President Prabowo Subianto Mobilizes Ministers to Reclaim Railway Land for Strategic Urban Housing Initiative

President Prabowo Subianto orders ministers to reclaim state land for low-income housing in Jakarta, Bandung, and Medan to eliminate high-risk railway slums.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 7, 2026, 5:17 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from ANTARA

The Presidential Mandate for Urban Renewal

President Prabowo Subianto has officially summoned his cabinet and state-run enterprise leaders to the Presidential Palace to finalize a comprehensive housing strategy for underprivileged families. The primary focus of this executive push is the relocation and housing of citizens currently residing in high-risk areas along active railway tracks. This directive follows a personal site visit by the President to the Senen district on March 26, where he pledged to transform these informal settlements into dignified, permanent residences.

Reclaiming State Assets for Public Welfare

Housing and Settlement Minister Maruarar Sirait confirmed that the administration is moving to assert control over strategic state-owned land that is currently being utilized by third parties. According to Sirait, locations in Tanah Abang, Bandung, and Medan hold significant strategic value and should be leveraged for the direct benefit of the people rather than remaining under unofficial control. The Minister emphasized that the presence of the state is essential in ensuring these high-value areas are repurposed to serve the housing needs of the middle and lower-income demographics.

Collaborative Efforts in Rail-Side Development

The scale of the project has necessitated a multi-departmental approach, involving the Ministry of Housing and state-run railway operator PT KAI. Following a joint inspection in Bandung with PT KAI President Director Bobby Rasidin, Minister Sirait underscored the need for seamless synergy to expedite the transition from planning to construction. By integrating railway management with urban planning, the government aims to solve the dual challenge of improving rail safety and addressing the chronic shortage of affordable metropolitan housing.