Bogor, May 13, 2026 – A sense of anxiety never truly left Ahmad’s mind. Every night as he left for work, his thoughts remained at home—with his wife and daughter, who had to endure living in a fragile house.

Ahmad (48), a daily factory worker, lives with his small family in Karanggan Village, Gunung Putri District, Bogor Regency. With an unstable income, he can only manage to cover daily necessities. If there is any money left, it goes toward minor home repairs—just enough to prevent severe leaks when it rains.

The house they lived in was far from adequate. Its walls were made of weathered bamboo panels, the roof tiles were fragile, and the structure had weakened over time. “When there’s heavy rain and strong winds, we’re afraid the house might collapse,” Ahmad said.

This worry grew even stronger because Ahmad often works night shifts. “Every time I go to work, I worry about my wife and child at home. It’s always on my mind—I can’t feel at ease, I’m afraid something might happen to the house,” he explained.

But it wasn’t only about safety that weighed on him. As a father, his heart felt even heavier when he learned that his daughter felt embarrassed about their home.

“My daughter told me that when her friends want to come over, she always says, ‘not at my house.’ Maybe she understands the condition of our home—that it’s not nice,” Ahmad shared. “As a parent, I understand. She must feel embarrassed because her home isn’t like others.”

Read also: Habitat for Humanity Indonesia and Pakuwon Group Continue Collaboration to Build Decent Housing in Gresik

Seeing this situation, Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, with support from Pakuwon Peduli, stepped in to bring new hope. Through a housing program, Ahmad’s home was rebuilt along with 19 other families in Karanggan Village. In addition, support was provided to 20 families through the construction of household toilets, as well as the improvement of five public facilities in the area.

“I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Pakuwon for helping my family. This support means so much to us,” Ahmad said gratefully.

Now, Ahmad’s house stands strong, with neatly painted blue walls, a sturdy roof, and a much safer structure. This transformation is not only visible physically but is also deeply felt in their daily lives.

Ahmad admits that the new house has changed many things. He is no longer haunted by worry every time he leaves for work. There are no more concerns about leaks or the risk of collapse. The burden he once carried has gradually lifted.

More than that, the house has restored the family’s confidence and dignity. His daughter no longer feels ashamed. She now feels comfortable inviting her friends over to study together—something that once felt impossible.

The most tangible change soon followed. After several months of living in the new home, his daughter showed improved academic performance. From previously ranking third in her class, she has now risen to second place.

Ahmad’s story is proof that a decent home is not merely a place to live, but a vital foundation that affects many aspects of life—from safety and health to confidence and a child’s future.

There are still many families like Ahmad’s who are waiting for the opportunity to experience similar change. Let’s be part of this transformation and help more families gain access to safe and decent housing for a better life.

Writer: Kevin Herbian

(kh/av)

Tangerang, May 4, 2026 – As part of efforts to strengthen the capacity of Indonesia’s construction workforce, Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, through its BMZ program, organized the 2026 Construction Workers Competition, a field-based competition designed to directly assess the technical skills of construction workers. The event served as a platform for participants to build confidence, strengthen their professional portfolios, and demonstrate their competencies through tangible work that creates a real impact on communities.

The competition was held on May 2–3, 2026, in Tanjung Kait, Mauk District, Tangerang Regency, involving 180 construction workers divided into 18 teams. Each team was responsible for building one kitchen unit, resulting in a total of 18 kitchens successfully constructed for beneficiary families in the area over the course of the two-day event.

During the construction process, participants competed in five main areas of construction work: AAC block wall construction, clean and wastewater plumbing installation, lightweight steel roof frame installation, floor tiling, and wall painting. The entire process was evaluated comprehensively based on technical workmanship, implementation of occupational health and safety (OHS) standards, timely completion, and the overall finishing quality of the construction results.

Read also: Advancing Workforce Quality, Habitat Indonesia Presents National Study on the Implementation of Work Competency Certification (SKK) in the Construction Sector

Through this initiative, Habitat for Humanity Indonesia not only encouraged the improvement of construction workers’ competencies, but also reinforced the implementation of safe, healthy, and high-quality building standards. At the same time, participants gained hands-on experience that can enhance their competitiveness and open broader employment opportunities in the future.

“When construction workers are equipped with strong technical skills, understand workplace safety standards, and have confidence in their abilities, they are not only ready to enter the construction industry, but also prepared to build a better future for themselves, their families, and their communities,” said Arwin Soelaksono, Program Director of Habitat for Humanity Indonesia.

The competition also created a direct impact on the Tanjung Kait community through the construction of 18 kitchens, which are expected to improve the quality of life for beneficiary families. It stands as a tangible example that workforce skills development can go hand in hand with development initiatives that bring positive change to communities.

Photo: HFHI/Kevin Herbian

Writer: Syefira Salsabilla

(av/kh)

Jakarta, May 1, 2026 – May 1, 2026 marks a special milestone for Habitat for Humanity Indonesia. At its 29th anniversary, this long journey not only signifies the passage of time but also reflects an enduring commitment to providing decent housing and improving the lives of low-income families across Indonesia—particularly those in income deciles 1 and 2, women-headed households, and families with members with disabilities.

For nearly three decades, Habitat Indonesia has reached more than 223,277 families. This figure represents not just an achievement, but tangible change experienced directly by families across the country. Through various programs—including the construction of decent homes, the provision of access to clean water and sanitation, disaster response, economic empowerment, and the development of education and health facilities—Habitat Indonesia continues to address basic needs while sustainably improving quality of life.

By the end of fiscal year 2026, these contributions have continued to show positive growth. Habitat Indonesia has successfully built 40,230 decent homes, an increase from 39,478 units in the previous year. In addition, 32,541 families have now gained access to clean water and proper sanitation, up from 31,375 families in 2025. Efforts to improve housing quality are also reflected in the 76,467 families who have received home improvement financing support, reinforcing the commitment to creating safer and healthier living conditions.

Behind these figures lies the dedication of many individuals working wholeheartedly. Throughout fiscal year 2026, a total of 1,234 volunteers from diverse backgrounds took part in housing construction activities. Together with Habitat Indonesia staff, partners, and donors, they form an essential part of a collective movement that brings real change on the ground.

Collaboration remains the foundation of these achievements. Continuous support from various stakeholders enables Habitat Indonesia to consistently carry out its mission. Without strong synergy among communities, partners, and volunteers, this journey would not have reached where it is today.

Over the past year, Habitat for Humanity Indonesia has further strengthened its efforts through strategic collaboration with the Ministry of Housing and Settlement Areas (PKP) and local governments to support the national Three Million Houses Program. This collaboration goes beyond physical construction, aiming also to foster well-planned and sustainable settlements. One tangible example is the revitalization of Kampung Tanjung Kait in Tangerang Regency, where 110 fishing families now have access to land ownership and decent housing equipped with basic infrastructure—creating a safer, healthier, and more organized living environment.

Read also: Tanjung Kait Transformation: Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Senior Officials Review a Resilient and Equitable Fisherfolk Settlement Model

National Director of Habitat Indonesia, Handoko Ngadiman, emphasized that these achievements are inseparable from the strength of collaboration built over time.

“We believe that everyone deserves a decent place to live. What we have achieved today is the result of trust and collective effort from many parties. We extend our deepest gratitude to all partners, donors, and volunteers who have walked alongside us in bringing real change to families across Indonesia,” said Handoko.

Looking ahead, Habitat Indonesia remains committed to expanding the impact of its programs. Beyond short-term assistance, each initiative is designed to create sustainable change, promote self-reliance, improve quality of life, and open broader opportunities for beneficiary families.

Handoko also stressed that meaningful change can only be achieved through consistent and sustained collaboration.

“We believe that when different stakeholders come together, we can not only meet basic needs but also pave the way toward a more prosperous life for more families in Indonesia,” he added.

This journey is far from over. Many families are still waiting for access to decent housing and a better life. However, with a strong spirit of collaboration, Habitat Indonesia will continue to move forward, remain present within communities, and be part of meaningful change.

Let us continue this journey together—planting more hope, creating more opportunities for decent living, and building a better future for Indonesia.

Writer: Kevin Herbian

(kh/av)

Bogor, April 20, 2026 – Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, in collaboration with Prudential Indonesia, has continued the Desa Maju Prudential (DMP) Program into its second year. The continuation of this program reinforces the commitment of both parties to promote integrated improvements in housing quality, public health, and community resilience.

This year’s implementation was marked by the involvement of 110 volunteers from Prudential Indonesia in various construction and community empowerment activities held in Gunung Putri Village, Bogor Regency, on April 11 & 18, 2026. The volunteers were directly engaged in building the foundations and walls of adequate housing, waste management activities, the creation of biopore holes, as well as conducting health education sessions (health talks) and providing medical check-up services for the community. These activities also formed part of the commemoration of World Health Day, observed on April 7.

In its second year of implementation, the DMP program targets the construction of 15 new adequate housing units and 10 household toilets. In addition, the program includes the renovation of two schools, the planting of 60 seedlings, and various community training initiatives. A total of 110 families will receive training on basic construction and healthy housing, waste management, and clean and healthy living behavior (PHBS). The program is also expanded with participatory approach training for safe shelter awareness (PASSA) for Disaster Preparedness Team (Destana) members, as well as Community-Based Disaster Risk Management (CBDRM) training.

These achievements build upon the positive results from the previous year. In its initial phase, the DMP program successfully constructed 12 new adequate houses and 11 household toilets, and renovated two schools. The program also supported the expansion of community-based waste banks along with their supporting facilities, planted 48 seedlings, and provided basic construction and healthy housing training to 100 families. In addition, 175 waste management committee members and family representatives received waste management training, while 100 families participated in PHBS training.

Read also: Revitalizing Tanjung Kait Village: A Joint Effort by Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, Tangerang Regency Government, and Prudential Indonesia to Build a Better Future

Maria Rosalinda, Chief Risk & Compliance Officer of Prudential Indonesia, expressed her hope that the program would bring tangible benefits to the community. “On behalf of Prudential, we hope that the Desa Maju Prudential program can help communities improve family health, both through the construction of adequate housing and sanitation facilities, as well as through health services such as those provided today,” she stated.

Appreciation was also expressed by the Head of Gunung Putri Village, Daman Huri, who highlighted the direct benefits of the program for the local community. “This program is highly beneficial for the people of Gunung Putri, especially for the direct beneficiaries of the DMP program. I appreciate the collaboration and support between Prudential Indonesia and Habitat Indonesia over the past three years, which aligns with the government’s program of achieving Zero Substandard Housing. I am also grateful that this program not only focuses on housing development but also addresses health and education sectors,” he said.

Throughout 2025, the Desa Maju Prudential program reached a total of 18,160 beneficiaries in Gunung Putri Village, consisting of 1,861 direct beneficiaries and 16,299 indirect beneficiaries.

Moving forward, the collaboration between Habitat Indonesia and Prudential Indonesia is expected to further expand the program’s impact through an integrated approach—not only in providing adequate housing, but also in improving health, environmental conditions, and community capacity to build more sustainable livelihoods.

Photo: HFHI/Astridinar Vania

Writer: Kevin Herbian

(kh/av)

Tangerang, April 16, 2026 – Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development (Menko Infra), Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono (AHY), together with the Vice Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (Wamen KKP), the Vice Governor of Banten, and the Regent of Tangerang, Moch. Maesyal Rasyid, conducted a working visit to review the results of the revitalization of Kampung Nelayan Tanjung Kait by Habitat for Humanity Indonesia in Tanjung Anom Village, Mauk District, Tangerang Regency on Thursday (16/4). This visit marks the success of collaboration between the government, private sector, and civil society organizations in creating an inclusive and climate-resilient coastal settlement model.

“We can all see that the fishermen’s settlement area has now been transformed into a place that is suitable for living. We want to ensure that this area is not only comfortable to live in, but also productive. Together with Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, which built and improved 110 houses, we witnessed firsthand that the community is happy to live in comfortable homes. I truly appreciate all parties involved—the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, the Ministry of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning, the Banten Provincial Government and Tangerang Regency Government, as well as Koperasi Mitra Dhuafa—for their collaboration in revitalizing this fishing village. We hope to continue strengthening this community over time,” said AHY.

“We hope that the synergy between the central government, regional governments, and non-governmental organizations in managing coastal areas can serve as a model for sustainable development in coastal regions—one that not only provides adequate housing but also considers environmental aspects and supports the economic growth of the community,” added Tangerang Regent, Moch. Maesyal Rasyid.

Read also: Habitat for Humanity Indonesia and Tangerang Regency Government Inaugurate Tanjung Kait Revitalization for Coastal Communities

The Tanjung Kait revitalization program, which is part of the global “Home Equals” campaign by Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, has successfully transformed a vulnerable informal settlement into a legal and adequate living environment for 110 traditional fisher families. This project demonstrates that housing challenges in Indonesia can be addressed through a holistic, community-centered approach, revitalizing the social contract that has long been neglected due to inequality.

“The transformation of Tanjung Kait from a slum into a legal settlement for 110 fisher families was achieved through complex cross-sector collaboration. Using a participatory approach, residents were actively involved in designing climate-resilient housing and disaster mitigation measures. This success is supported by strong management between Habitat Indonesia, the government, as well as donors such as Prudential, PT Lautan Luas, and other industry partners to build an equitable housing ecosystem,” explained Arwin Soelaksono, Program Director of Habitat for Humanity Indonesia.

The revitalization of Kampung Tanjung Kait is based on four main pillars aimed at restoring human dignity and social justice:

1. Land Tenure Security: Breaking the cycle of vulnerability by facilitating access to legal land ownership through inclusive financing schemes in collaboration with Koperasi KOMIDA.
2. Meaningful Participation: Residents are actively involved as architects of their own future through the PASSA (Participatory Approach for Safe Shelter and Settlements Awareness) method.
3. Climate Change Adaptation: Construction of housing units designed with Build Back Safer (BBS) principles to address threats such as tidal flooding and extreme winds in coastal areas.
4. Access to Basic Services: Provision of integrated infrastructure, ranging from clean water and sanitation to electricity networks and drainage systems, to restore dignity and productivity of residents.

The program, which began in June 2023, has gone through several critical phases, including land legalization in October 2024 and completion of construction in December 2025. Residents have now returned to permanent and healthy homes. Moving forward, Tanjung Kait is projected to become a “Traditional Fisherfolk Tourism Village” to promote the community’s economic and ecological independence.

Photo & Writer: HFHI/Astridinar Vania

(as/kh)

Tangerang, April 14, 2026 – Habitat for Humanity Indonesia presented the results of its National Study on the Implementation of Work Competency Certification (SKK) in the Construction Sector as part of its efforts to improve the quality and competitiveness of Indonesia’s construction workforce, particularly among low-income communities that still face limited access to certification. The event was held in Tangerang City on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, serving as a platform for knowledge sharing and fostering collaboration among stakeholders.

The construction sector plays a strategic role in infrastructure and housing development, while also being one of the largest employers in Indonesia. However, only around 6%, or 1 in 17 construction workers in Indonesia, are certified. Therefore, improving workforce quality is a key factor in ensuring safe, high-quality, and sustainable development. The Work Competency Certification (SKK) serves as a crucial instrument to ensure that construction workers possess competencies that meet national standards.

This national study is part of Habitat for Humanity Indonesia’s broader efforts to strengthen the construction workforce ecosystem, which began in 2023 through training and certification programs for low-income communities. From 2023 to 2025, a total of 581 construction workers in Tangerang City and Tangerang Regency successfully obtained national certification across various skill areas.

Beyond capacity building, Habitat for Humanity Indonesia has also promoted access to employment opportunities through the organization of a construction sector Job Fair in 2025, connecting trained workers with national and local construction companies. This initiative highlights the importance of aligning training, certification, and workforce absorption to create sustainable social and economic impact.

Through this national study, Habitat Indonesia identified three key challenges in the implementation of SKK: limited access to information for informal workers, certification costs that remain a barrier, and administrative processes that are not yet fully accessible for workers in the field. The study also highlights opportunities to strengthen the certification system moving forward.

Read also: Carving a Path to Success for Construction Workers and Competitive Opportunities in the Job Market

Arwin Soelaksono, Program Director of Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, emphasized the critical role of construction workers in development and the challenges they face in accessing certification. “Construction workers play a vital role in development, yet they still face challenges in accessing certification. The programs that Habitat Indonesia has implemented over the past three years aim to prepare construction workers to become more skilled, knowledgeable, and confident in their abilities. Through this dissemination, we hope that more workers will gain standardized skills and access to better job opportunities,” he stated.

The program, which has been implemented since 2023 in Tangerang City and Tangerang Regency, has shown highly significant results, with 96% of participants successfully passing certification. This achievement confirms that workers fundamentally possess strong capacity and capability. It demonstrates that the primary barrier is not a lack of individual competence, but rather limited access to the certification system itself.

Ir. Kimron Manik, Director of Competency and Productivity of Construction Workforce at the Directorate General of Construction Development, Ministry of Public Works (PU), also emphasized that the construction sector is a key pillar in supporting Indonesia’s development. “Development activities cannot be separated from reliable and skilled human resources in the construction sector. We appreciate Habitat for Humanity Indonesia’s initiative in implementing SKK training programs and conducting further studies on the implementation of SKK in the construction sector. We hope that the findings and policy recommendations from this study can serve as a foundation for strengthening sustainable collaboration,” he explained.

The findings of this study are expected to serve as a reference for the government, industry players, training institutions, and civil society organizations in strengthening a more inclusive, effective, and sustainable construction workforce certification system.

The dissemination event was attended by various stakeholders, including representatives from the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, the Directorate General of Construction Development of the Ministry of Public Works (PU), the Regional Development Planning Agency (Bappeda) of Tangerang Regency, the Technical Implementation Unit for Job Training (UPT BLK) of the Tangerang Manpower Office, as well as the Public Works Agency (Dinas Bina Marga), along with representatives from civil society organizations and the media.

Habitat for Humanity Indonesia hopes that the results of this study will serve as a strategic reference in improving the quality of the construction workforce, expanding access to certification, and supporting the development of safe and adequate housing for all Indonesians.

Writer: Syefira Salsabilla

(av/kh)

Sragen, April 14, 2026 – Since the inauguration of Prabowo Subianto as the 8th President of the Republic of Indonesia on October 20, 2024, the national housing development program has once again become a priority. One of the key initiatives being actively promoted is the 3 Million Houses Program, which aims to reduce the gap in access to adequate housing across Indonesia.

The urgency of this program stems from the persistently high and multidimensional housing deficit. Based on data from the 2024 National Socioeconomic Survey (Susenas), it is estimated that more than 9.9 million families are affected by the housing backlog—a condition in which families do not have access to adequate housing and are often forced to live in overcrowded conditions, sometimes with multiple generations under one roof.

On the other hand, around 26.9 million households live in housing that is unsafe, unhealthy, or built with poor-quality materials. The most affected groups are low-income families in the bottom income deciles (deciles 1 and 2). It is recorded that approximately 2.59 million families in this group fall into the housing backlog category, while around 9 million others live in severely inadequate housing.

Persistent Inequality

Vulnerability is also more pronounced among female-headed households. Of the total families affected by the housing backlog, around 340,000 households, or 22%, are led by women. In addition, approximately 2.986 million female-headed households live in substandard housing, highlighting a dimension of inequality that requires more inclusive solutions.

This condition is clearly reflected in Sragen Regency, one of the areas with the highest poverty rates in the Solo Raya region and among the eight poorest regions in Central Java. Out of a total population of 1,021,435 people, around 110,650 individuals—or approximately 12.41%—live below the poverty line.

Housing issues in Sragen reflect similar challenges. Data from the Sragen Regency Government shows that 13,945 families in the lowest income deciles (1 and 2) live in inadequate housing. This includes 3,229 female-headed households and 1,912 families with members with disabilities. In addition, 2,151 families from this group fall into the housing backlog category.

Limitations of Existing Schemes

In response to these conditions, the Sragen local government has initiated the “Desa Tuntas RTLH (Substandard Housing Alleviation)” program as part of efforts to accelerate the improvement of inadequate housing. This program relies on two main approaches.

First, through the involvement of housing developers to build new homes. However, this approach tends to target households with formal employment and more stable financial capacity, meaning it has not fully reached families in the lowest income deciles who primarily work in the informal sector.

Second, through government support under the Self-Help Housing Stimulant Assistance Program (BSPS). Under this scheme, each household receives IDR 20 million, consisting of IDR 17.5 million for materials and IDR 2.5 million for labor. However, due to limited income, beneficiary families still struggle to cover the remaining construction costs.

Read also: Housing Backlog in Indonesia: A Major Challenge and Collaborative Efforts to Achieve Decent Housing

Collaboration to Bridge the Gap

To address this gap, Habitat for Humanity Indonesia has partnered with the Sragen Regency Government through a match-funding scheme. This program is designed to complement the BSPS subsidy with additional funding support from donors, enabling it to reach the most vulnerable families.

Through this scheme, the government subsidy of IDR 20 million is matched with an additional IDR 20 million from Habitat Indonesia. As a result, beneficiary families are not burdened with financial contributions, but instead participate through labor contributions or sweat equity in the construction of their homes.

A key strength of this program lies in the active participation of beneficiary families. They are directly involved in the home planning process with guidance from Habitat Indonesia’s construction supervisors and local government facilitators. Families also play a role in managing materials, supervising labor, and ensuring that the construction meets their specific needs—including accessibility for persons with disabilities and safety considerations for female-headed households.

Beyond physical construction, the program also includes Building Back Safer (BBS) training, equipping families with knowledge and skills in disaster-resilient construction. These efforts are further strengthened through advocacy activities such as workshops, campaigns, and other initiatives aimed at raising public awareness about housing poverty and the importance of inclusive and sustainable development.

The program, which is planned to run for eight months, targets 101 families as primary beneficiaries through this collaborative funding scheme. In addition, 130 individuals representing beneficiary families will participate in BBS training. Overall, the program is expected to directly benefit 1,084 individuals and reach 3,145 indirect beneficiaries.

Through collaboration between the government and the community, this program is expected to serve as a concrete step in reducing the housing backlog while ensuring that the most vulnerable families are not left behind in accessing decent housing.

We kindly ask for the support and prayers of #SahabatHabitat so that the implementation of this program can run smoothly and deliver meaningful impact for families in need.

Writer: Kevin Herbian

(kh/av)

Yogyakarta, March 31, 2026 – Water is the source of life and a fundamental human right. However, for many communities in Indonesia, access to clean water and adequate sanitation remains a real challenge.

As part of the global commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6), access to safe drinking water, proper sanitation, and good hygiene practices forms a critical foundation for creating a healthy and dignified life. Without these, a house cannot fully function as a safe space for growth and development.

To address this challenge, Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, through the project “Strengthening Local Community Resilience in the Water and Sanitation Sector,” has implemented an integrated program to improve access to water, sanitation, and decent housing over the past three years.

The program was carried out in phases across three locations: Babakan Madang (Bogor) from March 2023 to March 2024, Wringinanom (Gresik) from March 2024 to March 2025, and Nglipar (Gunung Kidul, Yogyakarta) from March 2025 to March 2026. This phased approach allowed adaptation to local contexts while strengthening implementation quality through continuous learning from each phase.

From Infrastructure to Behavior Change

Through an integrated approach, the program focused not only on physical development but also on behavior change and community capacity building.

A total of 75 houses were renovated, with improvements centered on water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities, including the construction of hygienic toilets, installation of water tanks, and upgrades to kitchens and ventilation. In addition, 60 families now have access to safer and more adequate private sanitation facilities.

At the community level, more than 2,250 families, or over 10,000 individuals, now have access to clean water through solutions tailored to local conditions—ranging from the utilization of natural springs to community-managed water distribution systems.

These efforts were further strengthened by the renovation of 32 integrated health posts (posyandu) to improve maternal and child health services.

Beyond infrastructure, the program also emphasized behavior change as a key to sustainability. A total of 135 families received education on home maintenance and the adoption of clean and healthy living practices. Meanwhile, 2,250 community members were equipped with knowledge on hygiene, sanitation, and family health practices, including safe water usage and proper handwashing habits.

To ensure long-term sustainability, 90 members of local water committees were also trained and strengthened to manage water facilities at the community level.

Public awareness was further expanded through various campaigns reaching more than 3,775 individuals, including activities commemorating World Water Day and World Toilet Day, as well as other educational initiatives promoting awareness of clean water and sanitation.

Read also: Hope Rising from Ibu Sri’s Small Kitchen

Data-Driven Learning for Sustainable Impact

As part of the Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) system, baseline studies were conducted in each location to assess initial conditions related to housing quality, water and sanitation access, WASH behaviors, and community capacity.

Following the completion of all interventions, endline (impact) studies were conducted to measure the extent to which the project delivered tangible and measurable changes in people’s lives.

The findings serve not only as evaluation reports but also as a foundation for broader learning. Through a Learning Event, evidence-based insights are disseminated to reflect on the effectiveness of integrating housing and WASH approaches, while also exploring the potential for replicating this model to support the achievement of SDG 6 and improve settlement quality.

Fostering Collaboration for a Healthier Future

To conclude the program, Habitat for Humanity Indonesia organized a Learning Event on Tuesday, March 31, 2026. The event involved a wide range of stakeholders, including representatives from national and local governments, civil society organizations, development partners, academics, and community representatives.

Through this forum, participants reflected on program achievements, identified key success factors and challenges, and formulated evidence-based strategic recommendations to strengthen sustainable WASH services.

More importantly, the event aimed to reinforce cross-sector collaboration and encourage shared commitment to expanding access to clean water, proper sanitation, and healthy housing for all communities.

Flowing Hope, Strengthening Lives

Over the three years of implementation, the program has impacted more than 200,000 people, both directly and indirectly. However, the true impact lies not only in the infrastructure built, but in the meaningful changes experienced by the communities.

Together with government partners, stakeholders, and communities, Habitat for Humanity Indonesia continues to strengthen resilience and promote healthier, more sustainable living. Because every family deserves to live in a home that is decent, healthy, and dignified.

Photo: HFHI/Patrik Cahyo & Kevin Herbian

Writer: Syefira Salsabilla

(av/kh)

Karawang, March 9, 2026 – Is it really possible for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to scale up? The answer is absolutely yes.

Through a training program organized by Habitat for Humanity Indonesia in collaboration with PT Asuransi Jasa Indonesia (Asuransi Jasindo), 20 MSME actors in Karawang Regency have gained new insights into the GoGreen concept and inclusive business practices to meet the demands of an increasingly sustainability-conscious market.

This training is also part of the ongoing support for families benefiting from the decent housing program. Several participating MSME actors are families running home-based businesses that have grown from living in safer and healthier homes. From these improved homes, they have started small enterprises to boost their family’s economic well-being.

Among the 20 MSME participants were five entrepreneurs with disabilities, reflecting the program’s commitment to inclusive learning spaces where every business actor has equal opportunities to enhance their skills and expand market access.

The three-day training, held from 25 to 27 February 2026, took place at the Hall of the Office of Cooperatives and MSMEs, Karawang Regency. During the program, participants received comprehensive materials designed to strengthen the competitiveness of their businesses amid shifting market trends.

Topics included understanding green business concepts, identifying eco-friendly opportunities within their businesses, and developing green business plans using a simple business model canvas. Participants also received guidance on transforming ideas into eco-friendly packaging designs, understanding sustainable design principles and material selection, and preparing green packaging production as part of value-added marketing strategies.

The training featured experienced speakers, including Dr. Agung Surya Dwianto, SE., MM., CHRP, Dr. Didin Hikmah Perkasa, SE., MM., and Nur Endah Retno Wuryandari, S.Sos., MM., who shared both academic perspectives and practical business insights relevant to today’s MSME needs.

Read also: Photo: Improving Community Health through PHBS Training

The program aimed to enhance participants’ knowledge and skills in implementing the GoGreen concept concretely in production and packaging processes. It also encouraged product innovation based on eco-friendly materials and expanded market access through branding reinforcement and collaborative opportunities with the private sector.

Furthermore, the initiative is designed to build an integrated green business ecosystem in Karawang Regency. MSME actors are encouraged not only to focus on profits but also to contribute to natural resource preservation and community welfare. By applying clean production principles, energy efficiency, and better waste management, MSMEs can grow sustainably while increasing their competitiveness in the market.

This collaborative commitment was also symbolized by the ceremonial handover of a mockup by the Head of TJSL Jasindo, Mr. Firman, to the Head of the Office of Cooperatives and MSMEs of Karawang Regency, Mr. H. Dindin Rachmadhy, S.Sos., M.M. This handover represents support for strengthening a more sustainable and inclusive MSME ecosystem in Karawang.

The collaboration proves that building the capacity of local entrepreneurs is a strategic step toward fostering a more inclusive and sustainable economic transformation. Equipped with new knowledge and skills, MSME actors in Karawang are now better prepared to level up—not only in terms of business scale but also in the positive impact they bring to the environment and the community.

Photo: HFHI/Edwin Manahan

Writer: Kevin Herbian

(kh/av)

Tangerang, February 13, 2026 – Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, together with the Tangerang Regency Government and the Ministry of Housing and Settlement Areas (PKP), officially held the Handover Ceremony of the Tanjung Kait Revitalization Program in Kampung Tanjung Kait, Tanjung Anom Village, Mauk District, on Friday (February 13). The event was inaugurated by Handoko Ngadiman, National Director of Habitat for Humanity Indonesia; Drs. Moch. Maesyal Rasyid, M.Si., Regent of Tangerang Regency; and representatives from the Ministry of Housing and Settlement Areas.

The Tanjung Kait Revitalization Program is a multi-stakeholder collaborative initiative aimed at improving the quality of life of coastal communities, particularly low-income fishing families, through the provision of adequate housing, access to secure land tenure, and the development of basic infrastructure that supports healthier and safer living conditions. The program reaches approximately 110 families who previously lived in substandard housing with limited access to clean water, sanitation, and other essential facilities.

Through this program, residents not only receive decent and safer homes designed to withstand coastal environmental risks, but also gain greater security of land tenure through a financing scheme facilitated jointly with partners, along with support throughout the construction process. The area development is complemented by supporting infrastructure such as neighborhood roads, drainage systems, clean water networks, public facilities, and communal spaces that promote healthier and more productive community life.

Since its launch in 2021 using a participatory approach involving residents, local government, Koperasi Mitra Dhuafa (Komida), Selavip, PT Lautan Luas Tbk, BMI Monier, PT Avia Avian Tbk, PT Solusi Bangun Indonesia Tbk, and PT Prudential Life Assurance, the revitalization has become a symbol of transformation—turning what was once considered a slum coastal area into an organized, safe, and sustainable residential community. The program also forms part of a long-term effort to ensure that residents have access to decent housing while improving their social and economic well-being.

Read also: The Spirit of a Strong Woman Behind the Revitalization of Tanjung Kait Village

Handoko Ngadiman, National Director of Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, stated that the program is rooted in the needs of the community.

“Seeing families in Tanjung Kait now living in safe homes with secure tenure brings us great joy. We hope this revitalization serves as a strong foundation for the Tanjung Kait community to continue progressing toward a better future. With a healthier environment and improved access to infrastructure, we believe this positive transformation will bring a renewed sense of safety and dignity to every beneficiary family. We would also like to express our sincere appreciation to all partners who have actively contributed to this revitalization,” said Handoko Ngadiman.

The Regent of Tangerang Regency, Drs. Moch. Maesyal Rasyid, M.Si., reaffirmed the local government’s commitment to improving the quality of life of coastal communities, particularly fishermen who play an essential role in the regional economy. This revitalization aligns with the region’s vision for sustainable and inclusive development by providing healthy, safe, and well-organized living environments.

With the completion of construction and the official handover, the residents of Kampung Tanjung Kait now embark on a new beginning—living in a more decent, safer environment that offers renewed hope for future generations. The revitalization is also expected to serve as a model for the development of other coastal villages across various regions, enabling more families to experience the benefits of adequate housing, healthy environments, and improved well-being.

Photo & Writer: HFHI/Syefira Salsabilla

(kh/av)