Jakarta Housing Crisis Ignites Public Discussion

In Jakarta, the film 'Home Sweet Loan' resonated with nearly two million viewers, depicting a woman in her 30s struggling to afford a home in the city's challenging real estate market. As housing prices soar, residents are increasingly forced to seek distant homes, leading to lengthy commutes. Less than two-thirds of Jakartans own homes, highlighting a significant wealth gap in the city, where slum housing exists alongside luxury apartments. The average price of a house in Jakarta is reportedly 20 times higher than an employee's annual salary, prompting individuals like Jessica Sihotang and Rizqi Arifuddin to consider side jobs or relocating to neighboring provinces. The film's themes have sparked widespread discussions about the harsh realities of homeownership in the capital. Urban planners emphasize that limited space and rising costs make Jakarta increasingly inaccessible for lower-income residents.