EN-ID Blog
The ongoing collaboration between Habitat for Humanity and POSCO directly supports 214 low-income families through the construction and renovation of homes, as well as empowering 333 individuals through healthy household management training.
Cilegon, January 16, 2025 – POSCO with Habitat for Humanity, Community Chest of Korea and KRAKATAU POSCO have successfully completed the collaborative project titled “Beyond Borders: Building a Better Future Together,” held from January 12-16, 2025. In this project, 49 Korean students, 10 Indonesian students, and 60 volunteers from KRAKATAU POSCO employees who participated in a series of activities ranging from building homes for underprivileged families in Cilegon, conducting various training programs, to undertaking environmental conservation efforts.
This initiative focused on providing safe and decent housing while improving educational facilities, including construct five decent homes and renovate school facilities in Ciwandan and Citangkil, Cilegon City. The new homes were designed with eco-friendly features, utilizing eco-bricks recycle from plastic waste, rainwater harvesting systems, and bio-septic tanks. This approach not only supports environmental sustainability but also offers practical solutions to sanitation and clean water challenges in the area. Additionally, renovations at MTs Al Hidayah have directly benefited 96 students and teachers by creating a more conducive learning environment, with improved classroom and teachers’ rooms as well as healthy/sanitary toilets.
The project went beyond physical construction to focus on community empowerment. Alongside building safe and decent homes and improving educational facilities, it included training on healthy home management and raising disaster mitigation awareness. These initiatives aim to foster stronger and more resilient communities, particularly in disaster-prone areas.
As part of its commitment to environmental preservation, the collaboration also included beach cleanup activities and the installation of artificial coral reefs from steel slag substrates provided by KRAKATAU POSCO near Carita Beach, in partnership with Konservasi Alam Bawah Laut Sukarame. This initiative underscores a shared commitment to protecting the ocean through promoting growth of marine ecosystem and absorbing carbon dioxide, while building a better future for future generations.
The project culminated in a Cultural Performance event held on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at the Kominfo Hall in Cilegon. The event was graced by distinguished guests, including the Mayor of Cilegon, H. Helldy Agustian, S.E., S.H., M.H., local government officials, the board of directors from PT Krakatau POSCO, and members of the Cilegon community, especially those from Ciwandan and Citangkil. During the event, 49 global youth volunteers from the Beyond project showcased dynamic traditional and contemporary Korean culture, while youth from Cilegon, under the guidance of Duta Seni KS, performed exquisite traditional Indonesian cultural presentations. The highlight of the event was a collaborative cultural performance featuring Indonesian culture by Beyond volunteers and Duta Seni KS, leaving a lasting impression on all attendees.
Read also: Sowing Second Hopes with IES Jakarta Through Decent Home
On this occasion, President Director of PT Krakatau POSCO, Mr. Jung Bum-Su, expressed his pride in the collaboration. “It is a great honor to work with Habitat for Humanity to support the people of Cilegon, especially those in close proximity to our operations as POSCO’s representative company in Indonesia. We hope that this project not only builds homes but also inspires new hope and a brighter future for families in need. Beyond Borders serves as a bridge between cultures and a driver of local community empowerment.”
Abraham Tulung, General Manager of Resource Development at Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, highlighted the positive impact of the long-standing partnership with POSCO. “The enduring relationship between Habitat and POSCO has enabled many families to achieve decent living conditions. We look forward to expanding this collaboration to create even greater benefits in the future,” he remarked.
Helldy Agustian, Mayor of Cilegon City also expressed his appreciation and support for the initiative. “We deeply appreciate the tangible contributions from POSCO, PT Krakatau POSCO, and Habitat for Humanity in supporting the construction of decent housing and the renovation of schools for the people of Cilegon. Programs like this not only provide direct benefits to the community but also reflect the spirit of collaboration and social care that holds great significance for our city. We hope such synergies continue to thrive and deliver broader impacts in the future,” he stated.
The event concluded with a heartfelt and joyous symbolic handover of house keys to the beneficiaries. Stakeholders agreed that this project marks the beginning of many more collaborations aimed at improving the well-being of the people of Cilegon.
POSCO Beyond is a tangible manifestation of care for the community and the environment. Through close collaboration, this initiative proves that we can transcend geographical, cultural, and social boundaries to foster closer relationships and create a better world.
(ss/av)
