Social Policy for Decent Housing Assistance for Low-Income Households in Gorontalo City

Abstract

The Livable Housing Program, also known as Mahyani, is a government initiative designed to assist low-income households (referred to as RTM) who own properties that do not fulfil the required standards for habitation. The primary objective of the Livable Housing Program is to implement a housing framework that enhances the quality of living for the community, hence fostering improved comfort and well-being. Furthermore, the provision of habitable homes enables the community to contemplate the expansion of their entrepreneurial pursuits. The primary aims of this study are to gain insights into the process of formulating the Livable Housing Program by the local government of Gorontalo City, Indonesia, assess the level of community involvement in the program’s development and implementation, and examine the response of the community (as beneficiaries) towards the Livable Housing Program initiated by the Gorontalo City government. This study utilizes a qualitative technique, specifically employing a policy analysis approach, and adopts a descriptive strategy to investigate the research question. The data gathering methodologies employed in this study encompass observation, interviews, and document analysis specifically pertaining to the program. The research findings suggest that the execution of the Mahyani home building program is currently facing operational challenges. These include the significant delays encountered in the distribution of building supplies and the situation where some beneficiaries are still awaiting assistance, albeit with hopeful expectations of receiving it in due course. The replies from the beneficiaries indicate that they perceive the advantages of the Livable Housing Program implemented by the local government. With the provision of housing support, individuals are now able to inhabit their residences, notwithstanding any discrepancies between the building and their original expectations.