Minister Risma Inaugurates Mulya Jaya Flats to Empower Vulnerable Groups Beyond Housing

JAKARTA (31 March 2023) — Social Affairs Minister Tri Rismaharini inaugurated the "Mulya Jaya" Center Flats in Jakarta, on Friday (31/3). This flat is a collaborative program between the Ministry of Social Affairs and the Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR), to support a decent life for vulnerable groups.

This flat is the second flat to be inaugurated by Minister Risma. Previously, the "Pangudi Luhur" Integrated Center Flat in Bekasi was also inaugurated.

With the inauguration of these flats, the Minister expressed her thanks to President Joko Widodo and PUPR Minister Basuki Hadimuljono.

"This is the second flat that we have prepared for beneficiaries who need help with housing. Thank you for the permission and direction of President Joko Widodo and the Ministry of PUPR for making the construction of this flat possible," said Social Affairs Minister Risma when inaugurating the "Mulya Jaya" Center Flats in Jakarta.

Flat residents, a marginalized and vulnerable group, face various challenges. They also dwell in a variety of locations both in and outside Jakarta.

"We will try to figure out the problems one by one, but in the meantime, they may live comfortably in this flat. I see how difficult their lives are," added Risma.

The "Mulya Jaya" Center Flats were built on an area of approximately 21,843 m2, with a building area of 8,367 m2. This 5-story flat consists of 93 residential units. The structure and equipment inside are designed to be accessible towards vulnerable groups such as the disabled and elderly.

The building's design also provides a child-friendly space for playing and reading. So, there are several beneficial activities that residents can engage in while living in the flat.

This flat has a variety of facilities. These include electricity and water, a parking lot, a Health Service Unit, a Digital Reading Corner, an ATENSI Creation Center, a multipurpose room, lockers, CCTV, garbage disposal, a safety net, accessibility standards, accessible and public bathrooms, medicinal herbs, a waiting room, and an evacuation route. Each room also has a dining table, closet, bed, gas stove, 3 kg gas cylinder, and dining sets.

Prospective flat residents are 76 families consisting of 259 people, including 8 disabled beneficiaries, 5 elderly beneficiaries, and 63 beneficiaries from vulnerable groups (homeless people, domestic violence victims, human trafficking victims, and buskers).

Residents of these flats will be empowered based on their abilities, in addition to having a place to live.

"We are not only providing houses. We are indeed being helped by the PUPR Ministry to prepare these houses, but we are also helping them to run their businesses," said Minister Risma.

Flat residents will receive diverse skill training, such as fashion or other enterprises. So they can select which business is best for them to manage.

“There are many skill training options based on their ability. We can't force them. There are sewing, culinary, handicraft, and laundry," Risma explained.

It is intended that with the empowerment provided, residents will be able to continue their lives outside of the flat and improve their economies, allowing them to leave poverty and live more comfortably. Residents who can live independently can also create chances for other beneficiary families that require a place to live.

The Minister also met with the residents to discuss how to take advantage of this flat and maintain its facilities and infrastructure. The Minister reminded them not to transfer this flat to any other parties.

The Minister also continues to encourage people to be empowered, autonomous, and live better lives after leaving this flat.

The Director General of Housing at the PUPR Ministry, Iwan Suprijanto, said that this collaboration is a form of the state's presence at all levels of society, including those who need Social Welfare Services (PPKS).

"To all parties, we hope that the construction of these flats can be understood as a concrete form of concern from the government, to be present at all levels of society," Iwan said. 

Iwan also believes that this flat can be used to its full potential right away. It can be very useful as an empowering tool for PPKS.  

According to Iwan, the construction of flats for PPKS, is a form of collaboration and synergy between the PUPR Ministry which has duties and responsibilities, especially in the housing sector, through the Directorate General of Housing, and the Ministry of Social Affairs.

"Our task is not only to meet housing needs but also housing with a function as a facility for community empowerment, especially our brothers and sisters who are PPKS," Iwan stated. 

Members of Commission VIII DPR RI Ina Ammania and I Komang Koheri were also in attendance, as was the Chair of the National Commission on Disabilities Dante Rigmalia, Senior Advisors to the Minister of Social Affairs, Pratama and Intermediate High Leaderships, and Heads of the Ministry of Social Affairs' Centers/Integrated Centers/Social Welfare Education and Training Centers.