EN-ID Blog
Habitat for Humanity Indonesia mobilized over 700 volunteers to build 71 new homes for low-income families and plant more than 450 trees in Tangerang, Gresik, and Batam in a community and environment initiative.
Jakarta, October 26, 2024 – To celebrate Youth Pledge Day, Habitat for Humanity Indonesia has once again organized 28UILD 2024, an impactful volunteer event engaging young Indonesians in building decent housing for families in need.
This year, more than 700 volunteers simultaneously worked in three cities—Tangerang, Gresik, and Batam on October 26, 2024—dedicated to building and painting safe homes for those in need. For the first time, the volunteers also participated in tree planting to promote environmental sustainability. Across these cities, a total of 71 new homes were built, and over 450 trees were planted.
Since its start in 2012, 28UILD has been held 11 times, engaging over 5,700 volunteers from various cities in Indonesia. This year’s event was further enriched by the support of inspiring public figures, such as Daniel Mananta, Joanna Alexandra, Nadia Tjoa, Han Chandra, Nathan Khubani, and Kurnia Hidayat, who joined in building homes and voicing the importance of environmental action.
“We aim to demonstrate the significant role youth play in building socially and environmentally sustainable Indonesia, both socially and environmentally,” said Handoko Ngadiman, National Director of Habitat for Humanity Indonesia. “Through 28UILD, we create positive change together—not only by building homes but also by protecting our environment. The young generation is a vital pillar in shaping a better future.”
Daniel Mananta, a well-known Indonesian actor and host who has supported this movement for years, shared his experience: “I’m very grateful to be invited back every year to join Habitat in the 28UILD event. Every year, I meet new families whose homes we’re able to transform for them. I am deeply motivated to see the significant impact we can make on the lives of these families. From homes that were previously uninhabitable, now they have a safer, healthier place to live.”
Beyond building homes, Daniel emphasized that this event is a collective effort to foster renewed hope. “With safer homes, these children can dream bigger than their parents may have imagined.”
In recent years, more young Indonesians are also getting involved in social initiatives. Habitat for Humanity Indonesia offers a platform for them through the Habitat Young Star program—a space where youth can create and innovate projects that bring positive change to their communities. This year, two young participants, Denzel Setiawan and Kirana Ratomo, brought their ideas to life by building a playground for local children.
Sharing her inspiration, Kirana Ratomo used repurposed tires to build play structures and painted vibrant murals on the playground walls. “I wanted to create a safe, fun space for kids and show that with a bit of creativity, waste materials can become something useful and beautiful,” said Kirana.
Denzel Setiawan also contributed by transforming seashell waste from Mauk, Tangerang Regency, into mortar for building material.This mortar was used in a pilot project to renovate a badminton court in Marga Mulya, creating a new space for local residents. “I’m thrilled to be part of 28UILD by turning seashell waste into something valuable—mortar for building material. It shows that what’s seen as trash can actually be part of a solution,” said Denzel.
Habitat for Humanity Indonesia hopes 28UILD will continue to inspire young Indonesians to unite in service and solidarity. Looking ahead, they hope to see even more youth join in social initiatives like this. With a spirit of cooperation and direct action, Habitat for Humanity Indonesia believes the young generation can help build a more independent, prosperous, and sustainable Indonesia.
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