Stories of Change
Bogor, January 21, 2026 – That morning, Muhamad Qosim stood for a moment at the threshold of his home, which is now painted a bright blue. The small house that once felt cramped and filled with worry now looks spacious and calming. Something he once found nearly impossible to imagine has now become his everyday view.
Qosim, 47, is a familiar face at the Sentul Village Office in Babakan Madang, Bogor Regency. Since 2020, he has worked as an office boy there. For over five years, he has dedicated himself to cleaning rooms, preparing office supplies, and ensuring that public service activities run smoothly. The wages he receives do not exceed one million rupiah per month—an amount he must manage with extreme frugality to support his 41-year-old wife, Ella, and their three children: two who are in high school and elementary school, and a two-year-old.
Before becoming an office boy, Qosim worked as a local motorcycle driver. Moving from one job to another has long been a part of his life. Yet, one thing never changed: his responsibility as the head of the family and his desire to provide a sense of security for the people he loves.
The house they occupy is not new. Twenty years ago, Qosim bought it from his grandmother, with a land area of only 21 square meters. When it was just him and his wife, the house felt sufficient. However, as the children grew, the cramped space began to feel stifling.
“Since I’ve owned this house, it has never been rebuilt or expanded. It just stayed like this. At most, I’d fix it little by little if there was a leak or if the walls started peeling,” Qosim recalled.
The roof was made of asbestos, a material he knew posed health risks to his family. However, replacing it with tiles was no easy feat due to financial constraints. “I couldn’t afford to switch to a tiled roof. The cost is high, while my income is only enough for food and the children’s schooling,” he said softly.
Whenever he found holes in the walls or parts of the house starting to rot, Qosim always tried to repair them. The fear that the house might endanger his family at any moment was his driving force, even though his financial situation was often inadequate. Consequently, any money he had was always spent on patching up damages. They lived hand-to-mouth, with almost no room to save. Their income was only enough for daily meals and children’s education.
Read also: A Mother’s Story: Almost Leaving for the Future of Her Family
Change began when Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, together with PT Mitra Pinasthika Mustika, arrived in Sentul Village. Through an assessment process, Qosim’s home was deemed in need of an upgrade to become a decent place to live. The damaged condition of the house, his status in the lowest economic group, and the overcrowding of family members relative to the house’s size were the key considerations for building him a decent home.
The construction process was a moment filled with hope. Slowly, the fragile old house was replaced by a more spacious and sturdy dwelling. Now, Qosim’s house stands at 28 square meters, painted a bright blue that radiates a completely different atmosphere than before.
“Alhamdulillah, I am so grateful for this house. The whole family is beyond happy. Even my youngest child immediately pointed out where their room should be,” he said with a small laugh.
With a larger house, Qosim no longer has to share a mattress with the entire family. He, his wife, and their youngest child now have their own bedroom, while the other two children also have their own sleeping spaces.
“I also feel more confident. I’m no longer ashamed to welcome guests. I used to direct them to my parents’ house because my own was too cramped and inadequate,” he said.
The blessing of a decent home did not stop at physical changes. A few weeks after the house was completed, Qosim was offered a new role as a service staff member at the village office—an opportunity he had never imagined before, marking a new chapter in his life.
For Qosim, a decent home was not the direct cause of his change in status. However, the house became a foundation that provided security, peace of mind, and the confidence to take further steps. With more stable living conditions, he was able to demonstrate his full capacity and dedication at work.
“Now I have a new spirit. I want to work harder and save up slowly. In the future, I want to add one more bedroom,” he said hopefully.
Qosim’s story proves that a house is more than just a building. A house is the foundation of life that opens doors for change. When a family has a safe and decent place to live, hope finds a place to grow.
For Qosim, this decent home has led him not only to a better place to stay but to a life of greater dignity and hope.
Writer: Kevin Herbian
(kh/av)
