Gentengisasi Program Does Not End Housing Problems

JAKARTA - Gentengisasi is the latest program of President Prabowo Subianto, which is now widely discussed.

Prabowo wants a national movement to replace zinc roofs with clay-based tiles. One of the movements that he calls gentengisasi is also part of an effort to beautify the face of Indonesia.

"I want all the roofs of Indonesia to use tiles. So later this movement is a movement, the project is the project of gentrification throughout Indonesia," said Prabowo.

Simply put, the gentrification program is a national movement plan to replace zinc-based house roofs with tiles, especially clay tiles.

The purpose of Gentengisasi is not merely to replace the roof material, but to beautify the face of Indonesia, increase the comfort of housing, and at the same time move the people's economy from the village.

Housing observer from the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) Jehansyah Siregar doubts Prabowo's call for a gentrification program. Because basically, each area has different needs in terms of house roofs.

Meanwhile, Public Policy Observer from Trisakti University, Trubus Rahardiansyah appreciated Prabowo's brilliant idea. He encouraged young people in the village to develop their potential by industrializing tiles sustainably.

It is undeniable that zinc roofs still dominate houses in Indonesia. Gentengisasi carries a strong message, namely an effort to raise the class of people's housing from merely a shelter to a human living space.

Housing with a zinc roof is synonymous with the face of poverty in Indonesia. More than that, the zinc roof in tropical countries can be seen as a giant oven that traps the sun's heat and spreads it into the room. As a result, the temperature inside the house increases and lasts longer, especially during the day and night.

This condition triggers prolonged heat stress which is very dangerous for vulnerable groups such as the elderly and toddlers.

Trubus Rahardiansyah explained that from various studies, extreme heat in the home in urban areas of West Africa shows how heat in the room becomes a "silent" health threat.

Although it does not appear as a single medical diagnosis, heat in the room has an impact on the occupants inside. In toddlers, the temperature of the living room increases the risk of mild to moderate heat stress, which is often characterized by dehydration, fatigue, sleep disorders, and decreased appetite.

This condition does not always lead to hospitalization, but cumulatively can interfere with children's growth and development and immunity.

Meanwhile, in the elderly, chronic exposure to heat is at risk of triggering dehydration that is not realized, worsening co-morbidities such as hypertension and heart disorders, and increasing susceptibility to extreme fatigue.

In the long term, this sleep disorder lowers immunity, concentration, and productivity, as well as exacerbates existing health conditions, especially the elderly.

In the perspective of public policy, this condition creates a latent health burden. People are not immediately sick, but live in a residential environment that slowly erodes health, sleep quality, and productivity.

This burden, said Trubus, then has implications for increasing household spending on electricity and health, as well as long-term pressure on the health service system.

"This is where the policy of gentrification finds its relevance. Clay tiles based on local materials have better thermal mass, so they are able to hold and release heat more stably," said Trubus.

Meanwhile, Jehansyah Siregar said the national gentrification program was not an effective policy. According to him, each region has different needs in terms of housing.

"Roof tiles are not always the choice in every area if other local materials are easier to obtain and more suitable for the environment. In some areas, bamboo, rattan, or wood shingles are more commonly used," said Jehansyah, quoting Kompas.

Jehansyah added, basically, people's housing is in the private domain of the community. Especially regarding the roof of the tile is heavier and requires a tighter roof structure so that it is more expensive than the lighter zinc roof. Tiles, according to Jehansyah, are commonly used in housing in urban areas and highlands.

Meanwhile, in low-lying areas and coastal areas, fishermen usually use wooden boards for walls and zinc for the roof of the house.

"In general, all roofing materials have the function of resisting heat and rain as well as good thermal insulation. The zinc roof is indeed hotter, but it can be more cool by using a good ceiling and cross ventilation," said Jehansyah.

In terms of economics, zinc roofs are a more economical choice than tiles because they are lighter and easier to install. Furthermore, Jehansyah assessed that gentrification does not reduce the number of housing shortages or housing backlogs, which indicates the low welfare of people's housing.

He actually encouraged the government to focus more on implementing priority programs for people's housing. That way, it can reduce housing backlog and slums in urban areas.

"For example, through the cheap rental apartment program run by SOEs as a public service in major cities," he said.

Regarding the purpose of gentrification for the empowerment of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), the government should support various building material industries in all regions.

According to Jehansyah, not only tiles, currently the building materials industry is the backbone of the social-economic life of the community in various regions.

"For this reason, the government should conduct a policy analysis first before issuing a policy on gentrification. For example, through a study of intersectoral development, a study of building culture and the availability of roofing materials," said Jehansyah.