The 9th Regional Deliberation (Musyawarah Daerah or Musda) of the Realestat Indonesia (REI) Banten Regional Management Board convened successfully at the Aston Serang Hotel & Convention Center in Serang, Banten. This significant triennial democratic event, held to elect new leadership and chart the strategic direction of the association for the 2026–2029 term, drew high-profile attendance from national figures, regional leaders, and key real estate stakeholders. Among the prominent attendees was the Chairman of the Regional Representative Council of the Republic of Indonesia (DPD RI), Sultan Bachtiar Najamudin, alongside Central REI Chairman Joko Suranto, outgoing DPD REI Banten Chairman Roni H. Adali, and the newly elected Chairman, Chin Finddy Wong, who previously served as the association’s secretary.
Carrying the overarching theme Era Keemasan Perjalanan REI Banten Membangun Negeri (The Golden Era of REI Banten’s Journey in Building the Nation), the convention served as a crucial platform to address pressing housing backlogs, evaluate the socio-economic impacts of the property sector, and align regional development goals with national housing initiatives. The proceedings combined rigorous organizational evaluations, commission meetings to map out future policies, and a transparent democratic election process that culminated in the handover of leadership after a decade of continuous service under the outgoing administration.
Strategic Importance of Banten in National Logistics and Housing
Addressing the assembly, DPD RI Chairman Sultan Bachtiar Najamudin delivered a comprehensive keynote address praising the immense contributions of REI Banten developers toward regional economic growth and employment generation. Sultan emphasized that Banten holds a remarkably strategic geographical position as the primary western gateway connecting Java and Sumatra, serving as an industrial hub, a logistics epicenter, and a territory with immense residential expansion potential.
However, Sultan also raised critical concerns regarding the friction between rapid spatial expansion and environmental carrying capacity. He pointed out that contemporary urban development often creates a dilemma where the demand for physical space encroaches upon ecological sustainability, necessitating a more rigorous and deliberate approach from local governments. Housing ownership, he stressed, remains one of the most fundamental social challenges requiring immediate, collaborative intervention from all stakeholders.
Citing data from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Sultan highlighted the alarming statistic that approximately 30 million families across Indonesia either lack homeownership or currently inhabit substandard housing units. To tackle this profound backlog, he underscored the imperative of supporting the ambitious 3 Million Houses Program championed by President Prabowo Subianto. According to Sultan, realizing this national objective demands an unbreakable synergy encompassing the central government, regional administrations, banking institutions, private developers, and the general public.
Beyond merely hitting numerical targets, Sultan issued a stern reminder that the ultimate metric of success in mass housing development must be quality of life. The newly constructed homes must be genuinely affordable, structurally sound, safe, and fully integrated with essential urban infrastructure, including clean water systems, proper sanitation, reliable public transportation, and community facilities.
Economic Multipliers and Provincial Support for Developers
Echoing the sentiments of the DPD RI Chairman, Central REI Chairman Joko Suranto presented compelling economic data illustrating the profound macroeconomic footprint of the property sector. Referencing comprehensive research conducted by REI in collaboration with the University of Indonesia (REI-UI), Joko noted that the real estate industry consistently channels between IDR 135 trillion and IDR 140 trillion in annual investments into the national economy.
Crucially, every capital injection ranging from IDR 125 trillion to IDR 140 trillion generates an estimated 0.5% boost to the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP). Joko argued that mass housing programs such as the 3 Million Houses initiative represent exceptionally rational, evidence-based economic policies designed to stimulate post-pandemic or cyclical recovery, alleviate poverty, and activate extensive supply chains. The property sector famously triggers multiplier effects across more than 170 upstream and downstream industries, ranging from cement, steel, and ceramics to interior design and financial services, while absorbing massive volumes of skilled and unskilled labor.
Joko also reiterated the necessity for regional governments to dismantle bureaucratic bottlenecks. Streamlining licensing procedures, securing undisputed land statuses, and implementing pro-investment local policies are foundational to accelerating project execution on the ground. In this regard, Joko commended Banten Governor Andra Soni for his responsiveness to the operational realities faced by developers, transforming administrative hurdles into avenues for constructive dialogue.
Governor Andra Soni, representing the Provincial Government of Banten, expressed deep gratitude to the real estate community for their steadfast commitment to regional development. He emphasized that the partnership between the local government and developers extends far beyond physical construction; it touches the core of societal well-being.
"On behalf of the Provincial Government of Banten, I extend my highest appreciation to all REI Banten administrators and members who have consistently contributed to regional development through property construction, housing provisions for citizens, employment creation, and economic stimulation," Governor Andra Soni stated.
Moving Past Planning Toward Execution and Consumer Protection
During his address, Governor Andra Soni urged all stakeholders to shift their strategic focus away from merely debating regional potential and toward swift, decisive execution. Pointing out that the Province of Banten has celebrated over two decades of autonomy, he challenged the business community and local bureaucrats to accelerate efforts aimed at reducing the regional housing backlog.
Crucially, the Governor placed heavy emphasis on consumer protection within the real estate sector. He challenged developers operating under the REI Banten umbrella to act as the vanguard of integrity, ensuring that consumers receive absolute legal certainty, honest marketing, and transparent product delivery. He issued a strong warning against predatory practices, such as fraudulent activities disguised as booking fees (uang tanda jadi) that frequently prey on unsuspecting home seekers.
Demonstrating the provincial administration’s commitment to fostering a healthy business climate, Andra Soni pledged that the local government would never intentionally complicate administrative processes for compliant and law-abiding property developers.
"Why do we place such high importance on housing? Because I firmly believe that prosperity begins at home. Good health begins at home. If a house lacks proper ventilation, if its sanitation is compromised, what kind of diseases won’t find their way inside?" Andra Soni remarked passionately, underscoring the intrinsic link between quality housing and public health outcomes.
A Decade of Leadership Transition and Future Outlook
The 9th Musda also marked the end of an era for DPD REI Banten. Outgoing Chairman Roni H. Adali stepped down after leading the association for approximately a decade. Reflecting on his tenure, which notably spanned the unprecedented economic turbulence of the COVID-19 pandemic, Roni expressed profound gratitude for the unwavering support of his members and colleagues.
"Today concludes my tenure as Chairman of DPD REI Banten after leading for nearly ten years. I extend my deepest gratitude to everyone who has supported our administration. It is my sincere hope that REI Banten will continue to grow, innovate, and thrive," Roni said during his emotional farewell address, while also offering a humble apology for any shortcomings or missteps during his long leadership tenure.
Following the extensive commission meetings and evaluation of the organization’s strategic roadmap, the delegates partook in a transparent and democratic election process to determine the leadership for the 2026–2029 tenure. Chin Finddy Wong, who previously served as the Secretary of DPD REI Banten, emerged victorious as the newly elected Chairman.
Stepping into his new role, Finddy Wong acknowledged the sturdy foundation laid by his predecessor and voiced readiness to steer the organization toward greater achievements.
"Under Chairman Roni’s leadership, we have grown together as a unified community. Moving forward, we are fully prepared to carry forward that spirit of collective growth and ensure that the property industry in Banten makes an even more substantial contribution to both regional and national development," Finddy Wong concluded.
With the new leadership formally installed, DPD REI Banten enters a crucial three-year cycle poised to navigate regulatory challenges, champion consumer rights, and serve as a vital pillar in actualizing national housing goals across the western gateway of Java.
