FEB ULM Academician Offers Suggestions for Smoother Housing Loans

Banjarmasin – The economic growth of South Kalimantan, which reached 5.23 percent in the third quarter of 2024, with an inflation rate of 1.81 percent and a per capita income of 6.97 percent, indicates a fairly stable and continuously developing economic condition.

In the context of housing loan offerings, Ahmad Yunani, an academician and Lecturer of Economics and Development Studies at the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) Universitas Lambung Mangkurat (ULM), believes that the financial capability of the community is currently adequate. However, he emphasized that the smoothness of credit not only depends on the ability to pay but also on the character and responsibility of the debtor in fulfilling their obligations.

“This potential should be a concern for property entrepreneurs and the South Kalimantan Regional Board of Real Estate Indonesia (REI). Hopefully, this potential can support the achievement of sales targets,” he said.

To help middle to lower-income communities own homes with lighter financial burdens, an evaluation of the credit amount is needed. This evaluation should consider the average income level of this group in South Kalimantan to keep installments affordable.

“Ideally, housing installments should not exceed one-third of the community’s income. Thus, the risk of non-performing loans can be minimized,” he added.