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)

Central Tapanuli, 10 February 2026 – Habitat for Humanity Indonesia continues to support families affected by flash floods and landslides in Sibolga City and Central Tapanuli Regency, North Sumatra. As the response moves beyond the emergency phase, the focus has now shifted to environmental recovery and housing repairs, enabling communities to return to safer and more decent living conditions.

On January 31, 2026, the Habitat Indonesia team continued the distribution of community shelter kits, reaching 170 households in Tukka Village, Tukka Subdistrict, Central Tapanuli Regency. The assistance focused on providing wheelbarrows to accelerate debris removal, transport remaining disaster materials, and support the spirit of community cooperation in restoring neighborhoods and small-scale public facilities.

This distribution complements the assistance that had been provided earlier. By the end of January 2026, a total of 676 families across four subdistricts in Sibolga City and one subdistrict in Central Tapanuli Regency had received support in the form of both family shelter kits and community shelter kits.

According to Handoko Ngadiman, National Director of Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, this distribution marks the first step in Habitat Indonesia’s long-term commitment in North Sumatra. Through collaboration with the governments of Sibolga City and Central Tapanuli Regency, the recovery process is designed to align with local disaster risk mitigation efforts. “Our focus is not only on rebuilding houses, but also on strengthening community resilience so that families are better prepared to face future disasters,” he said.

Read also: Habitat for Humanity Indonesia Distributes Shelter Kits and Debris-Cleaning Tools in North Sumatra

Since December 10, 2025, the Habitat Indonesia team has consistently conducted rapid assessments followed by in-depth assessments to identify the needs of survivors, particularly homes with minor to moderate damage. The findings serve as the foundation for implementing repair and retrofitting programs for 500 houses over the next two years to improve structural safety.

Looking ahead, Habitat Indonesia also plans to rebuild homes for families who lost their houses due to severe damage. This effort simultaneously promotes women’s empowerment by involving mothers as key drivers in the repair and reconstruction process, enabling them to play an important role in rebuilding their families’ and communities’ lives.

All of these efforts are made possible through the support of donors, partners, and various stakeholders who continue to work hand in hand with Habitat for Humanity Indonesia. Habitat Indonesia still welcomes #HabitatFriends who wish to take part in the post-disaster recovery efforts in Sibolga and surrounding areas. Your support will help more families gain access to safe, decent, and resilient homes.

Contribute through: kitabisa.com/campaign/bangunharapansibolga

Photo: HFHI/Budi Ariyanto

Writer: Kevin Herbian

(kh/av)

Sibolga, 21 January 2026 – Habitat for Humanity Indonesia has moved swiftly into the post-disaster recovery phase following the floods and landslides that struck North Sumatra in late 2025. With the support of donors, Habitat Indonesia has distributed 200 Shelter Kit & Rubble Removal packages out of a total target of 1,000 packages to disaster-affected families in Sibolga, Central Tapanuli, and surrounding areas. This humanitarian action was made possible through the generous financial support of donors.

The distribution of assistance was further strengthened by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Habitat for Humanity Indonesia and the City of Sibolga, represented by Akhmad Syukri Nazry Penarik, S.Pd., M.H., Mayor of Sibolga, as well as Central Tapanuli Regency, represented by Masinton Pasaribu, S.H., Regent of Central Tapanuli. This formal collaboration aims to harmonize beneficiary data and ensure that the physical housing recovery process aligns with local government spatial planning and disaster risk mitigation strategies. With this legal framework in place, Habitat Indonesia gains broader access to coordinate technical and logistical assistance on the ground.

The aid distribution was led directly by Handoko Ngadiman, National Director of Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, and Arwin Soelaksono, Program Director of Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, to ensure that essential equipment was delivered directly to families in need, enabling them to begin repairing their homes independently.

Support Through Home Repair Tools and Rubble Removal Equipment

Based on needs identified in the field, the distributed packages include technical tools for home repairs and debris removal following the floods. Each family received:

• Protective Materials: Two tarpaulins measuring 4 x 6 meters and 15 sacks with a capacity of 50 kg.
• Carpentry Tools: A medium-sized hammer, a wood saw, a crowbar, a shovel, a hoe with handle, and 2 kg of nails (7 cm and 10 cm sizes).
• Safety Equipment: Three rolls of rope, one dozen work gloves, and two units each of safety helmets, work boots, and safety goggles to ensure community safety during recovery activities.

In addition to household-level assistance, Habitat also provided Community Shelter Kits, which include shared equipment such as five wheelbarrows per group to accelerate environmental clean-up efforts.

Read also: Thousands of Sibolga Residents Lose Their Homes Due to Floods and Landslides; Habitat for Humanity Indonesia Calls on the Public to Help Restore Safe Housing

Two-Year Post-Disaster Recovery Program

The distribution of these shelter kits marks the beginning of Habitat Indonesia’s long-term commitment over the next year, focusing on home repairs and retrofitting, followed by the construction of new housing in the second year.

1. Home repairs and retrofitting for 500 houses with minor to moderate damage, focusing on strengthening housing structures to improve safety and resilience against future disaster risks.
2. For households whose homes were severely damaged, the program will support the reconstruction of permanent housing in the second year for families who have lost their homes.
3. Women’s empowerment in post-disaster reconstruction, aimed at strengthening the role of women as key drivers of recovery efforts. This program emphasizes the active involvement of mothers in leading the recovery and housing reconstruction process for their families, positioning women as the primary agents of rebuilding in post-disaster communities.

“The distribution of shelter kits is only the first step of our long-term commitment in North Sumatra. Through strategic collaboration with the Sibolga City Government and the Central Tapanuli Regency Government, we are ensuring that the recovery process is not carried out in isolation, but is aligned with local disaster risk reduction efforts. Our focus is sustainability—we are not only rebuilding physical structures, but also strengthening community resilience, particularly the role of women, so they are empowered to safeguard and pass on safer housing for future generations,” said Handoko Ngadiman, National Director of Habitat for Humanity Indonesia.

Habitat for Humanity Indonesia believes that the active involvement of women is crucial to the sustainability of post-disaster recovery. As individuals who best understand domestic needs and family safety, women bring attentiveness and emotional resilience to the housing recovery process. By positioning women as key decision-makers in reconstruction, the homes built will not only be physically strong but also safer, more inclusive, and more resilient spaces for all family members in the future.

Habitat for Humanity Indonesia continues to welcome support from #SahabatHabitat who wish to take part in post-disaster recovery efforts in Sibolga and surrounding areas. Public support will strengthen long-term recovery initiatives, from home repairs to the construction of safer and more resilient housing for disaster survivors. Contributions can be made through the donation campaign at kitabisa.com/campaign/bangunharapansibolga, as a tangible expression of solidarity to help families rebuild their lives and restore hope.

Photo: HFHI/Budi Ariyanto

Writer: Astridinar Vania

(as/kh)

Sibolga, January 5, 2026 — Flash floods, landslides, and extreme weather that struck northern Sumatra since late November 2025 have left deep scars. Millions of residents were forced to evacuate after their homes were destroyed by landslide debris and overflowing rivers. In response to this crisis, Habitat for Humanity Indonesia is calling for national solidarity to support housing recovery efforts for affected families, particularly in Sibolga City and Tapanuli Tengah Regency.

Based on the Rapid Assessment conducted by Habitat Indonesia’s Rapid Assessment Team between December 11–21, 2025, a total of 633 houses were reported damaged, 311 of which were severely damaged, leaving residents without safe shelter. Conditions for flood and landslide survivors in Sibolga have now reached a critical phase. The latest 2025 Joint Needs Assessment (JNA) report reveals that more than 57% of affected homes are no longer safe to live in. Habitat for Humanity Indonesia is urging immediate action from all sectors of society to assist the thousands of people who have lost their homes and access to basic health services.

A Humanitarian Crisis Amid the Ruins

An estimated 7,276 people are currently displaced. South Sibolga and North Sibolga are among the most critical areas, where hundreds of homes along hillsides and riverbanks have suffered severe structural damage.

“A house is more than just a building — it is a family’s final line of protection. In Sibolga, that protection has collapsed for hundreds of families,” said Arwin Soelaksono, Program Director of Habitat for Humanity Indonesia. “We are on the ground not only to assess damage, but to ensure that families can return to homes that are safer, more decent, and more resilient to future disasters.”

Habitat Indonesia’s Concrete Actions on the Ground

Habitat Indonesia has developed a first-year humanitarian response plan focused on:

• Distribution of Recovery Shelter Kits (toolkits for home repair): Targeting 1,000 families.
• Housing Repairs: Implementing repairs and structural retrofitting for 500 homes.
• Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Recovery: Providing clean water access, sanitation services, and training on safer rebuilding practices (Build Back Safer).
• Support for Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI): Ensuring vulnerable groups — including women-headed households, the elderly, and people with disabilities — have safe and inclusive access to markets and cash assistance.

A Humanitarian Call: Let’s Rebuild Together

Post-disaster recovery requires substantial resources. Habitat for Humanity Indonesia invites the private sector, communities, and individuals to join this humanitarian mission. Every contribution will directly support the procurement of building materials, construction tools, and technical assistance for building safe homes.

Habitat for Humanity Indonesia invites you to bring hope to Sibolga residents through kitabisa.com/bangunharapansibolga or via Habitat for Humanity Indonesia’s official donation account:
Post-Disaster Housing Recovery in Sibolga

Please add “26” at the end of your donation amount (for example: IDR 100,026) to help us identify your contribution.

“We invite everyone to be part of the solution. With your donation, we are not only providing a roof — we are giving new hope for the people of Sibolga to rebuild their lives and plan for the future,” Arwin added.

Writer: Astridinar Vania

(av/kh)