Journal of Architecture & Environment
Vol. 25 No. 2 (2026)

HOUSING THE NATION IN A DECENTRALIZED ERA: INSTITUTIONAL LESSONS FROM INDONESIA

Muhammad Al Farisy (Master'
s Program in Architecture, Faculty of Architecture, Planning, and Policy Development, Institut Teknologi Bandung, Bandung, Indonesia)

Rizaldi Miftahul Firdausi (Master'
s Program in Architecture, Faculty of Architecture, Planning, and Policy Development, Institut Teknologi Bandung, Bandung, Indonesia)

Amadea Martha Wijaya (Master'
s Program in Architecture, Faculty of Architecture, Planning, and Policy Development, Institut Teknologi Bandung, Bandung, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 Oct 2026

Abstract

Decentralization in Indonesia has expanded local government responsibilities in housing provision, raising questions about institutional capacity and the sustainability of physical outcomes. This study examines the relationship between institutional governance and architectural outcomes through three cases, namely the Kampung Improvement Programme (KIP) in Jakarta, Kota Tanpa Kumuh (KOTAKU) in Pekanbaru, and Rumah Tidak Layak Huni (RTLH) rehabilitation in Ternate. Using a qualitative multiple-case approach, the study analyzes documentary evidence through five institutional capacities, including regulatory, administrative, technical, financial, and coordinative capacities, supplemented by stakeholder participation as a sixth governance component. Physical and spatial outcomes are assessed through four indicators comprising physical implementation, housing adequacy, infrastructure and spatial quality, and sustainability. Findings indicate that regulatory arrangements exist across the programs, although implementation compliance remains unverified. Administrative findings reveal weaknesses in documentation, data integration, and beneficiary verification. KIP demonstrates neighborhood infrastructure improvements alongside maintenance and drainage integration challenges. KOTAKU reports settlement infrastructure improvements, although technical performance and long-term maintenance remain insufficiently verified. RTLH documents visible dwelling-level improvements without sufficient evidence of structural safety, technical compliance, or durability. The study contributes an evidence-based framework distinguishing physical delivery, technical and spatial adequacy, and long-term stewardship across different intervention scales. The findings emphasize that institutional arrangements and completed works do not necessarily demonstrate satisfactory architectural quality or sustainable physical performance.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

joae

Publisher

Subject

Civil Engineering, Building, Construction & Architecture Environmental Science

Description

Journal of Architecture & Environment (E-ISSN: 2335-262X) is a bi-yearly publication of the Department of Architecture, Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS). It aims to communicate, disseminate and exchange information from studies in architecture and its interactions with ...