Tangerang, September 6, 2024 – Korea Water Resources Corporation (K-water), a leading water resource management company from South Korea, has successfully collaborated with Habitat for Humanity Indonesia to complete the Global Village Volunteer program in Rajeg Sub-district, Tangerang, from September 2-6, 2024. This program involved 32 volunteers from K-water Korea who actively contributed to a series of construction and training projects aimed to empowering the local community.

K-water is known for its dedication to ensuring access to clean water, proper sanitation, and improved hygiene in various communities. Through this program, K-water continues to demonstrate its commitment to enhancing the quality of life for communities through a sustainable and environmentally conscious approach. During the activities, K-water successfully built 6 houses for low-income families, as well as 29 individual toilets, which will significantly improve sanitation access in the community. Also, K-water is working on a water supply project in Kalian, Banten, and the new Capital City of Nusantara, aiming to provide clean water to areas in Indonesia that struggle with water access.

In addition, as part of K-water’s commitment to WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), they also built 3 toilets for MI Al-Fithrotussalam and 3 toilets for SMP and SMK Darul Mu’min, along with 2 handwashing facilities at these schools. The volunteers also conducted healthy home management training attended by 10 participants, as well as hygiene training with 40 participants from the local community. Moreover, hygiene practice activities at the schools were participated in by 165 students, aiming to raise awareness of the importance of cleanliness in the school environment.

Abraham Tulung, General Manager Corporate, GFN & HNWI of Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, stated, “We are very grateful to have worked with K-water on this program, which not only builds infrastructure but also improves the quality of life and health of the community. Collaborations like this are essential to ensuring that communities have proper access to housing, clean water, and sanitation.”

In addition to focusing on construction and the provision of clean water and sanitation, this Global Village Volunteering Program also contributed to environmental sustainability by planting 92 trees around the project site, which is expected to provide long-term ecological benefits in Rajeg Sub-district.

The General Manager of Management & Innovation Service Dept from K-water, Ms. Su-Jung BAE, expressed, “We are very pleased to be involved in this program. K-water is committed not only to providing clean water but also to ensuring proper sanitation and hygiene for communities. We hope this initiative will have a lasting positive impact on the community in Rajeg.”

Meanwhile, the Principal of SMK Darul Mu’min, Mr. Rizal also expressed gratitude for this program, “We are very thankful to K-water and Habitat for Humanity Indonesia. This program means a lot to our school. With better sanitation facilities and the training provided, we believe this will create a healthier and more comfortable learning environment for the students.”

The Global Village Volunteer program serves as a tangible example of how international collaboration can bring about real change for communities in need. With the support of K-water, Habitat for Humanity Indonesia remains committed to building homes, communities, and hope for a better future.

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As a testament to its commitment to ensuring everyone has access to clean water, as outlined in Sustainable Development Goal 6, Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, in collaboration with the Kompas Humanitarian Fund Foundation (DKK), has initiated a clean water installation project for the survivors of the Cianjur earthquake.

This achievement was marked by a Clean Water Program Handover ceremony held in Kampung Karamat, Sukamulya Village, Cugenang District, Cianjur Regency, on Wednesday (28/8).

This collaborative program began earlier this year and has benefited 921 people through 225 clean water connections in RW 008 Karamat. In addition to meeting household needs, the clean water connections supply 11 public facilities, six educational institutions, one posyandu (community health center), and four social facilities such as mosques and musallas.

The program handover was carried out directly by the Chairman of the DKK Foundation, Gesit Ariyanto, to the Cugenang Subdistrict Head, Robbi Erlangga, and witnessed by the Head of the TN Wilayah 1 Cianjur Gunung Pangrango National Park, Lana Sari, the Secretary of Sukamulya Village, and hundreds of beneficiaries of the clean water program.

On this occasion, the Chairman of the DKK Foundation, Gesit Ariyanto, said, “All these good efforts are the result of collaboration among all parties over the past nine months. We hope that the water flowing through the taps in people’s homes can provide many benefits to continue life and various other activities.”

Gesit Ariyanto also hopes that the flowing water will remain “cool,” unlike in the past when it made the residents “hot,” so that it can provide physical and spiritual refreshment and harmony for all residents.

Difficulties in Obtaining Clean Water

Hundreds of residents faced difficulties accessing clean water before the clean water supply program initiated by Habitat for Humanity Indonesia and the DKK Foundation.

However, living at the foot of Mount Gede-Pangrango does not mean that clean water is easily obtained. In fact, in the Karamat area, there is no adequate water source close to the settlement.

The only water source is the Lebak Salada area, 500 meters from the settlement. However, this water source is not always beneficial to residents. During the rainy season, the water is abundant. However, the water quality is murky and unfit for consumption. Meanwhile, in the dry season, the water flow decreases drastically, forcing residents to compete for a drop of water, even though it is often mixed with waste.

Conditions became even more pitiful when a 5.6-magnitude earthquake struck Cianjur on November 21, 2022, causing the Lebak Salada water source to flow even less water.

Community Efforts to Build Water Facilities

The presence of Habitat for Humanity Indonesia and the DKK Foundation brought a new ray of hope. Clean water infrastructure began in February 2024 and was completed in August 2024.

Dozens of residents were also involved in communal efforts to build three reservoirs and connect high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipes from the treatment tank to the residents’ homes.

A total of 15 residents were also selected, and the Anugrah Kehidupan Water Committee was formed to manage and operate this clean water facility after receiving various training from facilitators from Habitat for Humanity Indonesia.

From now on, residents who receive this clean water assistance will be charged a usage and maintenance fee. It is not large, only enough to pay Rp2,100, calculated per cubic meter of usage.

Commitment of the Kompas Humanitarian Fund Foundation

The support of the DKK Foundation is not only realized by providing financial support, but volunteers from Kompas Gramedia also contributed to the workforce, directly building the clean water infrastructure in Kampung Karamat.

A total of 25 employees from various units participated in the young volunteer activity, which the DKK Foundation held for the first time on May 22, 2024. They were involved in digging channels for laying water pipes from the reservoir to the branch pipes of residents’ houses. They also helped carry, connect, and install three pipes, each 100 meters long.

New Hope for Karamat Residents

Thanks to the collaborative program between Habitat for Humanity Indonesia and the DKK Foundation, hundreds of residents who previously struggled with clean water can now live peacefully and gratefully.

There are no more arguments over clean water; all residents of RW 08 Kampung Karamat can enjoy clean water that flows directly into their home taps.

“It’s like a dream. I’m so happy now that it’s easy to get water because it flows straight from the tap. The water is clean, clear, and doesn’t smell,” said Idah, one of the residents of RW 08 Karamat when met at her residence.

Tangerang, August 27, 2024—Kampung Tanjung Kait, located in Tanjung Anom Village, Mauk District, Tangerang Regency, Banten Province, is a community with 110 households, most of whom work in the informal sector. The settlement’s poor conditions, including uninhabitable homes, inadequate sanitation, and limited access to clean water, urgently require intervention.

To address these issues, the Tanjung Kait Village Revitalization Program must be implemented through a multi-stakeholder collaboration involving the Tangerang Regency Government, the Tanjung Kait community, Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, KOMIDA, and donors.

This program is designed with a participatory approach, actively involving the community to address land access gaps, increase the availability of decent housing, and establish adequate housing as a fundamental human right.

Additionally, the program aims to ensure secure tenure for residents living in informal settlements by providing access to land ownership financing. The construction of decent housing and basic infrastructure will meet the need for healthier living spaces, better access to clean water and sanitation, and other essential services.

The program begins with the Participatory Approach for Safe Shelter Awareness (PASSA). The goal is to encourage community participation, build capacity, and promote self-reliance and protection related to secure tenure.

Through PASSA, the community is invited to identify problems, plan, and organize the village to create safer living spaces and reduce the impact of disaster threats and climate change.

Through this collaboration, the residents of Kampung Tanjung Kait will gain access to land financing and ownership rights, build decent homes, and develop infrastructure by building neighborhood roads, drainage systems, clean water networks, electricity from PLN, public facilities, green spaces, fish processing kiosks, and wave breaker dikes.

This program is highly beneficial as it involves multiple parties. The Tangerang Regency Government is committed to implementing this program by allocating funds from the 2025 Revised Regional Budget (APBD) for infrastructure development and other supporting facilities.

“We are very pleased with this program. Through the cooperation of many parties, the community in Kampung Tanjung Kait will be able to improve their quality of life. The Tangerang Regency Government will always prioritize and support any program that involves many stakeholders and benefits the community. We will encourage and facilitate this multi-stakeholder collaboration to ensure its smooth and successful implementation,” said Andi Ony, Acting Regent of Tangerang Regency, on Tuesday, August 27, 2024.

Susanto, National Director of Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, expressed similar sentiments. “Habitat Indonesia believes that with strong collaboration and the right knowledge, we can empower communities to transform and improve their quality of life. This program is not just about building houses, but also about building resilient and sustainable communities.”

The involvement of the residents also makes them more resilient. One resident mentioned, “Through this program, we feel cared for, and we are motivated to contribute to the development of our village. On behalf of the community in Tanjung Kait, I would like to express my deepest appreciation to the Tangerang Regency Government, Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, KOMIDA, and all related parties. We are also immensely grateful for the extraordinary support from donors and sponsors. We have learned so much from this program. May this noble mission continue to grow and have an even wider impact,” said Muslih, Local Committee Chair and PASSA Group Member of Kampung Tanjung Kait, Tanjung Anom Village.

Congratulations to all the residents of Kampung Tanjung Kait on this significant step forward! Let us work together to build a better future.

Jakarta, August 19, 2024 – To celebrate Indonesia’s Independence Day, Habitat for Humanity Indonesia successfully held the Habitat Charity Concert 2024 titled “Songs for NTT.” The event took place at The Ballroom at Djakarta Theater on Monday, August 19, 2024, offering an evening filled with arts and social awareness.

The “Songs for NTT” charity concert marks Habitat for Humanity Indonesia’s third concert. It follows the success of aiding survivors of the Seroja tropical cyclone through “NTT adalah Kita 2021” and supporting earthquake survivors in Cianjur with “Songs for Cianjur 2022.” This year, the Habitat Charity Concert focused on helping East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), the second province with the highest number of uninhabitable houses in Indonesia.

NTT, often facing clean water crises and lacking adequate school facilities, is one of the provinces with the highest poverty rates in Indonesia. The urgency of the situation is clear, with the poverty rate in NTT reaching 21.87%—significantly higher than the national average of 9.70%. This also affects the population’s access to clean water, with BPS data showing that 27.5% of NTT’s population in 2019 did not have access to clean water. Driven by these alarming facts, Habitat for Humanity Indonesia recognized the urgent need to support the people of NTT through the Habitat Charity Concert 2024, “Songs for NTT.” Your support is crucial in addressing these urgent needs, and we hope it motivates you to take action.

Susanto, the National Director of Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, explained that the funds raised from ticket sales and auctions would be used to build decent homes, provide clean water access, and renovate schools in NTT. “The funds raised tonight will be used to build decent homes, provide clean water access, and renovate schools in NTT. Every guest’s contribution tonight is significant for improving the welfare of the people there. Every guest here is invited to help realize their hopes and dreams of having decent housing, clean water, and adequate education. That is our mission in organizing this event,” Susanto stated.

With the spirit of unity to bring about change, the event featured a series of special performances by Kris Dayanti, the vocal group IL BIDO—comprising Fofo Sariaatmadja, Amb. Tantowi Yahya, Amb. Kristiarto Legowo and Robert Yonathan—Flashback Band, Luxe Voir, the Armonia Choir, a sasando music performance by young NTT musician Ganzer Lana, and a musical drama from NTT by Pagelaran Sabang Merauke. An auction of items and songs hosted by Hans Huang added to the vibrant atmosphere.

Ganzer Lana expressed his gratitude and pride for the opportunity to participate in the Habitat Charity Concert 2024 “Songs for NTT.” “As a native of NTT, I feel honored and grateful to present NTT’s traditional art, the Sasando musical instrument, at this charity concert. I hope that events like this will continue to be held every year, as many children and families in NTT still need our support.” During the concert, Ganzer Lana performed his original song, “Lalean,” which means paradise. Through this song, he depicted the breathtaking beauty of NTT’s nature and culture.

More than 300 guests attended with great enthusiasm, donating to NTT. They enjoyed the heartwarming music, indulged in a delightful dinner, and visited various booths offering merchandise and products unique to NTT.

The Minister of Transportation of the Republic of Indonesia, Dr. (H.C.) Ir. Budi Karya Sumadi also expressed his appreciation for the charity concert. “This is an awe-inspiring event, with many amazing singers also present here. Especially since we are doing this event to raise funds to improve a region with so much that needs to be fixed. I highly appreciate this effort. I hope this event runs smoothly and sets an example for all Indonesians that we must care for communities in need,” he said.

Susanto emphasized that Habitat for Humanity Indonesia would continue to show its commitment to helping low-income communities in Indonesia through similar events in the future. “We hope that in the future, charity concerts like this will continue to be organized as a form of Habitat Indonesia’s dedication to building many regions in Indonesia. Because Indonesia is us,” he added.

At the end of the event, all the performers of the Habitat Charity Concert 2024 – “Songs for NTT” united in harmony, singing the legendary song “We Are the World.” Their voices resonated with the spirit of togetherness, reminding everyone of the importance of unity and care in helping others. This moment served as a beautiful and meaningful conclusion, symbolizing Habitat Indonesia’s determination to continue serving communities across Indonesia. As an audience, your presence and support have made a significant difference, and you should feel proud and inspired by the impact we’ve made together.

Tangerang, August 28, 2024 – Kakaobank, a leading digital bank from South Korea, is teaming up with Habitat for Humanity Indonesia for the highly anticipated Global Village Volunteering program, scheduled from August 25-28, 2024. This impactful initiative has involved 15 volunteers from Kakaobank Korea actively participating in construction projects in Mauk, Tangerang.

As a pioneer in digital banking, Kakaobank is showcasing its dedication to global community support through this philanthropic endeavor. In this initiative, Kakaobank is donating to build 5 livable homes and an Information and Communication Technology Laboratory (ICT Lab) for SMK Hanjuang, equipped with 21 new computers.

The Global Village Volunteering program emphasizes physical construction and the enhancement of human resources, particularly in education. The newly established ICT Lab will offer students critical access to technology and information essential in today’s digital era. The goal is for SMK Hanjuang students to gain easier access to information and develop skills crucial for their future.

This initiative highlights the synergy between building quality housing and improving education. A safe, stable home provides the foundation for a family to thrive, supporting students in learning more effectively without the barriers of inadequate living conditions. Kakaobank’s contributions to building secure homes and enhancing educational facilities in Mauk will create lasting positive effects for current and future generations.

Susanto, National Director of Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, stated, “We are incredibly grateful for Kakaobank’s support in creating livable homes and educational facilities in Mauk. Their involvement immediately benefits families and students, especially through the new ICT Lab. This project is a significant investment in the future of the community.”

The Principal of SMK Hanjuang, Mrs. Ratu Shodlatul Munifah, S.S, M.Pd, also expressed appreciation, saying, “We are very thankful to Kakaobank and Habitat Indonesia. The new ICT Lab will greatly enhance our students’ digital skills. This project is more than just new facilities; it represents new opportunities and a brighter future for our students.”

The closing ceremony of this initiative take place on August 28, 2024, with the Regent of Tangerang in attendance to show support for this commendable project. Local government participation underscores the vital collaboration between the private sector, non-profit organizations, and government in building a more prosperous community.

A leader of the Kakaobank Business Support Group, Mr. Hayden, stated, “At Kakaobank, we believe that social responsibility is a fundamental aspect of our vision for a better future. By supporting the construction of homes and educational facilities in Mauk, we aim to make a meaningful and sustainable contribution to the community. We also hope it will strengthen our relationships with the international community.”

Through this partnership, Kakaobank and Habitat for Humanity Indonesia aspire to significantly improve the quality of life in the Mauk community, focusing on education and housing.

About Kakaobank

Kakaobank is a digital bank based in South Korea renowned for its technological innovations in banking services. As one of the leading banks, Kakaobank is committed to providing accessible financial services for everyone.

Tangerang, August 27, 2024—Habitat for Humanity Indonesia and AXA Financial Indonesia (AFI), through their AFI Berbagi initiative, organized the Closing Ceremony of the Financial Literacy Program & Waste Management Training and the Kick-Off of the Clean Water Facilities Renovation for low-income families in Kedung Dalem Village, Mauk District, Tangerang Regency on Tuesday (27/8).

From May to August 2024, a series of successful programs were conducted, providing financial literacy and household waste management training to 120 adults, health check-ups for 67 elderly individuals, and financial literacy training and health check-ups for 137 children. These achievements are a testament to the potential for positive change in Kedung Dalem Village.

The primary financial literacy training for housewives covered distinguishing between wants and needs, household financial management, handling online loans, and introducing them to official financial lending institutions.

Additionally, financial literacy training for elementary school children included understanding money and the importance of saving, aiming to help them make wiser spending decisions and build the habit of saving from an early age.

AFI Berbagi’s practical actions continued by empowering the community with the knowledge and skills to manage household waste. The literacy training included initial processes such as storage, collection, sorting, reuse, and final waste processing, all designed to be easily implemented by the community.

AFI Berbagi also launched a program to revitalize clean water facilities in the Kedung Dalem Village residential area as part of AXA Financial Indonesia’s ongoing CSR efforts. This step was taken to enhance the community’s access to clean water, essential for improving the quality of life.

“AXA Financial Indonesia is committed to making a tangible and sustainable contribution to empowering communities through AFI Berbagi. AFI strives to support good health and well-being, quality education, and clean water and sanitation access. We engage in community capacity building, health check-ups, and improvements to public sanitation as part of our involvement to provide financial literacy, environmental awareness, and improve the health of the surrounding community, ensuring a better life,” said Niharika Yadav, President Director of AXA Financial Indonesia, during the event at SDN Kedung Dalem 02, Mauk, Tangerang Regency.

Susanto, National Director of Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, added, “We welcome the collaboration with AXA Financial Indonesia through the financial literacy & waste management program, education and health check-ups, as well as the clean water facilities revitalization program in Kedung Dalem Village. This initiative improves the quality of life and daily well-being of the community and provides better access to sanitation facilities, which will positively impact their lives and health. Through this joint effort, we hope this program will support inclusive and sustainable development, enhancing the quality of life for residents.”

Through strategic collaboration and sustainable programs, Habitat for Humanity Indonesia and AFI believe they can continue improving the community’s quality of life, health, and well-being, particularly in Kedung Dalem Village. This initiative is a tangible step in strengthening support for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals while opening up opportunities for similar partnerships.

In 2016, Mrs. Khusnul began her journey as a reseller in the women’s fashion industry. She aimed to increase her family’s income and support her factory laborer husband.

Initially, Mrs. Khusnul sold women’s clothing straightforwardly, relying solely on word of mouth. However, in 2019, with great courage, she decided to open her small boutique.

At that time, the boutique was quite modest. Mrs. Khusnul utilized a small, makeshift space with walls full of holes and faded paint. The dim atmosphere made it difficult to attract customers, but she remained optimistic that her business would eventually thrive.

Amid the challenges of 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic struck, and Mrs. Khusnul’s income plummeted. However, she found hope in the support of Habitat for Humanity Indonesia. With the help of donors and volunteers, Habitat Indonesia assisted in renovating her boutique, transforming it into a more presentable and appealing space.

They revitalized her once-drab boutique into a modern and inviting shop. The walls were repaired, glass doors were installed, and the essential business fixtures, such as cabinets and display cases, were provided.

Additionally, Mrs. Khusnul received valuable entrepreneurship training, including financial management and product marketing, which significantly contributed to the growth of her business.

“I can’t express my gratitude enough to the Habitat donors who helped me reach where I am today,” she said with deep appreciation during an interview at her newly renovated boutique.

Today, Mrs. Khusnul’s boutique has evolved from selling just women’s clothing to offering abayas and children’s wear. Her income has grown to two million rupiahs per month, and her boutique has expanded into online sales, marking a significant milestone in her entrepreneurial journey.

With renewed enthusiasm, Mrs. Khusnul is determined to continue expanding her business. She is now focused on saving to develop her business further and plans to open a new boutique.

Living in Margamulya Village, Tangerang Regency, Cupyadi (38) earns a living by selling green mussels as a street vendor. Each day, he only manages to bring home about 30,000 rupiah, which is barely enough to cover his family’s daily needs.

His wife, Kartini (34), works as a farm laborer, trying to supplement their income to cover their children’s school expenses.

However, their struggles are not only due to financial hardship. The house they lived in was dilapidated and on the verge of collapsing. The rotting bamboo frame, the bamboo walls with holes, and the leaking roof during rain testified to their ongoing struggle.

“My house was no longer livable; my two children had difficulty studying at home,” Cupyadi said sadly.

This situation changed when Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, donors, and volunteers, came to help rebuild a decent home for Cupyadi’s family.

Now, Cupyadi and his family are experiencing a remarkable change. With a new, safe, and comfortable home, Cupyadi works harder, waking up every day at five in the morning.

His earnings have increased to 150,000 rupiah per day. Cupyadi can now save money for his children’s education without worrying about home repair costs. 

“Alhamdulillah, this decent home makes me happy. My eldest child has achieved top honors after being able to study safely and comfortably in his new room,” Cupyadi expressed with heartfelt gratitude. 

In collaboration with IES Jakarta, Habitat for Humanity once again held a volunteering event titled “Building Hearts” for the fourth time on June 22 in Margamulya Village, Mauk Subdistrict, Tangerang Regency.

Over 25 volunteers painted four new decent homes for low-income families as part of the effort to complete the construction of 20 decent homes that began in November 2023.

This activity not only reflects IES Jakarta’s strong commitment to improving the quality of life for communities but also serves as an inspiration to all involved.

The spirit of mutual cooperation demonstrated by the volunteers is hoped to have a broader impact, not only by providing decent housing but also by fostering unity in the pursuit of sustainable social efforts.

Through “Building Hearts,” it is hoped that partner families will experience warmth and renewed hope and be inspired to contribute to creating positive change for the larger community.

Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, in collaboration with PT Prudential Life Assurance, held the PRUVolunteers & MSMEs Bazaar in Gunung Putri Village, Gunung Putri Subdistrict, Bogor Regency on Saturday, June 29.

The event featured various activities, including coloring competitions for early childhood education (PAUD & TK), volunteering by PRUVolunteers who painted facilities at PAUD schools, Posyandu, waste banks, and an MSMEs bazaar. Additionally, a healthy exercise session attended by 200 participants added to the festivities.

The event also served as a platform for 50 MSME entrepreneurs to directly apply the knowledge gained from the entrepreneurship and vocational training they received through the Desa Maju Prudential (DMP) program in Bogor.

One of the bazaar participants, Mrs. Nani, shared her experience: “This is my first time participating in a bazaar. Alhamdulillah, the knowledge I gained during the training about finance and marketing was put into practice here.” 

The DMP Bogor program in Gunung Putri includes not only entrepreneurship training for MSME entrepreneurs but also the renovation of 10 MSME units, the renovation of 10 decent houses, the construction of 15 new decent homes, and the provision of Posyandu equipment and Clean and Healthy Living Behavior (PHBS) training, among other initiatives.

Mrs. Indrijati Rahayoe, Chief Human Resources & Community Investment Officer of Prudential Syariah, stated, “In line with Prudential’s objectives in this village, we aim to implement our initiative, Community Investment.” She added, “We believe that by investing in the community, we are helping to improve their economic living standards and supporting them to achieve a better and more prosperous life.”

The DMP Bogor program has significantly contributed to improving village residents’ well-being and quality of life. We hope this initiative continues and sets an example for similar efforts in the future, bringing sustainable positive changes to the community.