EN-ID Blog
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.
