Monday, 21 September 2026
MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM – Medan Mayor, Rico Waas, has praised the collaboration between the city government and the Buddhist humanitarian foundation Buddha Tzu Chi, which is implementing a strategic program to renovate 500 uninhabitable houses (Rumah Tidak Layak Huni/RTLH) across the city.
The appreciation was expressed during an official reception for Mujianto, Chairman of Tzu Chi North Sumatra, held at Medan City Hall on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.
Collaboration for Decent Housing
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Rico Waas emphasized that the initiative represents a significant step in improving housing conditions for low-income families in Medan. The program, titled "Berbenah Kampung," aims to upgrade substandard housing while supporting Indonesia's national "Rumah Merah Putih" housing movement initiated by the Ministry of Public Works and Housing.
He stated that the collaboration is expected to create safer, healthier, and more dignified living environments for residents in need.
'Berbenah Kampung' Supports National Housing Drive
Mujianto, Chairman of Tzu Chi North Sumatra, alongside Timmy Jawira, head of the Tzu Chi Emergency Response Team in Medan, reaffirmed the organization's commitment to assisting underprivileged communities.
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The program is part of a broader national target to renovate 5,000 homes across Indonesia, with Medan designated as one of the priority regions in North Sumatra.
Each housing unit receives approximately IDR 30 million in assistance, focusing on essential structural improvements such as roofs, floors, and walls under the "Aladin" standard.
61,000 Homes Still in Need of Repair
Rico Waas revealed that around 61,000 homes in Medan are currently classified as uninhabitable, making the renovation of 500 houses an important initial milestone.
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"We thank the Tzu Chi Foundation for its strong commitment. This is an important beginning for our city," Rico said, accompanied by City Secretary Wiriya Alrahman, Head of Social Affairs Khoiruddin Rangkuti, and Head of Housing and Settlement Office Jhon Lase.
He also highlighted the importance of clear land ownership to ensure legal certainty in the renovation process, as well as a geographically balanced distribution of project areas.
The city government is prioritizing households categorized under Desil 1 and Desil 2, representing the poorest segments of the population.
"People in Medan will be very happy to live in proper housing. We fully support this program," Rico concluded. (IDNC)
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REPORTER: Teguh Panjaitan | EDITOR: Fik Sagala
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