Visitors look at a mock up of a “mini“ subsidised house measuring 14 square metres in Jakarta on June 12, 2025. - Antara via The Jakarta Post/ANN
JAKARTA: The 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 Rp 100 million (US$6,121) and can reach up to Rp 140 million, depending on location and size.
