Indonesian Ministry of Public Works and Housing Builds Tourism Ready Houses in Tanjung Kelayang, Belitung

JAKARTADAILY.ID – The Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) through their Sarhunta program helped build 20 houses and renovated 70 homes in Tanjung Kelayang, Belitung regency.The Sarhunta, or tourism Residential Facilities program aims to build or renovate houses near tourism destinations for residents to then turn them into homestays or BnBs.

PUPR Minister Basuki Hadimuljono said that the renovation of residents' houses aims to improve the quality of the houses of residents around tourism areas to become "livable."

"In addition, the renovation can also be used for cottage tourism businesses and other tourism businesses, so that it can boost the local community's economy," said Minister Basuki in a press release published on the PUPR ministry website on Wednesday, September 21, 2022.

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The Director-General of Housing at the Ministry of PUPR, Iwan Suprijanto, explained that the homestay built in Tanjung Kelayang has complete facilities and a building design that highlights a mix of local elements.

There is an umbrella ornament called Payung Lilin Belitung as its trademark.

Ridwan, who works as a voluntary janitor at Laskar Pelangi Beach, explained that houses from the Sarhunta program in Tanjung Kalayang are bejng rented out for tourists from Rp 150,000 for a room with a fan and Rp 250,000 for rooms with air conditioning.

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“The price includes breakfast with a local menu. Existing facilities are not inferior to those in hotels, namely beds, chairs, mattresses, cupboards, towels, toiletries, and private bathrooms," said Ridwan.

“The total budget to build 20 Sarhunta units in the Tanjung Kelayang SEZ is Rp. 2 billion, while the improvement of the quality of houses in the village corridor is 70 units, worth Rp. 2.45 billion.

The construction also involved the local community," said Director General of Housing at the PUPR Ministry, Iwan Suprijanto.

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Iwan explained that the construction of the Sarhunta was very much needed for local residents to support the community's economy after Belitung was made a SEZ.

The existence of the G20 Belitung event can also make Sarhunta an alternative lodging for invited guests and foreign tourists.