Indonesia housing

Types of Indonesia housing

In Indonesia, housing is categorized into traditional and modern types.

• Traditional housing reflects the culture of the people in the countryside. For example, rumah adat (traditional house) is a gathering place for families. The unique architecture demonstrates how the community values kinship.
• Modern housing refers to houses built by developers or real estate companies. Apartments are popular modern housing options in urban areas. High-rise buildings have spacious rooms to meet the demands of urban dwellers. Another option is strata title developments, which refer to landed properties governed by the strata title system.

Specifications and Maintenance

Indonesia's housing policy focuses on economic growth, social well-being, and sustainable development. As such, policy implementations aim to ensure quality living and working conditions through policies aiming at affordable, sustainable, and decent housing for all, especially for low-income earners and communities. This has led to the emergence of several housing construction types with varied maintenance requirements and specifications.

Typically, the specifications depend on the type of house construction. Below are some common Indonesian housing construction types and their specifications and maintenance requirements:

• Traditional stilt houses (rumah panggung)

  Usually found in coastal or swamp areas, the traditional stilt houses are elevated on wooden posts or stilts above the ground to avoid flooding or moisture. It's worth noting that specific materials may vary depending on the region, but they usually comprise wood for the floor, walls, and roof. Additionally, the traditional stilt houses have a space below the house (under-croft) that can be used for storage or outdoor activities.

  The typical houses have verges that protrude beyond the walls and eaves, creating overhanging roofs. Such features help protect the walls and foundations from rainfall and direct sunlight. This usually helps minimize the effects of weathering on the materials, thus reducing the maintenance demands. However, even with over-hanging roofs, traditional stilt houses require consistent maintenance to preserve them and maintain the inhabitants' safety and comfort.

  Typically, the first step in maintaining traditional stilt houses is regular inspections. During the inspections, the most common thing is to check for signs of damage, rot, or insect infestions. Once identified, house owners should promptly address any issues by making necessary repairs to prevent further deterioration. House owners can also preserve their homes by applying wood preservatives to protect against moisture, UV rays, and mold. Families should also ensure the house is well-ventilated to prevent dampness and minimize condensation. In this case, they can regularly open windows and doors. More importantly, house owners should ensure the area surrounding the house is properly drained to avoid water pooling which can elevate humidity levels.

• Modern urban housing (apartments, condos, and gated community houses)

  Modern urban housing refers to the homes typically found in urban areas. They include high-rise apartments, landed houses, and townhouses. Urban modernization has led to an increase in demand for decent housing, which has significantly impacted modern urban housing.

  Urban housing requires frequent maintenance to preserve structural integrity, aesthetics, and functionality. Regular inspections are key, and housing owners can set a maintenance schedule for routine checks. This helps in the early identification of issues such as leaks, cracks, and structural problems. Residents of urban housing can also ensure the common areas are well maintained to enhance the appearance and value of the housing areas.

• Modern minimalist house design

  As the name suggests, minimalist houses entail spacious open floor plans, lots of natural lighting, and functional furniture. Such features make minimalist houses easy to clean and maintain. Nonetheless, minimalism does not imply neglect. Minimalist house owners should get rid of dirt and dust promptly. In addition to cleaning and dusting surfaces, they should also identify and address maintenance issues such as leaks, cracks, or dysfunctional fixtures. More specifically, minimalist housing with wooden decks, patios, or flooring requires regular cleaning and maintenance to prevent slips and falls. That said, regular cleaning can help avoid injuries. On the contrary, houses with carpets and rugs require frequent vacuuming. Additionally, minimalists with homes in coastal areas should consider regular scrubbing and cleaning of surfaces to avoid mold growth.

Usage scenarios for Indonesia housing

• Urbanization and population growth

  As the population continues to grow Indonesia needs more houses to accommodate everyone. Houses that were once only for families are now being made into apartments or shared living spaces due to urbanization. Land that used to be open is now being developed into urban areas where commercial spaces also need to be considered. This is resulting in a housing shortage that Indonesia is struggling to keep up with.

• Affordable housing demand

  Due to economic constraints, Indonesian housing has shifted toward affordable options. Low-cost materials and construction methods are being used to create homes that are both affordable and livable. More vertical developments, such as apartments and condominiums, are becoming popular because they allow more people to be housed in a smaller area.

• Green housing development

  Environmental concerns have led to sustainable housing development in Indonesia. More housing projects are incorporating green spaces, energy-efficient systems, and eco-friendly materials. Sustainable practices, such as rainwater harvesting and waste management, are also being implemented to reduce the environmental impact of housing developments.

How to choose Indonesia housing

Housing is one of the essential human needs. When buying Indonesian properties for sale, buyers need to consider several things to ensure they get the houses that people would want to buy.

• Location

  When buying properties for sale, buyers should choose houses that are located close to schools, shopping centers, health facilities, and transport connections. Such houses will attract many potential buyers. Additionally, buyers can also negotiate for a better price because many people will want to buy the houses.

• House type

  House types vary. Some have modern features like open layouts and large windows, while others have traditional designs like high ceilings and narrow corridors. When buying an Indonesian house for sale, buyers should get the types of houses that will appeal to potential buyers. Buyers should note that modern houses are popular in urban areas, while traditional houses are popular in rural areas.

• Permits and legal requirements

  In some cases, buyers will be required to get permits before selling an Indonesian house. For instance, the government might require buyers to get a remodeling permit if they plan to make significant renovations to the house. Also, in case the house is in an area with a housing association, buyers might be required to conform to specific rules and regulations. For instance, they might be required to get permission before making changes to the house or getting the house approved to an association. To avoid future conflicts with the law or potential buyers, it would be best for buyers to comply with such requirements and get the necessary permissions.

• House condition

  Before purchasing a property for sale, buyers should evaluate the condition of the house carefully. They should check various components of the house, including plumbing and electrical systems, roofing and structural integrity, appliances and fixtures, and windows and doors. If they find anything that needs repair or replacement, they should factor the costs into the final price. Also, if they find any damage to the house, they should negotiate for a lower price. Eventually, if the negotiation is successful, they can invest in repairs and renovations and sell the house at a profit.

FAQ

Q1: What are the challenges of housing in Indonesia?

A1: The challenges of housing in Indonesia include affordability, demand and supply, and inadequate infrastructure and services. Meanwhile, cultural diversity also affects housing because different ethnic groups have varying housing needs and preferences.

Q2: What is the government housing policy in Indonesia?

A2: The government promotes home ownership through incentives such as tax exemptions for first-time home buyers. The government also collaborates with private developers to increase supply and established public housing programs targeting low-income families.

Q3: What are the housing types in Indonesia?

A3: Indonesia has various housing types, such as urban housing, rural housing, traditional housing, and housing for specific communities. Urban housing includes apartments and row houses; rural housing consists mainly of single-family homes. Traditional housing includes the Javanese house and Rumah Bubungan Dua Belas, a stilt house commonly found in southeastern Indonesia.