A small kost room is where I return home every day. The constant buzz of activities that pulse through the small streets, the yelling of children, the sounds of motorbikes honking, and the calls of street vendors fuel both its charm and its challenges.

 

For those unfamiliar, "kost" refers to rental rooms commonly found in urban areas of Indonesia. They are often small, budget-friendly accommodations typically rented by students, starter families, or young workers like me. A kost usually consists of a small bedroom, possibly with an attached or shared bathroom, and sometimes features communal areas such as a living room and kitchen. Though similar to the concept of co-living in a boarding house, a kost often hosts less social interaction and community engagement among residents who are busy with their own lives. In this environment where I fend for myself, I cannot help but reflect on how this tiny space has become more than just a place to live—it is a symbol of freedom, independence, and a unique cultural phenomenon that defines life in this vibrant region. 

 

The many shades of kost culture

My journey into the world of kost living began with a simple need: affordable accommodation as a young undergraduate student and, later, a junior office worker. Some may also ask why we do not opt for dormitories or apartments. For people like me, kost and kontrakan offer accessible living options without long-term commitments and tight curfew regulations. Many students and employees seek to rent low cost rooms due to this proximity and practical amenities. Kost provides individual studio rooms, while kontrakan offers larger divided spaces resembling rented houses, often accommodating several individuals such as small families or friend groups. Regardless of whether one chooses kost or kontrakan, both options are cheap and typically managed directly by their owners, making it easier to address any issues that may arise. Their compact size also means less maintenance and cleaning—a blessing for us with busy lifestyles.

But it is not just about freedom and self-sufficiency; these small rental rooms have shed light on the problem of owning a house in Indonesia. Homeownership in Indonesia has been relatively low, with only about 8.30% growth rate from 2024 to 2032. The complexities and uncertainties surrounding property ownership in Southeast Asia contribute to the appeal of renting. Buying a house, especially with mortgage loans (KPR), can be daunting and unfamiliar, with risks of problematic property titles and land disputes looming large. Typically, KPR requires a substantial down payment upfront, followed by monthly installments over 15-20 years. This long-term financial commitment can be intimidating, especially for young people just starting their careers. The risks associated with problematic property titles and land disputes also run rampant in a region where land mafias are common.

 

The prospect of investing a significant sum in a property only to face legal challenges is a risk many are unwilling to take. Currently, many individuals are weighing the options between buying or renting, and deciding between a house or an apartment, which adds to the complexity of making such a significant financial decision. The need to consider long-term stability versus the flexibility of renting further complicates the decision-making process, making kost and kontrakan appealing alternatives.

 

“I prefer renting because it is more flexible to move around and try new environments or atmospheres.”

Jane, 28

 

For people accustomed to migration, work travels, and nomadic lifestyles like Jane, the idea of committing to a lifelong commitment can seem stifling. Renting offers flexibility and removes the burden of maintaining a property. It is a lifestyle which appeal extends beyond Indonesia; other Southeast Asia countries also found the affordability and flexibility of these small rentals appealing, with examples like "phòng trọ" or "nhà trọ" in Vietnam

 

In a region where multi-generational living is the norm and breaking away from the family home can be financially daunting, kost living offers a first step towards independence without breaking the bank. The allure of having one's own space, free from the constraints of parental rules and expectations, is irresistible. This cultural relevance of rental living is so influential in the lives of many young Southeast Asians that it captured international attention, so much so that game developers like EA created a Sims 4 expansion pack inspired by this culture. The simplicity, affordability, and flexibility of kost-living resonate globally, highlighting its significance as a cultural phenomenon worth acknowledging.

 

The Sims 4 For Rent

 

However, this newfound freedom comes with its costs. Suddenly, the responsibility of daily life falls squarely on our shoulders. Simple tasks like planning meals and purchasing household essentials such as laundry detergent or toilet brushes become a reality we face. Sometimes, loneliness and homesickness creep in as we adjust to being on our own.

 

Beneath the surface of this seemingly carefree lifestyle also lies the fear of perpetual renting and the lack of homeownership. One of the causes is the steadily increasing property prices over the years that make it challenging for individuals and starter families to afford a house. As rents continue to rise and property prices soar, there is a lingering concern that we may never be able to afford a home of our own. For example, in Jakarta, The percentage of property price increase rate in Jakarta is 0.67% year-over-year to Rp35.6 million ($2,263 USD) per sq. m. in Q4 2023. According to the data from Kompas.id, the median price of a house in South Jakarta reaches Rp773 million (approximately $50,000 USD), while the average monthly net salary is only around Rp8 million ($4,200 USD). This disparity highlights the significant housing affordability challenges faced by many Jakartans, particularly those in lower-income brackets. In comparison, renting a kost or kontrakan offers a more affordable alternative, with monthly rents typically ranging from Rp500,000 to Rp2,000,000 ($35 to $140 USD) depending on location and amenities. With the high cost of living and property in urban areas, renting a small room in a kost or kontrakan is often the most viable option.

 

Though so, the thought of being at the mercy of landlords and subject to rent hikes or eviction is another daunting prospect that looms over us like a dark cloud. Rent hikes are common, with some tenants experiencing increases of 10-20% upon lease renewal. The lack of tenant protection laws exacerbates this issue, leaving renters vulnerable to sudden evictions or unmanageable rent increases. This precarious situation creates a sense of instability and insecurity, making the dream of owning a home seem even more distant and unattainable.

 

 

But for now, as I bask in the warmth of my tiny kost room, surrounded by the familiar sights and sounds of Southeast Asia, those worries seem distant. At this moment, I am grateful for the freedom, independence, and sense of belonging that kost living has afforded me. It may be a small room in a crowded city, but it is my sanctuary, my refuge from the chaos of the world outside. And as long as I have this little space to call my own, I know that I am home.