Gunungkidul, July 21, 2026 – Following the successful provision of clean water access to more than 250 household connections in Nglipar District, Gunungkidul Regency, Habitat for Humanity Indonesia is expanding its efforts through the support of generous donors. This time, the clean water initiative is focused on Panggang District, with the goal of reaching 525 families across four hamlets in Girisuko Village.

The expansion of the program is driven by a long-standing challenge faced by the local community. The karst landscape that dominates Panggang District has made access to clean water a recurring problem, particularly during the dry season. Under these conditions, hundreds of families continue to rely on purchasing clean water to meet their daily needs.

On average, each family spends around IDR 300,000 per month to purchase two tanker loads of clean water, which are then stored in water tanks located in their home yards. For many households, this expense represents a significant financial burden, yet it remains unavoidable to ensure that basic needs such as cooking, bathing, washing, and drinking can be met.

One of the residents of Girisuko Village, Suwiyati, has experienced these challenges firsthand. For her, buying clean water is no longer a choice, but a necessity—even if it means sacrificing a substantial portion of the family’s income. “What else can we do? Whether we like it or not, we have to buy clean water for our daily needs. Even though spending three hundred thousand rupiah every month is difficult, we still have to make it work,” she said.

The community’s challenges extend beyond the high cost of water. During the dry season, clean water becomes increasingly scarce. Water tank deliveries are more difficult to obtain, and when available, prices often rise above their normal rates. As a result, families face uncertainty not only in terms of water availability but also the costs they must bear.

Read also: GEDSI Training: Strengthening Clean Water Management and Inclusive Housing in Panggang District, Gunungkidul Regency

Recognizing these challenges, Habitat for Humanity Indonesia conducted an assessment to identify sustainable water sources that could serve the community. The assessment found that the springs at Goa Wuluh Kumet and the Kedung Lumut River have strong potential to be developed as sustainable sources of clean water for the surrounding communities.

Through the project currently underway, clean water will be distributed to 525 household connections across the hamlets of Gebang, Pacar 1, Sanglor 1, and Sanglor 2. The system will also include water storage reservoirs and a filtration system to help maintain water quality before it is distributed to households.

For Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, a decent home is not defined solely by a strong physical structure, but also by access to the essential services that support the well-being of its occupants. Access to clean water is an integral part of decent housing, playing a critical role in promoting family health, improving sanitation, and creating a safe, healthy, and dignified living environment.

The construction of this infrastructure also actively involves community participation. Through collective community efforts, local groups have begun excavating pipeline routes, installing HDPE pipelines, and fitting water meters at beneficiary households. This active participation not only accelerates the construction process but also fosters a sense of ownership, helping ensure that the facilities will be maintained and used sustainably over the long term.

In addition to developing the infrastructure, Habitat for Humanity Indonesia is strengthening community capacity through a series of training programs. All beneficiary families will participate in Clean and Healthy Living Behavior (PHBS) training, while Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) training will be delivered to promote more inclusive water management and ensure equal participation for all community members. Meanwhile, the community-based water committees will receive training on system operation and maintenance to ensure that the infrastructure continues to function effectively for years to come.

Through the collaboration of local communities, Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, and its generous donors, this program is expected to create lasting change. Beyond improving access to clean water, it will help reduce household expenses, improve public health, and strengthen the quality of housing and community life in Panggang District for years to come.

Writer: Kevin Herbian

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Tangerang, July 15, 2026 – IES Jakarta Foundation, in partnership with Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, officially handed over decent homes to 56 families in Margamulya Village, Mauk District, Tangerang Regency. The handover marked the completion of a housing program that began in 2023 to help low-income families gain access to safe and adequate housing.

The symbolic key handover ceremony was led by Kamlesh Chandiramani, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of IES Jakarta Foundation, who presented the keys to Syafei, Head of the Government Affairs Section of Margamulya Village, representing the beneficiary families. The event was also attended by Kevin Sutantyo and Wai Toong Chong from the IES Mission Project Team, Abraham Tulung, General Manager of Resource Development at Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, along with dozens of beneficiary families.

To mark the final phase of the program, 30 volunteers from IES Jakarta Foundation participated in a volunteer activity by painting the last three homes, completing all 56 houses built under the initiative. On the same occasion, the volunteers also planted 70 trees around the neighborhood to help create a greener, shadier, and more comfortable living environment for the community. The trees included productive fruit varieties such as longan and mango, as well as red shoot (Syzygium oleina) trees that now line the roads throughout the neighborhood.

Read also: Laughter, Sweat, and Hope: The Story of IES Volunteers in Mauk, Tangerang

Syafei expressed his appreciation for the collaboration throughout the program. According to him, the initiative has not only provided decent homes for local families but has also brought visible improvements to the overall environment of Margamulya Village. “We would like to express our sincere gratitude to IES Jakarta Foundation and Habitat Indonesia for their support. We can now clearly see the transformation that has taken place. Kampung Bebulak has become much neater, better organized, and has brought a renewed sense of optimism to the community,” he said.

Kamlesh Chandiramani shared a similar sentiment, stating that the collaboration between IES Jakarta Foundation and Habitat Indonesia has benefited not only the recipient families but also the wider community. “We are proud to be part of this transformation. The impact extends beyond the homeowners themselves to the surrounding community, which now enjoys a better-organized, more comfortable, and more livable neighborhood,” Kamlesh said.

For Tinah, one of the beneficiary families, her new home has provided the sense of security she had long hoped for. “Thank you very much to Habitat Indonesia and IES Jakarta Foundation for this support. Our house no longer leaks, it feels much safer, and I can now live each day with greater peace of mind alongside my family,” she said.

The collaboration between IES Jakarta Foundation and Habitat for Humanity Indonesia is expected to continue through future initiatives that support improvements in community well-being. Together with its partners and generous donors, Habitat Indonesia remains committed to realizing its vision of a world where every family has the opportunity to live in a decent, safe home that serves as the foundation for a better future.

Writer: Kevin Herbian

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Sragen, June 30, 2026 – Habitat for Humanity Indonesia and the Sragen Regency Government continue to strengthen their collaboration to improve access to decent housing for low-income families. This commitment was marked by a ceremonial handover of assistance for the improvement of substandard housing (Rumah Tidak Layak Huni – RTLH), held at the Sumonegaran Pavilion in Sragen Regency. 

The assistance was symbolically presented by the Regent of Sragen, Sigit Pamungkas; the Head of BP3K Central Java Region III, Aldino Herupriawan; Member of Commission V of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Sriyanto Saputro; and Rudi Nadapdap, Senior Manager of Field Operation at Habitat for Humanity Indonesia. The event marked a collaborative effort between the local government and Habitat Indonesia to support the provision of safer, healthier, and more adequate housing for families in need. 

The collaboration focuses on reaching families in the first and second income deciles, female-headed households, and families with members living with disabilities. Throughout 2026, the program aims to build and improve homes for 101 families out of the 904 families identified as priorities by the Sragen Regency Government. 

This partnership was established in response to the significant need for adequate housing in Sragen Regency. According to data from the Sragen Regency Government, the region has one of the highest poverty rates in the Solo Raya area and is among the eight poorest regencies in Central Java. Out of a total population of 1,021,435, approximately 110,650 people—or 12.41 percent—still live below the poverty line. 

These challenges are also reflected in the housing sector. A total of 13,945 families in the first and second income deciles continue to live in substandard housing. Among them are 3,229 female-headed households, 1,912 families with members living with disabilities, and 2,151 families that remain part of the housing backlog. 

Read also: Collaborating for Decent Housing: Addressing the Housing Backlog Challenge in Sragen

To address these challenges, Habitat for Humanity Indonesia has partnered with the Sragen Regency Government through a matching-fund scheme that complements the government’s Self-Help Housing Stimulant Assistance Program (Bantuan Stimulan Perumahan Swadaya – BSPS). Under this scheme, the government’s contribution of IDR 20 million is matched by an additional IDR 20 million from Habitat Indonesia’s donors, enabling each beneficiary family to receive more comprehensive support to meet the standards of decent housing. 

Throughout the implementation of the program, beneficiary families are not required to make financial contributions. Instead, they contribute through sweat equity by participating in the construction process. Habitat Indonesia also provides comprehensive technical assistance, including project planning, construction supervision, material management, and quality assurance to ensure that each house meets the specific needs of the family, while also considering accessibility for persons with disabilities and safety for female-headed households. 

Beyond improving the physical condition of homes, the program also strengthens community capacity through Building Back Safer (BBS) training. The training equips families with knowledge of safer and more disaster-resilient construction practices. In addition, advocacy initiatives—including workshops and public awareness campaigns—are conducted to promote greater public understanding of the importance of inclusive and sustainable decent housing. 

Through this collaboration, Habitat for Humanity Indonesia and the Sragen Regency Government hope that more families will be able to live in safe, healthy, and decent homes while strengthening joint efforts to reduce housing poverty across Sragen Regency. 

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Gunungkidul, June 29, 2026 – Access to clean water and decent housing is often considered a basic need that is already evenly distributed. However, realities on the ground show otherwise. Not all groups in society have equal opportunities to access, use, or participate in decision-making related to these services. This situation forms the background of the Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) Basic Training on Clean Water Management and Inclusive Housing in Panggang District, Gunungkidul Regency.

In this region with karst geographical characteristics, access to clean water becomes an increasingly serious challenge during the dry season. However, its impacts are not experienced equally. Women, older persons, and persons with disabilities often face greater burdens, ranging from limited access to mobility barriers in obtaining water and other basic services. At the same time, their participation in community-level decision-making processes remains limited.

A total of 23 community representatives, consisting of village officials, female heads of households, older persons, and representatives of families of persons with disabilities, participated in this training. Through a participatory approach, participants were encouraged to understand inequality in access, map existing conditions in the field, and explore how village decision-making can become more inclusive through various simulations and interactive discussions.

From this process, participants began to see that water and housing issues are not only about infrastructure, but also about who is involved, who is affected, and who is still underrepresented. The GEDSI approach opens up reflection that sustainable development must consider access, control, benefits, and participation fairly for all groups in society.

This training marks an important step in strengthening community understanding and capacity to be more responsive to the needs of vulnerable groups. The hope is that these inclusive practices can continue to be applied in village-level planning and resource management so that development can truly be felt by everyone without exception.

Come and see their activities in the photos below.

Read also: Photo: Improving Community Health through PHBS Training

Photo & Writer: Kevin Herbian

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Sabu Raijua, June 17, 2026 – East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) is known for its scenic savanna landscapes. Yet behind this beauty lies a significant challenge: an extreme dry season that lasts up to eight consecutive months each year. In Sabu Raijua Regency, this challenge triggers a daily crisis. Data from BPS NTT 2023 shows that only 46.65% of the population has access to clean drinking water, far below the national average of over 91%.

For Mrs. Libertina Ludji (73), these statistics represent a harsh reality. For decades in Sabu Liae District, this resilient woman has had to walk 500 meters across hilly terrain, carrying jerry cans of water from a communal well that often runs dry during the dry season.

Buying water from tankers at IDR 250,000 for 4,000–5,000 liters becomes a last resort. This cost is extremely burdensome for residents of Sabu Raijua, where the average per capita income (2025) is only IDR 1.56 million per month—just a quarter of the national average. Here, clean water has long been a luxury that undermines community well-being.

Seeing this situation, Habitat for Humanity Indonesia stepped in to build a communal well prioritized for eight of the most vulnerable families. “We are very happy with this new well. For decades I had to carry water. Now we just turn on the tap, and water flows,” said Mrs. Libertina gratefully.

For Habitat Indonesia, a decent home is not only defined by strong roofs and walls, but also by a healthy supporting ecosystem. Access to clean water brings a domino effect that transforms the long-term future of the Sabu Raijua community. In terms of health, clean water immediately reduces the risk of waterborne diseases such as diarrhea and typhoid, which have long contributed to stunting and child mortality in remote areas.

Read also: Flowing Hope, Building Resilience: Three Years of Habitat for Humanity Indonesia’s Efforts to Improve Access to Water and Sanitation

Beyond that, this intervention fosters sustainable economic independence. The time and energy previously spent queuing for and carrying water can now be redirected toward far more productive activities. Stable access to water opens new opportunities that were previously impossible, such as home gardening, better livestock farming, and even small business initiatives to increase household income.

After experiencing both health and economic benefits, the eight beneficiary families have now taken the initiative to independently plan the construction of a communal water reservoir. They want to ensure that this blessing of clean water does not stop with them, but can also flow to neighboring households.

It is this spirit of community solidarity in Sabu Raijua that brings to life Habitat Indonesia’s vision over its 29 years of work: to create a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Through integrated access to clean water, we remain committed to building homes, communities, and hope—ensuring that every family has an equal opportunity to grow healthier, more independent, and with dignity.

Writer: Astridinar Vania

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Gunungkidul, June 5, 2026 – As part of its commitment to building more resilient and inclusive communities, Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, together with its local partner Sentra Advokasi Perempuan, Disabilitas, dan Anak (SAPDA), continues to strengthen community participation in village development through an approach centered on equality and social inclusion.

Through the Advancing Climate Resilient Communities through Empowering Sustainable Solutions (ACCESS) program, Habitat Indonesia supported the implementation of the Sinau Bareng Warga: Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) Mainstreaming activity, held at the Katongan Village Hall, Nglipar District, Gunungkidul Regency, on April 30, 2026. The activity served as a shared learning space for community members to better understand the importance of inclusive development, where every voice—especially women, persons with disabilities, older persons, youth, and other vulnerable groups—has an equal opportunity to be heard.

A total of 15 community representatives from Kepuhsari and Ngrandu hamlets actively participated in discussions facilitated by SAPDA. In an open and participatory atmosphere, participants were encouraged to identify challenges, map available resources, and formulate development ideas that are more responsive to the needs of all members of the community.

Nuryadin Edy Purnama, Project Officer at SAPDA, emphasized the importance of this process as an initial step toward building a more inclusive village. “The purpose of the Sinau Bareng Warga: GEDSI Mainstreaming activity is for us to collectively identify, understand, and comprehensively examine the various challenges and resources within this village, which can later become our foundation for collaborating with the village,” he explained.

Support for this participatory approach was also expressed by the Katongan village government. Wawan, Kamituo representing the Head of Katongan Village, stated that village development must be a collective effort involving all residents without exception. “Everyone has equal rights as community members and can also participate in planning the direction and goals of development, especially here in Katongan Village. Hopefully, our focus will be on how much we can contribute, rather than how much we can gain. If that becomes our shared intention, we will be able to achieve this common goal for shared prosperity,” he said.

A similar perspective was shared by Wasingastu Zakiyah, one of the speakers at the event, who emphasized that inclusive development must ensure that no group is left behind. “Inclusive development processes should involve everyone. No one should be excluded, especially those who have long been marginalized, so they can be equally facilitated in both village planning and development,” she explained.

Through its collaboration with SAPDA under the ACCESS Program, Habitat Indonesia believes that building resilient communities does not only begin with providing access to basic services, but also by creating safe, equal, and inclusive spaces for dialogue. Because when everyone has the same opportunity to participate, development can truly belong to all.

Writer: SAPDA

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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

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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

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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

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