The complexity problems of housing and settlement development is increasingly diverse, marked by the existence of slum areas in cities or even in rural areas. Some of the causes of these problem are: low competence of human resources regarding the implementation of housing and settlements programs; low community capacity in environmental management; lack of comprehensive understanding of stakeholders for joint action in the field of housing and settlement according to the mandate of the Law.

Republic of Indonesia Law No. 1/2011 concerning housing and settlement areaAREA states that the implementation of housing and residential areas consist of planning, development, utilization and control activities, must include the development of institutions, funding and financing systems, and the role of coordinated and integrated communities. All of the above aspects involve many institutions and communities in order to make the implementation process of the program suitable with the standards to achieve goals and benefits.

The Master degree program in Housing and Settlement Development at Andalas University was formed in 2009, and this is the first Master degree in this field in Indonesia. The study program initially received support from infrastructure, programs and lecturers from the Ministry of Public Housing.  Future cooperation with the Ministry of Public Works will be developed; as well as with the Ministry of transmigration and Labor; Bappenas; and Provincial, Regency and City Governments; and with the private sectors.