Tangerang, July 22, 2026 – What happens when hundreds of university students from South Korea travel to Indonesia—not for a vacation, but to spend their time building decent homes for families in need?

That was exactly the scene in Rajeg District, Tangerang Regency, where the spirit of collaboration transcended national borders and language barriers, proving that compassion has the power to unite people from all walks of life.

Over six days, from 13–18 July 2026, 120 volunteers—comprised of university students from South Korea and the University of Indonesia—worked side by side to build eight decent homes for eight families. From laying foundations and tying reinforcing steel to constructing walls, every stage of the building process was completed together under the guidance of Habitat for Humanity’s construction team.

The activity, titled “Happy Move,” was part of the Global Village program, a collaboration between Habitat for Humanity Korea and Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, supported by Hyundai Motor Group. Neither the scorching sun nor the physically demanding work diminished the volunteers’ enthusiasm. Instead, every bucket of mixed cement, every brick laid, and every shared laugh with local residents became part of an unforgettable experience.

For Lee, one of the volunteers from South Korea, the experience marked both his first visit to Indonesia and a valuable opportunity to connect with local communities. “This is my first time visiting Indonesia, and I’m very happy to be here. The local community welcomed us with such warmth and kindness. Their hospitality inspired us even more to contribute and share kindness together,” said Lee.

The same spirit was shared by Sekar, a student from the University of Indonesia who joined the program as a volunteer. For her, witnessing the living conditions of local families firsthand reinforced the reality that many households still need support to secure a safe place to live. “After seeing the neighborhood and the condition of the homes here, I truly believe these families deserve this support. Most of them face economic hardship, making it difficult to improve their homes on their own,” she said.

Read also: Photo: 30 BOSCH Volunteers Build Clean Water Access for 40 Homes in Bekasi

The eight beneficiary families in this program belong to the first and second income deciles, representing some of the country’s most economically vulnerable households. Most work as daily wage laborers, earning generally no more than IDR 100,000 per day. Under these circumstances, the dream of owning a decent home is often postponed, as meeting daily necessities remains their highest priority.

For the volunteers, every task they carried out was about far more than constructing walls or laying foundations—it was about creating new hope for the families they were serving. “We hope that what we’re doing here will help improve the quality of life of these families by providing them with a decent home,” said Sekar.

Lee shared the same hope for the future of the families. “We hope that once these homes are completed, each family can begin a new chapter in their lives with a greater sense of security and renewed hope,” he said.

That hope was deeply felt by Suheni, one of the beneficiary homeowners, who struggled to hold back her emotions as she watched her dream home take shape. “I don’t even know what to say. I’m truly overwhelmed with emotion. Thank you so much for helping my family,” Suheni said.

The celebration culminated in a house key handover ceremony held on 17 July 2026. Symbolically, Won Sung Hong, Head of the Corporate Affairs Team at Hyundai Motor Company Asia Pacific, presented the keys to the eight beneficiary families. The event was further enlivened by cultural performances showcasing both Indonesian and South Korean traditions, celebrating the friendship and cultural exchange between the two countries.

The spirit of giving extended beyond the construction site. On the final day of the program, 18 July 2026, the volunteers visited students at MI Nurul Iman, where they shared joyful learning experiences through a variety of educational activities, including making handicrafts, teaching proper handwashing techniques, and playing traditional games together.

Through Global Village Program, homebuilding becomes more than a construction project. It creates opportunities for volunteers from different countries to learn from one another, work together, and build meaningful relationships with local communities. With every home completed, new cross-cultural friendships are formed, the spirit of volunteerism grows stronger, and hope is renewed that collective compassion can help create a better future for more families.

Photo & Writer: Kevin Herbian

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Bekasi, April 28, 2026 – Access to clean water remains a real challenge for many communities, including those in Pasirranji and Sukamahi Villages, Central Cikarang, Bekasi Regency. Uneven water distribution has made it difficult for residents to meet their daily needs, especially during the dry season.

In response to this challenge, Bosch Indonesia, in collaboration with Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, implemented the BOSCH Water Project by supporting the installation of PDAM water connections to 40 households across both villages.

A total of 30 volunteers from Bosch Indonesia were actively involved in the volunteering activity on April 22, 2026. Their participation reflected a strong spirit of collaboration, as they directly contributed to the construction process to support sustainable improvements for beneficiary families.

Fenny Sofyan, Country Head of Corporate Communications, Branding Management, and Government Relations at BOSCH Indonesia, shared:

“This initiative is something we are truly proud to be part of, as we can directly contribute to providing clean water access for families here. Through this collective effort, we hope beneficiary families can experience an improved quality of life, as water is a fundamental need, and its impact can extend to other aspects such as health and children’s education.”

Take a look at the moments captured as volunteers came together to help bring clean water access to these communities.

Photo & Writer: HFHI/Kevin Herbian

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Tangerang, April 18, 2026 — That morning, sunlight slowly filtered through the gaps of a white tent set up at a decent housing construction site in Mauk, Tangerang Regency, Banten. The air felt warm—not only because of the rising sun, but also due to the energy of dozens of volunteers who were ready to begin their day in a way that was different from their usual routine.

A total of 40 volunteers from Yayasan IES Jakarta came together with a shared purpose: to take part directly in building decent homes alongside Habitat for Humanity Indonesia. For many of them, it was their first time stepping onto a construction site, handling building tools, and contributing tangibly to the process of home construction.

The activity, titled “Building Hearts,” held on Saturday, April 18, 2026, became a space not only for giving but also for learning and experiencing. Before starting, all participants attended a safety briefing and a warm-up session—an important step to ensure that all activities would run safely, especially for volunteers unfamiliar with physical fieldwork.

Afterward, the volunteers were divided into four groups. Two groups were assigned to dig the foundations, while the other two began building the walls of the houses. What seemed like simple tasks became the foundation for meaningful change for four beneficiary families who had long been living in difficult conditions.

These families are part of low-income communities, working primarily as daily laborers with earnings of no more than IDR 1,500,000 per month. With such limited income, they had been forced to live in inadequate housing. However, through continued support from Yayasan IES Jakarta volunteers since 2023, they are now among 56 families given the opportunity to own safer and more decent homes.

Read also: Sowing Second Hopes with IES Jakarta Through Decent Home

Under the midday sun, the atmosphere at the construction site was vibrant. Volunteers worked side by side, helping one another, often accompanied by laughter and lighthearted conversations that eased the intensity of the work. Tasks such as digging soil or installing building materials—once unfamiliar—became deeply meaningful experiences.

One volunteer, Markus, who has participated in this activity for the third time, shared that being directly involved in the field gave him a new perspective on what it means to give.

“For me, this activity is a real example of how we can participate and contribute to others. Through building these homes, I hope the families who receive them can truly improve their quality of life in the future,” he said.

A similar sentiment was expressed by Rajib, another volunteer, who sees the construction of these homes as the beginning of a greater transformation for the beneficiary families.

“I believe this home can be a strong foundation for a better life. With decent housing, these families will have greater opportunities to grow, including providing a better future for their children,” Rajib added.

This activity serves as a reminder that change does not always have to begin with grand actions. In fact, simple efforts carried out together can create a far-reaching impact. Although the activity lasted only until midday, the experience gained by the volunteers extended far beyond the hours they spent on-site.

More than just building houses, the day was about building empathy, broadening perspectives, and experiencing firsthand how a decent home can transform lives.

In the coming weeks, the four beneficiary families will soon move into their new homes—homes that are not only structurally stronger but also bring a sense of safety, comfort, and renewed hope.

May these homes mark the beginning of better lives—places where each family member can rest peacefully, share warmth, and look toward the future with optimism.

Photo: HFHI/Astridinar Vania

Writer: Kevin Herbian

(kh/av)

Bogor, 18 February 2026 – That morning, dark clouds hung low over Wanaherang Village, Gunung Putri District, Bogor Regency. The sky grew heavy, and soon a light drizzle began to fall, soaking the ground at the construction site of Pak Ade Saputra’s future home. The soil turned muddy and the air felt cold, yet the atmosphere was filled with energy and determination.

Sixteen volunteers from Thunderbird were ready to begin their day. Muddy shoes and clothes slowly dampened by the rain did not wipe the smiles from their faces. There were no signs of hesitation—only enthusiasm and shared laughter. They had come not merely to gather, but to help build a decent and safe home for Pak Ade and his family.

Pak Ade is a father of three. To support his family’s daily needs, he works as a day laborer, taking whatever jobs come his way. His income is uncertain, while the house they had been living in was far from safe or comfortable. Its fragile walls lacked proper structure, and the roof had holes in many places. Every time it rained, water seeped inside and flooded the floor. Instead of being a place of shelter, the house often left the family feeling worried.

Seeing these conditions, the construction of a decent home became a new source of hope for Pak Ade. That hope is now slowly taking shape, built hand in hand by volunteers working selflessly.

Read also: A Home That Strengthens the Steps of an Office Boy

The volunteers were divided into two groups. Some assembled steel frames to strengthen the structure, ensuring the house would stand firm and secure. Others dug the ground for the foundation. The sounds of hoes striking the soil, metal scraping, and light conversations blended together, creating a familiar rhythm of teamwork. Even as sweat poured and their energy drained, not one of them stopped, because they knew every small effort that day meant so much to one family.

Muhammad, one of the volunteers, said he felt as if he were at home. “My friends and I were welcomed very warmly. We’re happy to be able to help Pak Ade’s family. We hope that once this house is finished, it will bring blessings and a better life for them,” he shared.

For the Thunderbird volunteers, this activity was more than just an ordinary act of service. It served as a reminder that simple acts of care can create meaningful impact. Through togetherness, mutual cooperation, and the time they dedicated, a deeper sense of empathy grew for families like Pak Ade’s.

Habitat for Humanity Indonesia also expressed its highest appreciation to all the volunteers who contributed their energy and hearts to the construction process. Amid the rain and muddy ground, they proved that hope can be built together.

Slowly, the foundation began to take shape, walls rose one by one, and Pak Ade’s dream of having a safe home grew closer to reality. One day, this house will not only be a physical structure, but a space for shelter, togetherness, and the start of calmer, brighter days with his family.

Photo & Writer: HFHI/Kevin Herbian

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