EN-ID Blog
The morning sun shone warmer in Mauk Barat Village, Mauk District, Tangerang. On that day, 30 enthusiastic volunteers gathered to fulfill a noble mission. With shovels in hand and hearts filled with dedication, they worked together to lay the foundations and build walls for three decent homes (14/12). This activity was not merely about volunteering—it held profound significance as a tribute to the late Raden Andreas Hapsoro.
The initiative, titled “Hapsoro Tribute Build,” was not just about constructing houses but also embodied the spirit of a great figure who dedicated his life to humanity. For 19 years, Hapsoro was a vital part of Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, leaving an indelible mark in the quest to provide decent housing for those in need.
Hapsoro’s life was a colorful journey. He began his career as a freelance contractor and ventured briefly into the manufacturing sector before joining Habitat for Humanity Indonesia from 2000 to 2005. He later returned to Habitat Indonesia as a construction manager, overseeing housing projects for survivors of the 2004 Aceh tsunami. It was through this work that his calling as a humanitarian deepened. Over the next decade, he held various strategic roles, eventually becoming Disaster Response and Regional Manager.
Hapsoro’s career took another significant turn when he was entrusted to serve as Disaster Response Specialist for Habitat for Humanity International in Makati, Philippines, from 2015 to 2020. Yet, his heart remained devoted to Indonesia. In July 2020, he returned to his homeland to serve as Director of Strategic Alliances at Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, while also contributing as a Disaster Risk Reduction and Response Senior Specialist at Habitat for Humanity International.
Throughout his career, he played a critical role in disaster recovery efforts for major catastrophes, including the 2004 Aceh tsunami, the 2009 West Sumatra earthquake, the 2010 Mentawai tsunami, the Jakarta floods in 2012 and 2013, Typhoon Yolanda in the Philippines in 2013, the Bohol earthquake in the Philippines in 2023, the 2015 Nepal earthquake, Cyclone Winston in 2016, and the 2019–2020 flash floods in Bangladesh.
Read also: Korean Volunteers Build Decent Homes in Tangerang
Hapsoro’s exemplary contributions were not limited to fieldwork but also extended to academia. In July 2024, he completed his postgraduate studies at University of Indonesia with a thesis titled “Post-Disaster Shelter Model Based on Family Resilience.” This work stands as a valuable legacy, reflecting his commitment to creating sustainable post-disaster housing solutions.
Sadly, the world lost this inspiring figure on July 9, 2024. However, his spirit lives on. Through the “Hapsoro Tribute Build,” friends, colleagues, and Habitat for Humanity volunteers continue his mission. The construction of three decent homes in Mauk Barat Village is part of a larger plan to build ten homes.
Today, Hapsoro’s legacy is not only seen in the sturdy buildings he helped construct but also in the humanitarian spirit he instilled in everyone who worked alongside him. May his passion continue to ignite others, inspiring them to walk the path of kindness and leave a lasting legacy for the world.
(kh/av)
