I am Arwin Soelaksono from Habitat for Humanity Indonesia. I was on the ground during the early recovery phase and housing recovery program in Aceh following the tsunami. We built over 8,000 houses and were acknowledged as one of the most resilient non-governmental organizations working on the West Coast of Aceh, as well as other organizations like Samaritan’s Purse and the British Red Cross. Through the years and experiences, we took profound lessons, learned what we had done during the recovery, and gained the wisdom to help disaster-affected people rebuild their houses more effectively and sustainably. 

A story from Aceh after the Asian Tsunami 20 years ago 

By mid-2005, more than 5,000 international humanitarian workers had arrived in Aceh. During the heyday of the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Aceh, there were 124 International NGOs, dozens of United Nations organizations, and 430 local NGOs. During 2005-2006, cities like Banda Aceh, Meulaboh, and other West Coast parts were crowded with Non-Government Organizations or NGOs. Funded with a substantial amount of money, that is, 7.7 billion USD, the workers came and hit the ground running. 

This large amount of money was poured into the recovery operations, and the crowding of humanitarian workers quickly met the reality. The affected area experienced prolonged three decades of armed conflict and, therefore, had insufficient market capacities. The construction materials were far below the needs, especially for recovery agencies who work in housing. The imbalance of supply and demand then created severe inflation and competition amongst the recovery agencies. 

The competition did not stop; more problems occurred when the NGOs conflicted over who would get beneficiaries. It was a sad reality that recovery agencies had to compete so that the beneficiaries might choose which one could build their houses. At that time, it was common for NGOs to entice the beneficiaries to accept their housing donations and scrap the others. For instance, several NGOs offered to build larger or even two-story houses, not only houses but also donated furniture and TV sets. NGOs like Habitat for Humanity Indonesia were under challenging circumstances because our houses were 36 meters square, and no furniture was given to the beneficiaries. We believe there is sharing responsibility as houses are given freely; the homeowners should provide household goods according to their preferences. 

One evening in March 2006, a group of villagers came to our office in Rigaih, on the West Coast of Aceh. They asked us to build 45 square meters instead of 36-meter square houses as we promised them. The discussion was tense. We had to agree; otherwise, they would send us out and let other NGOs who can build 45-meter square houses work. So, NGO competition brings a bad attitude to the beneficiaries. It made them spoiled. At the end of the day, it can dictate the NGO that helped them to fulfill their unreasonable needs. That evening, I signed a letter saying we would leave the area and let other NGOs work since we refused to meet their demand.  

In the morning, as we prepared to leave the village and say goodbye to the community, we were surprised that the women were angry at their husbands. These ladies asked us to stay and build their houses. They told their husbands, “Let Habitat build our houses; then, we can ask other NGOs to build additional houses.” Even though I didn’t like what they were thinking, indeed, it was clever. This occasion brings us to a new understanding: women have a significant role in housing recovery post-disaster. 

Experience in Nepal in 2015 

Following the 2015 earthquake in Nepal, I was deployed by the American Red Cross to support housing recovery. One day during the recovery program, I was in Kaule village, one of the areas in Nepal hardest affected by the earthquake. I met a woman who was doing hard physical work. She carried a stone that would be used for her house. Though I believe the stone was heavy, I found no complaint from her on doing the work. In another place, I saw a family building their house. All are women from different generations, but both can do construction work. Still, in the same village, I saw women fixing steel rebar for earthquake-resistant bands. It was community work in which everyone knew the importance of earthquake-resistant attributes that must be installed in each house. So, individuals, families, and communities can do as men did in reconstruction work. 

Read also: Adequate Housing for a Resilient Future

So, why is women’s role significant in housing recovery? In my perspective, there are at least two aspects that can support this idea. 

First, they are focused. Protecting their children and families motivates them to finish the construction very soon. A woman I met in Nepal was running against the clock, ensuring her house would be finished before the winter. Those who were trained in safer construction carefully installed the material to achieve a robust structure.  

Second, their presence brings more actors to complete the housing recovery ecosystem. To ensure the recovery will be sustainable, the process will continue even after the external support from the government and NGOs is gone. To create the ecosystem, additional support should be provided for the most vulnerable, improving access to livelihoods, the availability of financial service providers in the area, and so on. These initiatives are usually outside the scope of work of housing actors; therefore, partnering with non-shelter or non-housing agencies should always be attempted. 

Construction training enhances the role of women more effectively 

Then, how could we help women work on their role in housing recovery effectively? What is the best way to prepare women that makes them capable so they can confidently work for their houses and their neighbor’s houses? 

The first start is through construction training as it was done in Nepal and Indonesia. For instance, during the 2015 housing recovery in Nepal, the government launched a mason training program as a preparation initiative prior to the massive reconstruction program. A 7-day training course taught them how to build an earthquake resistance house according to the code properly. The training was inclusive for men and women. A curriculum contained classroom activities and field training; if they passed the training, they would get a certificate. Women have been encouraged to participate, but their presence still needs to be improved. 

Then, why were recovery agencies so serious about providing support for women? Is it too much to give attention to women working in construction? 

Actually, giving more attention to women and trusting them to play a more significant role in the reconstruction process is respecting the nature of recovery. We need the post-disaster reconstruction process to be natural, as there is no shortcut to swift recovery. Injecting support that is driven by political pressure or other than recovery from within will not be sustainable or even lead to failure. 

Women have a unique instinct to protect their children; wherever I work, I often find their persistence in finishing the construction in good quality and as soon as possible. It is their potential. The houses should be strong enough not to be damaged again if there is a similar hazard. Interestingly, they have their own design according to their needs; therefore, having houses with their design gives higher satisfaction than modular houses. Moreover, if they build the houses by themselves, they will be confident in repairing or extending them. Such sustainability that everyone is expecting. 

Therefore, giving women a significant role in housing recovery will maximize their efforts to support their families, resulting in good construction quality and timely completion. Moreover, as a bonus, women can earn income from construction, eradicating vulnerability in the affected areas. 

Writer: Arwin Soelaksono/Program Director Habitat for Humanity Indonesia 

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A month ago, as the evening sky was still wet with drizzle, Siti Nurhayati (37) stood in front of her newly renovated home. Its bright blue walls symbolized a fresh start in her life. Her smile reflected astonishment as she stepped inside for the first time, moving simple furniture into a space that now served as a safe haven for her family. 

“The first time I entered this house, it felt strange. I couldn’t believe it was mine. It’s so beautiful, like a dream,” Siti recalled about the moment she first walked into her home, renovated by Habitat for Humanity Indonesia. 

For years, Siti had been dreaming of owning a decent home. During that time, she lived in her parents’ old house, a modest structure made of bamboo walls that had long since deteriorated. Every corner of the house spoke of hardship, with its damaged walls and leaky roof posing constant challenges. 

“Our house was in terrible condition. The bamboo walls were full of holes, and my husband often patched them with old tarpaulins. When it rained, water came in from everywhere, and rats often invaded. It felt like there was no safe place inside,” Siti shared. 

Having a decent home was no easy feat for Siti. To make ends meet, she relied on the income of her husband, Junaedi (40), who worked as a construction laborer earning IDR 70,000 (approximately $5) per day—paid every two weeks, if his employer was punctual. 

Aware of their financial struggles, Siti tried her luck by selling laundry detergent door-to-door to her neighbors. However, the additional income was just enough to cover daily meals. 

“We lived in constant hardship. Our children are still in school, and I also take care of my older sibling who has a mental illness. It was overwhelming, especially since our house was on the verge of collapse,” Siti added. 

Read also: The Blossoming of New Hope in Siti’s Decent Home

Their circumstances changed when Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, along with generous donors and volunteers, came to rebuild Siti’s house and those of five other families in Rajeg, Tangerang Regency. 

“Alhamdulillah, this house has changed everything. I feel much more at ease, more comfortable. There are no more leaks, no more rats. My children are also more motivated to study,” Siti said gratefully. 

Now, Siti can set aside a small portion of her income for her children’s education. Junaedi also has more energy to take on side jobs. “Our burdens feel lighter. I can also take better care of my sibling without feeling so stressed,” she added. 

To Siti, this house is more than just a building. It is a new place that brings peace and hope for a better future. “My parents always told me a house must be cherished. This isn’t just for us; it’s for our children. This house will become their inheritance,” Siti said with hope. 

The blue house now stands tall, bringing hope and a new beginning for Siti’s family—a first step toward a more stable and self-reliant life. You can also take part in bringing change to families like Siti Nurhayati’s. Through your compassion, more homes can be built to provide safe and decent shelter for those in need. 

Visit www.habitatindonesia.org/donate to donate and become part of our mission to create a better life. 

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The morning sun shone warmer in Mauk Barat Village, Mauk District, Tangerang. On that day, 30 enthusiastic volunteers gathered to fulfill a noble mission. With shovels in hand and hearts filled with dedication, they worked together to lay the foundations and build walls for three decent homes (14/12). This activity was not merely about volunteering—it held profound significance as a tribute to the late Raden Andreas Hapsoro. 

The initiative, titled “Hapsoro Tribute Build,” was not just about constructing houses but also embodied the spirit of a great figure who dedicated his life to humanity. For 19 years, Hapsoro was a vital part of Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, leaving an indelible mark in the quest to provide decent housing for those in need. 

Hapsoro’s life was a colorful journey. He began his career as a freelance contractor and ventured briefly into the manufacturing sector before joining Habitat for Humanity Indonesia from 2000 to 2005. He later returned to Habitat Indonesia as a construction manager, overseeing housing projects for survivors of the 2004 Aceh tsunami. It was through this work that his calling as a humanitarian deepened. Over the next decade, he held various strategic roles, eventually becoming Disaster Response and Regional Manager. 

Hapsoro’s career took another significant turn when he was entrusted to serve as Disaster Response Specialist for Habitat for Humanity International in Makati, Philippines, from 2015 to 2020. Yet, his heart remained devoted to Indonesia. In July 2020, he returned to his homeland to serve as Director of Strategic Alliances at Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, while also contributing as a Disaster Risk Reduction and Response Senior Specialist at Habitat for Humanity International. 

Throughout his career, he played a critical role in disaster recovery efforts for major catastrophes, including the 2004 Aceh tsunami, the 2009 West Sumatra earthquake, the 2010 Mentawai tsunami, the Jakarta floods in 2012 and 2013, Typhoon Yolanda in the Philippines in 2013, the Bohol earthquake in the Philippines in 2023, the 2015 Nepal earthquake, Cyclone Winston in 2016, and the 2019–2020 flash floods in Bangladesh. 

Read also: Korean Volunteers Build Decent Homes in Tangerang

Hapsoro’s exemplary contributions were not limited to fieldwork but also extended to academia. In July 2024, he completed his postgraduate studies at University of Indonesia with a thesis titled “Post-Disaster Shelter Model Based on Family Resilience.” This work stands as a valuable legacy, reflecting his commitment to creating sustainable post-disaster housing solutions. 

Sadly, the world lost this inspiring figure on July 9, 2024. However, his spirit lives on. Through the “Hapsoro Tribute Build,” friends, colleagues, and Habitat for Humanity volunteers continue his mission. The construction of three decent homes in Mauk Barat Village is part of a larger plan to build ten homes. 

Today, Hapsoro’s legacy is not only seen in the sturdy buildings he helped construct but also in the humanitarian spirit he instilled in everyone who worked alongside him. May his passion continue to ignite others, inspiring them to walk the path of kindness and leave a lasting legacy for the world. 

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A group of eight volunteers from South Korea participated in constructing decent homes as part of the Global Village Program in Mauk Barat Village, Mauk District, Tangerang Regency, Banten (30/11). 

Read also: Love Built By Hand: Legacy Build 2024

Text & Photo: Kevin Herbian 

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That morning, the sun warmly greeted the village of Marga Mulya, Mauk District, Tangerang Regency. The sound of saws, bricks being lifted, and the laughter of volunteers blended with the lively activity of the surrounding community. It turns out that Wednesday, November 20, 2024, was a special day. A total of 13 volunteers from the Asia Pacific Development Council (APDC) and the Indonesia Development Council (IDC) were present, not as ordinary guests, but as volunteers helping to build a decent home for Mr. Tinggal and Mrs. Urni. 

The event, titled “Legacy Build 2024” with the slogan “Building Beyond Homes, Building Hope, Strengthening Communities,” saw the volunteers intentionally leaving the comfort of their daily routines for something more meaningful. That day, they worked side by side, installing the walls of the house, working directly under the scorching sun. 

“It’s so enjoyable to be involved in this type of project again, because the last time I did something like this was a long time ago when I was still in graduate school in America. I’m really excited and proud to be here,” said Elizabeth Satow, Area Vice President Asia Pacific for Habitat for Humanity International.  

On the other hand, Fernando Zobel De Ayala, APDC Member from Ayala Corporation, added with a warm smile, “I’m also happy to be here. This is my first time volunteering in Indonesia, and I think this is the best way to support families in Indonesia through Habitat’s programs.” 

For Harlan Stone, APDC Member and President and CEO of HTMX Industries, that day was an unforgettable experience. “Today is an extraordinary day for me. It’s my first time building a house in Asia during my career. Being here is the best gift I could ask for.” 

Perhaps the most touching words came from John Ryan, APDC Member and Chairman of the Board at Barnes & Noble Education. He said, “Although we are tired, even very tired, I’m now inspired by the initiative we are doing together to bring happiness to families here.” 

That day wasn’t just filled with hard work, but also laughter and gratitude. For Mr. Tinggal and Mrs. Urni’s family, the walls that were starting to go up marked the beginning of a dream soon to come true. The sturdy house that had once only existed in their dreams was now a reality before their eyes. 

After finishing the house-building activities, the volunteers continued their day by visiting other flagship programs of Habitat for Humanity Indonesia. Among these, they directly witnessed the impact of the community empowerment programs, access to sanitation and clean water, as well as the successful completion of various decent homes. 

Read also: Digging Hope in Kampung Cinamprak: When the Young Volunteers of Sinarmas World Academy Build Decent Homes 

Habitat for Humanity Indonesia sincerely thanks all the volunteers for their contributions. Their support is proof that cross-country and cross-community collaboration can create real change. 

Let’s continue this fight together. Every family deserves to have a decent and safe home. Visit and support us at www.habitatindonesia.org/donate. 

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Climate change is one of the greatest challenges facing humanity, and its impacts are being felt across the globe. However, despite housing being a necessity, this sector often receives insufficient attention on the global climate agenda. 

Habitat for Humanity, an organization focused on access to adequate housing, seeks to elevate this important issue through policy recommendations made at COP29. Adequate housing is not just about shelter; it is also a key to building resilience against climate change, especially for the most vulnerable communities. 

Housing in the Context of Climate Change 

Across the world, over 1.1 billion people live in informal settlements highly vulnerable to climate change impacts, such as flooding, extreme heat, and rising sea levels. While they contribute little to global carbon emissions, they are among the most affected by climate disasters. 

Habitat for Humanity emphasizes that adequate housing solutions must be an integral part of climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts. In its recommendations, Habitat for Humanity stresses the importance of integrating housing into Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). 

Integrating housing into climate strategies will allow countries to reduce carbon footprints, lower energy costs, and provide better protection for the most vulnerable communities. This is crucial to ensure that mitigation efforts do not only focus on the energy sector but also on the infrastructure that supports people’s daily lives. 

Adaptation for the Most Vulnerable Communities 

One of Habitat for Humanity’s main priorities is the urgent need for more funding for climate adaptation, particularly for the most vulnerable communities. These communities, especially those living in informal settlements, often lack access to adequate infrastructure and face greater climate risks. Habitat for Humanity calls on governments and international agencies to prioritize funding for adaptation actions that improve housing and infrastructure in areas most at risk from climate change. 

This adaptation funding must be used to support the construction of climate-resilient housing that can withstand impacts like flooding, droughts, and extreme heat. Additionally, strengthening community capacity to cope with climate change in a sustainable and environmentally friendly way is also a key part of this recommendation. Solutions that involve using eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient designs can help build homes that are more resilient to climate change while reducing their environmental impact. 

Read also: GUMREGAH TENAN: Collaboration between Habitat for Humanity Indonesia and the Government of Yogyakarta to Create Decent Housing and Livable Settlements

Green, Affordable, and Sustainable Housing 

While climate change mitigation efforts are critical, Habitat for Humanity highlights the potential of housing to provide solutions that not only reduce carbon footprints but also address the global challenge of housing affordability. One of the main problems the world faces is the growing deficit of adequate and affordable housing, especially in many rapidly developing cities. Therefore, Habitat for Humanity stresses the importance of ensuring that climate mitigation efforts in the housing sector do not drive-up housing costs for low-income communities. 

Affordable green housing solutions must be prioritized in global policies. Habitat for Humanity urges countries to invest in the renovation and retrofitting of existing housing to make them more climate-friendly, using low-carbon materials, and supporting energy-efficient designs. These efforts will help lower living costs and make homes more affordable for low-income families, particularly in rapidly growing cities. 

The construction sector must also adopt circular economic principles, where building materials can be recycled and reused to reduce waste and carbon emissions. This approach needs to be integrated into global housing policies to support the transition to a more sustainable future. 

Linking the Housing Sector with Global Climate Goals 

Habitat for Humanity emphasizes the importance of collaboration between the housing, urban development, environmental, and financial sectors to create holistic solutions. By integrating these sectors, countries can create more sustainable and climate-resilient housing while meeting the urgent need for affordable housing. 

Creating policies that strengthen community involvement, particularly for those living in informal settlements, is another critical step. Habitat for Humanity encourages ensuring that the voices of residents are part of the planning and decision-making processes regarding housing and climate adaptation, ensuring that policies truly meet the needs of those most affected. 

Habitat for Humanity calls on the world to view housing not just as a basic need but as a critical solution for building resilience to climate change. In the face of increasing climate challenges, adequate, green, and affordable housing is key to creating a more just and sustainable future for all. 

With the integration of housing into global climate policy, greater funding for adaptation, and a focus on affordable and climate-friendly housing, we can ensure that the most vulnerable populations can adapt and thrive in a changing world. Habitat for Humanity is committed to driving this change, and COP29 represents a pivotal moment to make it happen. 

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On that morning, Aradia greeted the day with a different kind of enthusiasm than usual. He, along with his classmates, left the comfort of their classroom and exchanged it for an open space filled with dust and construction equipment. They had purposely woken up early to join a volunteer activity to build decent homes in Kampung Cinamprak, Mauk Barat Village, Tangerang, on October 29.

While lifting the hoe, Aradia appeared slightly unsure of his movements. Seeing Aradia’s unsure movements, Risman, the Construction Supervisor from Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, immediately approached and offered guidance, demonstrating the proper way to hold and use a hoe.

Together with his group, Aradia dug foundation holes to a depth of 60 centimeters, while another group was busy tying the iron rebar for the sloof, which would serve as the foundation of the building structure.

Despite the grueling work, the volunteers’ spirits remained undeterred. “This is my first experience. It’s exhausting, but we know that what we’re doing will make a big difference for the families who will live in these homes,” said Aradia, taking a break between the volunteer activities.

To celebrate their 17th anniversary, Sinarmas World Academy (SWA) partnered with Habitat for Humanity Indonesia to invite the students, parents, and teachers from the school to share happiness in a special way.

Under the campaign titled “Build a Brighter Tomorrow,” 38 SWA volunteers took part in building three decent homes for families in Kampung Cinamprak. This activity marks the beginning of a target to build 10 decent homes, which are planned to be completed by the end of the year.

For the families of Kampung Cinamprak, owning a decent home has long been an elusive dream. Most of them work as casual farm laborers or fishermen, with income only sufficient to meet their daily needs. Their dream homes often remain distant aspirations, difficult to achieve. But that day, their dreams turned into reality.

Evelyn Indriani Kristiali, Head of Marketing and Operations at SWA, said, “We are very proud to be able to collaborate with Habitat on our anniversary. Through this experience, we hope all SWA students will grow with greater empathy and a passion for bringing positive change to the community around them.”

Support also came from the Head of Mauk Barat Village, Samudi, who appreciated this effort. “On behalf of the residents, I would like to thank SWA and Habitat for their help in our village. This is the first time decent homes are being built in Mauk Barat. I hope this initiative will inspire others to contribute to similar efforts,” he expressed.

Throughout the day, laughter and smiles from the SWA volunteers and the residents of Kampung Cinamprak filled every step of the construction process. The students, who were accustomed to classroom activities, now enjoyed a new experience working together with the local community. While working, they exchanged stories, learning more about the daily lives of the families there. This activity not only strengthened a sense of togetherness but also provided valuable lessons about the spirit of cooperation in a simple environment.

Habitat for Humanity Indonesia invites all youth communities, schools, and educational institutions to continue working towards a brighter future through the decent home program. These small moments worked on together create significant changes, fulfilling hopes, and paving the way for a better life for communities across Indonesia.

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That afternoon, Siti Nurlaelah (44) was busy watering ornamental plants in the yard of her home in Marga Mulya Village, Mauk Subdistrict, Tangerang Regency, Banten.

Unlike a month ago, her yard is now adorned with blooming flowers, as if celebrating the arrival of her new home. A sturdy, comfortable house with a roof that wouldn’t leak during a storm—far removed from the sorrow she had endured before.

For years, Siti and her family struggled in a home they painstakingly built from their savings. However, the structure was far from stable. One night, during a heavy rainstorm, the floor caved in, causing the walls of their living room to collapse. “Luckily, my children weren’t hurt—just the furniture was damaged,” Siti recalled.

The dream of having a decent home felt out of reach, as Siti only worked as a day laborer, earning 50,000 rupiahs on days she could find work. Her husband, Ahmad Yani (39), a security guard, earned no more than 3 million rupiahs per month.

“I often had to borrow from the local shop just to buy rice because my husband’s paycheck went straight to patching leaks and mending cracks,” said Siti.

Yet, even amid these hardships, Siti’s prayers were answered. Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, along with generous donors, came bearing a ray of hope. A solid house now stands where their old home once brought despair—built with love and support from caring volunteers.

Tears streamed down Siti’s face as her new home was completed. “I never imagined we’d have a house like this,” she said. During the construction process, she marveled at the quality of the building materials delivered things she had only dreamed of before.

On the first night in their new home, Siti could not sleep, overwhelmed by gratitude. Her youngest son hugged her tightly, saying, “Mom, our house is so beautiful—it’s like a palace.”

Life for Siti and her family has transformed. The money once spent on constant repairs can now go into savings, and she no longer must borrow just to buy necessities.

In the living room, Siti and Ahmad are planning to open a small shop, hopeful that their future will flourish, much like the thriving plants in their new home. For Siti, this house is more than just a shelter. It is a living dream—a place where hope and happiness for her family blossom.

You can be a part of creating this kind of transformation for families like Siti Nurlaelah’s. Through your support, more homes can be built, providing safe and decent housing for families in need.

Visit www.habitatindonesia.org/donate to donate and join our mission to create better lives.

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Bogor, November 2, 2024 – Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, in partnership with PT Prudential Life Assurance (Prudential Indonesia) and PT Prudential Sharia Life Assurance (Prudential Syariah), has resumed the Desa Maju Prudential Program (DMP) in Gunung Putri Village, Bogor, West Java.

The inauguration of the third phase of the DMP program was marked by the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of new decent homes, attended by Prudential’s Chief Customer and Marketing Officer, Karin Zulkarnaen, alongside Chief Digital and Technology Officer, Dicky Johan, Gunung Putri Subdistrict Head Kurnia Indra, Gunung Putri Village Head Daman Huri, and Habitat for Humanity Indonesia’s Program Director, Arwin Soelaksono, on November 2, 2024.

The launch of this phase coincides with its 29th anniversary, highlighting the company’s long-term commitment to creating positive social impact. According to Karin Zulkarnaen, this third phase of the DMP aims to address essential community needs, with a primary focus on creating inclusive, safe, and sustainable settlements.

With Habitat Indonesia’s support, the DMP program will run officially over the next two years, from November 2, 2024, through June 2026, and is targeted to benefit over 20,000 residents. The scope of this third phase includes:

1. The construction of 27 new decent homes with plants for each house,
2. The construction of 21 new household toilets,
3. Renovation of 4 educational facilities (classrooms, libraries, and toilets),
4. Provision of machines to convert waste into plastic pellets, as well as waste management training for 210 participants and training for 75 waste management coordinators,
5. Basic construction training and healthy home training, as well as training on clean and healthy living behaviors for 210 participants,
6. Disaster mitigation training for the community.

Karin Zulkarnaen expressed optimism about the impact of the DMP program, stating, “This series of activities is expected to improve the quality of life for local communities in the long term, helping them to live healthier, more prosperous, and empowered lives.”

Overall, the third phase of DMP focuses on five development priorities: access to decent housing, educational facilities, waste bank management and the adoption of an environmentally friendly lifestyle, improving understanding of clean living, and raising community awareness of disaster mitigation.

Previously, through Habitat Indonesia and Prudential’s partnership, the DMP’s second phase in Gunung Putri Village successfully reached more than 5,100 residents with various projects, including building 15 new decent homes, renovating 10 homes with a focus on water, sanitation, and hygiene, constructing 38 household toilets, establishing 2 art schools, promoting hygienic lifestyle training for 412 participants, as well as disaster preparedness training and the development of healthy housing.

Additionally, as part of its efforts to empower the community toward financial resilience, Habitat Indonesia and Prudential renovated 10 MSME units, provided entrepreneurship training to 50 MSME participants, vocational skills for youth, and financial literacy education for the Gunung Putri Village community. Various health programs were also conducted, including free health checks such as pap smears and the provision of medical equipment for local Posyandu (integrated health services posts).

Arwin Soelaksono, Program Director of Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, expressed his gratitude for Prudential’s continued partnership in the third phase of the DMP. He stated that collaboration opens opportunities to support and empower the community, providing access to decent housing, education, and a healthier, safer, and more comfortable environment. Together with Prudential and PRUVolunteers, he is optimistic that this program will deliver sustainable positive impacts for the residents of Gunung Putri Village and beyond until 2026.

Since beginning its partnership with Habitat for Humanity Indonesia in 2020, Prudential has empowered more than 19,000 residents across various villages. In Tanjung Anom Village, Mauk, Tangerang Regency, for example, the program successfully built 63 new homes and toilets, established 2 clean water sources along with a 272-meter drainage system, installed 25 portable handwashing facilities, conducted WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) training, Basic Construction and Healthy Housing training, and distributed hygiene kits for 617 families, as well as food vouchers for 562 families.

The commencement of the third phase of the DMP program was further marked by the enthusiasm of over 200 PRUVolunteers who helped build decent homes, household toilets, manage waste, and plant biopores. In addition, over 300 participants attended a UMKM bazaar and health exercise activities.

Habitat for Humanity Indonesia invites all Habitat supporters to join and pray for the smooth implementation of this program, so that each step will provide sustainable benefits and strengthen the quality of life for residents in the future.

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Karawang, October 24, 2024 – Amazon Web Services (AWS), in partnership with Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, inaugurates Think Big Space (TBS) at SMK Negeri 1 Karawang. 

The ribbon-cutting ceremony was conducted by the Acting Governor of West Java, Mr. Bey Machmudin, Acting Regent of Karawang, Mr. Teppy Wawan Dharmawan, Acting Head of the West Java Provincial Education Office, Mr. Bambang Tirtoyuliono, AWS Country Manager for Data Center Indonesia, Mr. Winu Adiarto, and Chief Financial Officer Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, Mr. Christian Khorigin on Thursday, October 26, 2024. 

With Habitat for Humanity Indonesia as NGO partner, AWS created a digital learning space equipped with a range of modern facilities, including STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) devices, 18 computers with free access to AWS Skill Builder as an online learning hub, Amazon Echo devices, a podcast studio, a 3D printer, and a Virtual Reality set. 

AWS Think Big Space are designed to create innovative learning environments that go beyond traditional classrooms, empowering students to develop STEAM skills and explore innovation through hands-on, real-world problem-solving experiences  

In his remarks, Mr. Winu Adiarto noted that TBS at SMKN 1 Karawang is the first of its kind in Indonesia and Southeast Asia, with the goal of broadening students’ knowledge in technology while equipping them with relevant digital skills. “This TBS is a dedicated space for students, educators, and the community to explore ideas in STEAM through technical education and interactive cloud computing training,” said Mr. Winu Adiarto. 

The Think Big Space at SMKN 1 Karawang will host various STEAM training sessions, including programming, artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and automation, aimed at students in grades 10 through 12. Additionally, AWS will use this space as a training center for programs such as Skilled in the Cloud, which offers cloud training, digital workshops, and coding classes. 

The Acting Governor of West Java, Mr. Bey Machmudin, praised the initiative as a solution to the challenge of aligning education with industry needs. “We believe in the power of education and technology to unlock human potential. With the TBS, we are better prepared to empower students in West Java and across Indonesia for a digital future,” he said. 

Mr. Winu Adiarto added that TBS would expand beyond schools into public facilities, based on community needs. “This Think Big Space aims to build technical capabilities in our youth, especially considering that 70 percent of Indonesia’s population is between 14 and 47 years old. This is a huge potential that must be positively harnessed,” he said. 

Through this initiative, AWS and Habitat for Humanity Indonesia hope that vocational schools in West Java will continue to innovate, produce graduates ready to compete in the global market, and serve as catalysts for industrial and economic progress in Indonesia. 

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