Shift from zinc roofs to tiles aims to boost comfort and city aesthetics
Batam is preparing to reshape its residential landscape through a roof conversion initiative that aligns with a national push to modernize housing standards and improve urban aesthetics.
Batam Moves Toward Roof Modernization
The Batam City Government is preparing to implement a “gentengisasi” program that encourages residents and developers to replace zinc roofs with tile roofing. The initiative forms part of a broader effort to enhance city aesthetics and improve housing quality.
Batam Mayor and Head of BP Batam, Amsakar Achmad, stated that urban management goes beyond waste control and basic infrastructure. He emphasized that residential comfort and the visual appeal of neighborhoods are equally important in shaping the city’s identity.
Beyond Aesthetics and Toward Livability
Amsakar explained that zinc roofing does not support Batam’s ambition to become a clean, orderly, comfortable, and attractive city. In addition to being visually less appealing, zinc roofs absorb heat easily and are prone to corrosion.
Such materials, he noted, are less suitable for long-term housing, particularly in tropical climates where indoor heat retention can affect residents’ comfort and energy use.
Coordinating With Property Developers
As an initial step, the Batam administration will coordinate with housing developers to prioritize higher-quality construction materials, including roofing choices, in future projects.
This collaboration aims to ensure that new residential developments meet improved aesthetic and durability standards, creating more cohesive and well-planned neighborhoods across the city.
National Directive From President Prabowo
The policy aligns with guidance from President Prabowo Subianto during the 2026 National Coordination Meeting of Central and Regional Governments in Sentul, West Java, on Feb. 2.
In his address, Prabowo highlighted that many homes in Indonesia still use zinc roofing, which he described as hot for occupants and vulnerable to rust. He stressed that Indonesia cannot project an image of beauty and progress if zinc roofs dominate the skyline.
“Gentengisasi” as a National Movement
President Prabowo proposed a national “gentengisasi” movement to encourage the wider use of tile roofing. He noted that the tile industry is relatively easy to develop and can be strengthened through cooperatives.
The initiative could also utilize local raw materials and innovative blends, including processed coal waste, to produce lightweight and durable tiles. According to the president, the shift in roofing materials symbolizes not only structural improvement but also national advancement and civilization.
Implications for Batam’s Urban Identity
For Batam, a strategic industrial and trade hub near Singapore, upgrading housing standards carries symbolic and economic significance. Improved residential quality supports the city’s broader ambitions to attract investment and maintain its reputation as a modern gateway region.
City officials view the roof conversion program as part of a long-term strategy to elevate urban standards while enhancing residents’ comfort and environmental resilience.
Batam’s gentengisasi program reflects a coordinated local and national effort to modernize Indonesia’s housing landscape. By replacing zinc roofs with more durable and aesthetically pleasing tiles, the city aims to strengthen its urban image and improve living conditions. As Batam continues to position itself as a key economic partner to Singapore and the wider region, housing quality and city presentation will remain central to its development narrative.
Sources: Batampos (2026) , Antara News (2026)
Keywords: Batam Gentengisasi, Amsakar Achmad, Zinc Roof Replacement, Prabowo Housing Initiative, Batam Urban Aesthetics, Indonesia Roof Policy
