Department of Government Studies

HOUSING AND SETTLEMENT POLICY MODEL BASED ON COLLABORATION PARTNERSHIP IN MALANG CITY

Housing and settlements are major issues that need attention in the era of modernization, such as the one currently underway. Strategic policies are a primary concern that must be carefully considered and decided upon by relevant stakeholders. The results of the author's 2011/2012 research titled "Housing and Settlement Development Program Policy Model Based on Collaboration Partnership to Achieve Feasibility of Life for Low-Income Communities (MBR) in Malang City" revealed the following findings:

First, there is legal awareness from both the central and regional governments to take responsibility for low-income citizens who do not yet have housing or settlements. This is evident in the issuance of Law Number 1 of 2011 concerning Housing and Settlement Areas, the Ministerial Regulation Number 14 of 2011 regarding Guidelines for Implementing Self-Help Housing Stimulus Assistance for Low-Income Communities, and the Malang City Government’s commitment to easing licensing for developers managing housing and settlements for low-income communities. Additionally, Malang Mayor Peni Suprapto pledged to renovate uninhabitable homes for residents.

Second, despite this legal awareness, the research uncovered discrepancies in the implementation of housing and settlement development policies in Malang City. The findings included:
a) The absence of specific regulations by the Malang City Government to govern technical implementation of housing and settlement programs for low-income communities.
b) Housing developments are primarily accessible only to civil servants in grade IIa and IId.
c) Low-income residents face significant difficulties in accessing housing due to high eligibility criteria, such as owning land—a requirement that many low-income individuals cannot fulfill.

Third, there is inconsistency in the Malang City Government’s goal to eliminate slum housing and settlements. Legally, the city refers to Local Regulation Number 01 of 2004 on building management. However, in practice, the government tends to maintain slum conditions by providing infrastructure improvements, such as road repairs and public bathrooms for communities living along the Brantas River.

Fourth, developers, as partners of the Malang City Government, are more profit-oriented than community-focused. Housing developments primarily adopt an economic approach, leading to overpopulation in city centers, traffic congestion, and flooding.

Fifth, Malang City lacks regulations governing the role of developers in housing and settlement development for low-income communities. Developers rely on Law Number 8 of 1999 on Consumer Protection, which requires them to act in good faith and treat consumers fairly. However, without binding local regulations, it becomes difficult to monitor and control developer activities.

Sixth, the Malang City Government, with its autonomous authority, is responsible for managing resources, including planning the Regional Housing and Settlement Development Program (RP4D). As RP4D was newly introduced in 2011, better integration between central and local governments is needed to ensure effective planning and implementation.

Seventh, housing and settlement development in Malang City is concentrated in the eastern region, particularly in Kedungkandang District and Buring Subdistrict. Collaboration with PT Bulan Terang Utama has resulted in a 200-hectare housing project featuring simple, middle-class, and luxury homes. The first phase includes 1,000 simple houses priced below IDR 60,000,000 each. However, these developments remain inaccessible to the general public, as most beneficiaries are government employees.

Eighth, future housing distribution in Malang City is planned based on population density and community needs. Low-density areas like Kedungkandang District and Buring Subdistrict will be prioritized, provided they are outside protected zones and strategically significant for economic development.

The above points summarize the challenges and efforts of the Malang City Government in managing housing and settlement programs. Civil society responses include:

1. Civil society organizations, represented by Malang Corruption Watch (MCW), argue that housing development focuses solely on profit and neglects social, cultural, and environmental factors, leading to issues like congestion, flooding, and economic disparity.
2. MCW views housing development as capitalistic, discriminatory, unsustainable, and unequal. The lack of clear criteria for low-income beneficiaries complicates identification.
3. Another civil society organization, LSM Tipikor Malang, highlights the underutilization of housing projects due to high eligibility criteria, such as land ownership, which excludes many potential beneficiaries.

The findings underscore the need for an appropriate policy model to address these issues and provide housing and settlements for low-income communities in Malang City. The current system neglects equity, fairness, and sustainability due to poor communication among stakeholders: the city government, developers, and the community.

A Collaboration Partnership Model involving these three stakeholders is proposed, emphasizing participation, transparency, fairness, equity, and sustainability. Key recommendations include:

1. The Malang City Government should establish legal frameworks defining the criteria for low-income communities and developers, ensuring fair, equitable, participatory, and sustainable development.
2. Developers should uphold values of fairness, equality, and sustainability while acting in good faith and with honesty.
3. Civil society representing low-income communities should participate in policy-making, monitor developers, and assist in implementing housing programs to ensure mutual benefits.

This model aims to optimize housing and settlement policies in Malang City by fostering collaboration and addressing existing challenges.