more harm than good.