Tangerang, January 13, 2026 – That afternoon, Durahman (55) and his wife, Rohayati (48), gathered in the living room of their new home, watching their children and grandchildren play with joyful laughter—without the disruptions of leaks or the stifling air they once endured.

Every corner of this new home holds happiness that once seemed unimaginable. For more than thirty years, Durahman and his family lived in a fragile, cramped house filled with limitations. Today, everything has changed. Their home is now safe, comfortable, and warm—a gift born of relentless hard work and unwavering prayers.

Before having a decent home, Durahman’s life was full of uncertainty. He worked as a day laborer, willing to do any job—from digging to construction—earning only fifty thousand rupiahs per day if there was work available. Two years earlier, when his body was still strong, he walked tens of kilometers to collect and sell scrap materials. Age and health, however, eventually made such heavy labor impossible.

Meanwhile, Rohayati devoted herself to managing the household. They were blessed with four daughters, two of whom are married and live next door. The third child had to drop out of school due to financial constraints, while the youngest continued attending elementary school. This lack often left Durahman and his wife feeling they had failed to provide a proper life for their children.

Their old house only added to the struggle. Some walls were brick, others bamboo, lacking proper structural support. The aging roof was riddled with leaks during the rainy season.

“That house leaked all the time. I felt sorry for my children; it disturbed their studying. I tried to patch it up, but it still leaked,” Durahman recalled.

Even the ceramic floor was a product of his labor from collecting scrap. “That’s why my floor looks patchy and uneven,” he said with a small laugh.

Sanitation was another major challenge. The family had only a simple bathroom, while for defecation, they had to rely on relatives’ houses or a pond. Yet Durahman remained grateful that the family could at least gather under one roof, despite its limitations.

“I really wanted to give my family a proper home. But sometimes we barely had enough to eat. My youngest once said he wanted a two-story house. I could only tell him, ‘Just pray, my child,’” he said.

Read also: A Mother’s Story: Almost Leaving for the Future of Her Family

That hope eventually found a way through the Decent Home Program run by Habitat for Humanity Indonesia in collaboration with MedcoEnergi and Medco Foundation. Durahman’s home, along with 14 other families in Rajeg, Tangerang Regency, was rebuilt as part of a total of 45 decent homes constructed across Tangerang, Palembang, and Situbondo.

“I never imagined my house could be transformed and look this good,” Durahman said, unable to hide his emotion.

The change is evident in every corner: a new, tight roof, sturdy cream-colored walls, uniform ceramic floors, and proper sanitation facilities.

The first night in his new home, Durahman found it hard to sleep. Memories of the old leaky, fragile house lingered. But the next morning, the laughter of children studying and playing in the living room made him realize—they finally had a safe and comfortable home. No more rodents, clean air filled every room, and having their own toilet brought dignity and hygiene beyond measure.

With this new home, Durahman began thinking about the next steps to improve his family’s life and fulfill his children’s dreams. “Slowly, while I save some extra money, I want to resume selling scrap in the city. But for now, I want to focus on getting my third child back to school; he wants to attend a pesantren like his older sibling,” he shared.

He also emphasized that this house is not just for him, but for his youngest child—a legacy of comfort, safety, and opportunity.

Durahman’s family life is now filled with simple yet priceless joy. He can sit with his children and grandchildren in the living room, watching them study, play, and laugh—a reality that once felt impossible.

Every brick laid, every tile shielding them from rain, is not just a physical structure but a silent witness to prayers, hopes, and love embedded in the walls. Durahman’s house is now a foundation for the future, a place where the next generation can grow safely, healthily, and confidently.

Like sunlight streaming through the windows of their new home, this house illuminates new hope for Durahman’s family. And with every support given, more families like theirs can experience the warmth of fulfilled prayers, the fruits of perseverance, and a life that is truly worthy.

Writer: Kevin Herbian

(kh/av)

Tangerang, January 8, 2026 – In a quiet corner of a village in Tangerang Regency, Kamila sits on the porch of her new, sturdy home, cradling her youngest baby. From time to time, she glances at the clean walls, the tight roof, and the dry floors. Her other child runs around the living room, laughing—a sound that was once drowned out by the heavy rain leaking through the roof of their old house.

It has been three weeks since Kamila moved into this decent home, yet her gratitude seems endless. Each morning, when she opens her eyes, she often pauses in awe. “Oh God… my house really looks like this,” she whispers, as if she still cannot fully believe that a dream that once felt so far away has now come true.

Before the New House

A few months ago, Kamila’s life was far from the sense of security she feels today. She and her small family lived in a house on the verge of collapse, with fragile bamboo walls, muddy dirt floors, and a roof that could no longer keep out the rain.

“When it rained, we had to lift the mattresses. We used pots to catch the leaks,” she recalled. During heavy downpours, water seeped not only from above but also from below. The dirt floor turned into mud, wet everywhere. Many nights, the family stayed awake—not because of the baby crying, but because they feared the roof might collapse.

During her pregnancy, the fear grew even stronger. “At that time, I was carrying this little one… I often felt so sad. I kept thinking, what if I give birth while still living in a house like this? I was afraid it might collapse… afraid something would happen to my baby.”

Economic limitations left the family with few options. Her husband, Samsul, 35, worked as a daily laborer in rice fields or construction sites, earning only IDR 50,000 per day—their sole source of income.

With a child in kindergarten and a baby, their daily needs were often unmet. “Sometimes we even had to borrow rice from the neighbors,” Kamila said. For her older child’s school fees, which amounted to nearly one million rupiah, Samsul often had to pay in installments or borrow from here and there. “It was really tough,” Kamila admitted.

In such desperate circumstances, Kamila even planned to work abroad as a migrant worker. She prepared documents, filled out forms, and even lost her diploma amid the long administrative process. But in the end, she canceled her plan because Samsul did not allow it.

“My husband said, ‘Be patient, Mah. Our sustenance is already arranged. Stay here, don’t go abroad. Let’s take care of our family and children.’”

When Kamila repeated her husband’s words, tears welled up in her eyes—not just out of love, but because she knew her decision to stay was solely for the family, even if it meant continuing to live in a house barely fit to be called home.

“There’s nothing we can do… our means are limited. Every extra rupiah goes straight to paying off debts,” she revealed.

Read also: Closing the Journey of 2025: Thank You for Building Hope Together

Hope Knocks on the Door

That hope arrived on a day she never expected. “I still remember… when the Habitat team came for the first survey. I felt so relieved. Even then, I had a little hope. But when we were actually chosen for assistance… Alhamdulillah, I am so grateful.”

Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, together with donors, rebuilt Kamila’s house from the ground up—giving it a strong structure, solid walls, a leak-free roof, and spaces where her family could breathe easy. Before moving in, Kamila even contributed her small efforts to help build the kitchen and organize parts of the house—a small gesture from a big heart.

When she saw the house completed, Kamila could only bow her head and cry. “Oh God… is this the answer to my husband’s words telling me not to go abroad? Maybe if I had gone, I wouldn’t have gotten all of this.”

Three weeks in the new home have drastically changed their lives. “No more leaks, no more moving mattresses around,” she said with a wide smile. “It feels safe, comfortable… even sleeping is better.”

But the biggest change is not in the house itself—it is in her mind. Kamila can now focus on caring for her children without fearing the house might collapse or worrying about repair costs. She can think about her children’s future, not just surviving day to day. And without urgent repair expenses, the family can begin slowly paying off their debts.

“This house… is a blessing I never imagined before,” she said softly but firmly.

Kamila knows that her good fortune is not shared by all. “Millions of families out there also dream of a house like this. But their means… maybe are just like ours before. Very limited.”

Kamila’s story is a reminder that a house is not just a building—it is the foundation for a family to live with dignity, raise children safely, and dream bigger. And for families like hers, the caring hands of others are the bridge between hope and reality.

Help create more decent homes for families in Indonesia: habitatindonesia.org/donate

Writer: Kevin Herbian

(kh/av)

Sibolga, January 5, 2026 — Flash floods, landslides, and extreme weather that struck northern Sumatra since late November 2025 have left deep scars. Millions of residents were forced to evacuate after their homes were destroyed by landslide debris and overflowing rivers. In response to this crisis, Habitat for Humanity Indonesia is calling for national solidarity to support housing recovery efforts for affected families, particularly in Sibolga City and Tapanuli Tengah Regency.

Based on the Rapid Assessment conducted by Habitat Indonesia’s Rapid Assessment Team between December 11–21, 2025, a total of 633 houses were reported damaged, 311 of which were severely damaged, leaving residents without safe shelter. Conditions for flood and landslide survivors in Sibolga have now reached a critical phase. The latest 2025 Joint Needs Assessment (JNA) report reveals that more than 57% of affected homes are no longer safe to live in. Habitat for Humanity Indonesia is urging immediate action from all sectors of society to assist the thousands of people who have lost their homes and access to basic health services.

A Humanitarian Crisis Amid the Ruins

An estimated 7,276 people are currently displaced. South Sibolga and North Sibolga are among the most critical areas, where hundreds of homes along hillsides and riverbanks have suffered severe structural damage.

“A house is more than just a building — it is a family’s final line of protection. In Sibolga, that protection has collapsed for hundreds of families,” said Arwin Soelaksono, Program Director of Habitat for Humanity Indonesia. “We are on the ground not only to assess damage, but to ensure that families can return to homes that are safer, more decent, and more resilient to future disasters.”

Habitat Indonesia’s Concrete Actions on the Ground

Habitat Indonesia has developed a first-year humanitarian response plan focused on:

• Distribution of Recovery Shelter Kits (toolkits for home repair): Targeting 1,000 families.
• Housing Repairs: Implementing repairs and structural retrofitting for 500 homes.
• Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Recovery: Providing clean water access, sanitation services, and training on safer rebuilding practices (Build Back Safer).
• Support for Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI): Ensuring vulnerable groups — including women-headed households, the elderly, and people with disabilities — have safe and inclusive access to markets and cash assistance.

A Humanitarian Call: Let’s Rebuild Together

Post-disaster recovery requires substantial resources. Habitat for Humanity Indonesia invites the private sector, communities, and individuals to join this humanitarian mission. Every contribution will directly support the procurement of building materials, construction tools, and technical assistance for building safe homes.

Habitat for Humanity Indonesia invites you to bring hope to Sibolga residents through kitabisa.com/bangunharapansibolga or via Habitat for Humanity Indonesia’s official donation account:
Post-Disaster Housing Recovery in Sibolga

Please add “26” at the end of your donation amount (for example: IDR 100,026) to help us identify your contribution.

“We invite everyone to be part of the solution. With your donation, we are not only providing a roof — we are giving new hope for the people of Sibolga to rebuild their lives and plan for the future,” Arwin added.

Writer: Astridinar Vania

(av/kh)

Jakarta, December 31, 2025 — As we come to the end of a long journey in 2025, Habitat for Humanity Indonesia would like to express our deepest gratitude to donors, partners, institutions, volunteers, and every individual who has walked alongside us throughout this year.

Thank you for the time you have shared. For the energy you have poured in. For the resources offered with sincere hearts. Above all, thank you for believing in a simple yet powerful vision: that every family deserves a decent place to live.

Every step taken this year was more than just an activity. Every house that now stands is more than just a structure. Every story we hear is more than a report. Each one is a trace of kindness — a legacy that remains in the lives of families who now have a safe space to grow, heal, and plan for a better future.

As we look back and retrace our path through 2025, we realize that the collective impact of our actions has reached far beyond what meets the eye.

Since 1997, Habitat for Humanity has been present in Indonesia, this collaborative work has helped 219,704 families achieve stability, independence, and well-being. A total of 39,870 decent homes has been built, bringing long-awaited safety to thousands of families.

Beyond housing, we also expanded access to sanitation and clean water. A total of 31,842 adequate sanitation facilities and various clean-water sources are now part of daily life for many families. Meanwhile, 787 community facilities have been built to strengthen local communities.

Behind these numbers are countless hands working tirelessly in Indonesia for over 28 years. There are 54,747 Habitat volunteers who not only carry bricks and build walls but also plant hope. There are also housing market development initiatives that reached 73,987 individuals, opening a more inclusive ecosystem for low-income families.

Thanks to the generosity and compassion of #SahabatHabitat, 988,668 individuals across Indonesia are now experiencing real benefits from these programs—from Batam, Tangerang, Bogor, Karawang, Garut, Cilegon, Palembang, Yogyakarta, Gresik, Kupang, to Sabu Raijua Island in East Nusa Tenggara.

Among hundreds of thousands of stories, one mirrors the journey of many families. Amalia, a recipient of a decent home in Mauk, Tangerang Regency, had spent years living in unsafe conditions, constantly worried about leaks during heavy rain. Each night, she could only hope her children would stay healthy and unafraid.

Today, her expression changed when she spoke about her new life. “Here, I finally feel like a mother who truly has a place to protect her children. My child can study without worry, and I can think about their future with peace of mind. It feels like being given a second chance to rebuild our lives,” she shared.

Amalia’s story reminds us that a house is not just walls and a roof. A house is a beginning — the place where values, love, education, and hope are nurtured.

Your contributions have helped reduce the number of families still living in inadequate housing. But if we focus only on statistics, we risk losing the deeper meaning of this journey. The true impact lies in the long days of fieldwork, difficult decisions, perseverance in the face of obstacles, and the emotions shared with families who continue to endure. This is what turns change into reality.

Welcoming 2026: Continuing Hope, Strengthening Compassion

As we enter 2026, Habitat for Humanity Indonesia humbly asks for your prayers and support. Next year, we will begin a two-year disaster recovery program in Sibolga, North Sumatra.

In mid-January 2026, the Habitat team will distribute shelter kits to 1,000 survivor families as an initial step toward rebuilding their lives. Anyone who wishes to take part in this recovery journey may contribute through: kitabisa.com/campaign/bangunharapansibolga

As we look toward the new year, we do so with renewed confidence — confidence that every small step matters, and that when we move together, change can happen repeatedly, multiplying in ways we may not expect.

Habitat for Humanity Indonesia is proud to continue building the future with families across the country — not only today, but for the years to come.

With deep gratitude, we say:

thank you for your trust,

thank you for your hard work,

and thank you for being part of the Habitat for Humanity Indonesia family.

We look forward to upcoming years filled with collaboration, growth, and extraordinary stories together.

Video: HFHI/Budi Ariyanto

Writer: Kevin Herbian

(kh/av)

Jakarta, December 23, 2025 – Climate-resilient housing is no longer merely an option, but a national imperative for Indonesia. As one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world, Indonesia faces significant risks, with the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia, through its Health Crisis Center, reporting that nearly 80% of disasters in the country are hydro-meteorological in nature—including floods, landslides, flash floods, droughts, tornadoes, and coastal storms. These impacts disproportionately affect communities, particularly women living in informal settlements, through compounded health risks and rising living costs caused by drought, increasing temperatures, and sea-level rise.

Boby Wahyu Hernawan, Head of the Climate Change and Multilateral Financing Policy Center at the Fiscal Policy Agency of the Ministry of Finance, stated during a Ministry of Finance media briefing (29 May 2024) that without serious adaptation measures, climate change is projected to cost Indonesia up to 2.87% of its GDP annually by 2045.

In his remarks, Handoko Ngadiman, National Director of Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, emphasized:
“For the Habitat for Humanity family, climate-resilient housing is no longer a choice—it is a necessity. The government’s program to build three million houses per year presents a strategic opportunity to embed resilience principles and climate-adaptive design into national policy. At the same time, we recognize the critical importance of inclusive and flexible financing schemes—such as microfinance and incremental housing upgrades—so that low-income families, female-headed households, and vulnerable groups are not left behind. Inclusive financing is also essential to support climate-adaptive home improvements.”

---

Strategic Collaboration and Policy Alignment

The workshop, moderated by Dr. Saut Sagala (Global Resilience Specialist at RDI and Associate Professor at the Bandung Institute of Technology/ITB), brought together experts from various institutions to align climate adaptation policies. Based on the collective brainstorming, the workshop identified several Key Findings:

• Climate resilience in the housing sector has been mandated within the RPJPN–RPJMN framework and is interconnected with water, sanitation, and spatial planning sectors, extending down to the household level.
• Implementation at the ground level remains inconsistent, despite housing being a core component of the national adaptation agenda.
• Locally driven “passive cooling” designs—such as those developed through studies in Wunung Village, Gunungkidul Regency—have proven effective in improving indoor air quality and thermal comfort.

Ira Lubis, ST., MIDP, Coordinator for the Housing Sector at the Ministry of National Development Planning (Kementerian PPN/Bappenas), underscored the importance of policy integration, stating:
“The national housing development program represents a unique opportunity to integrate climate-adaptive design into government policy. We must ensure the presence of enabling frameworks and regulations that support affordability for low-income communities, so that the target of providing adequate and resilient housing by 2030 can be achieved.”

Khairunnisa Destyany Qatrunnada, S.Si., Expert Staff of the Directorate of Climate Change Adaptation representing the Director of Climate Change Adaptation at the Ministry of Environment, added on mitigation and adaptation aspects:
“Adapting buildings to climate change and reducing emissions are mutually reinforcing objectives. We support technical measures such as the use of low-carbon materials and improved drainage systems to maintain community cohesion by enabling people to remain in their original locations.”

In addition, Prof. Ir. Suparwoko, MURP., Ph.D. (Universitas Islam Indonesia), highlighted the importance of contextual and practical technical guidelines for climate-adaptive housing tailored to low-income communities.

---

Financing Ecosystems and the Circular Economy

The workshop also explored financial innovation with Tadianto Slamet Saputro from Komida, who emphasized the importance of designing resilience indicators in a phased manner to ensure that housing upgrades remain affordable for low-income communities. Meanwhile, Novita Tan, Co-founder and CEO of Rebricks, presented the potential of circular economy approaches in the construction sector to reduce climate risks while simultaneously stimulating local economic activity.

---

Key Workshop Recommendations

As an outcome of the in-depth discussions, Habitat for Humanity Indonesia summarized the following recommendations:

• Evidence-Based Approaches: Prioritizing evidence-based design through pre- and post-intervention measurements in low-income housing programs.
• Community Inclusion: Prioritizing interventions that utilize local materials and strengthen the capacity of local builders through targeted training.
• Pilot Projects: Implementing pilot studies to test the effectiveness of technical guidelines across diverse regions, particularly in disaster-prone areas.

Habitat for Humanity Indonesia hopes that the outcomes of this workshop will serve as a foundation for long-term collaboration through Public–Private Partnership (PPP) schemes to realize climate-resilient housing for Indonesia’s future.

(av/as)

Sibolga, December 12, 2025 – More than two weeks after flash floods and landslides struck several regions in Sumatra, tens of thousands of families are still in difficult conditions. Over 157,800 houses are damaged, and hundreds of thousands of residents are still displaced (BNPB, December 12, 2025). In many locations, residents cannot return due to unsafe environmental conditions and homes destroyed by landslide debris. 

In Sibolga City, North Sumatra, the damage impact is also extensive. According to the Sibolga City BPBD (Regional Disaster Management Agency) report as of December 12, 2025, at least 7,276 people are displaced, while 665 houseshave sustained damage—ranging from light, moderate, to heavy. This situation has made the need for shelter, sanitation, and access to clean water increasingly urgent, especially in areas near hillsides and riverbanks. 

Assessment in the Worst-Affected Locations 

Since December 10, 2025, the Habitat for Humanity Indonesia team has been in Sibolga conducting a rapid assessmentto map the urgent needs of the community, especially regarding safe and decent housing. The initial data collection focused primarily on the areas with the most severe damage, namely North Sibolga District, covering the villages of Simare Mare, Angin Nauli, and Huta Tonga Tonga. 

In Simare Mare Village, the team found dozens of houses destroyed by flash floods and landslides of wood and rock materials from the hill. Many families had to leave their homes without having time to save any of their belongings. 

Riang (43), one of the survivors currently displaced in the Bank Indonesia building, described the moments the disaster occurred. “It was raining heavily all day, and the power was out. Around half past midnight, I heard the roar of rocks. Right then, we ran down, not able to save anything. My house was destroyed…,” she recounted. 

Damage also occurred in Angin Nauli Village, where a few houses stand on the river basin area (DAS) and along the banks of the Aek Doras River. During the flash flood on November 25, 2025, mud, rock, and wood materials swept through the area and triggered waves of water from the hills down to the lowlands. Houses sustained varied damage, from light to moderate. 

Deep sorrow was also felt by residents of Huta Tonga Tonga Village. A total of 71 families were affected, and 51 housessuffered heavy damage after sand material 1.5–2 meters high entered and buried the inside of their homes. 

Ronald (55), one resident who chose to stay in his house, which is almost completely covered in sand, told the Habitat for Humanity Indonesia team, “I sleep on the remaining mattress that is almost touching the roof. I stay because I want to guard the house, afraid of looting. But every day the sand keeps rising… this house is almost buried.” 

The stories of the survivors illustrate the immense need for home recovery assistance and environmental cleanup in Sibolga. 

Habitat Indonesia Prepares Two-Year Intervention for Sibolga Recovery 

Based on the assessment results and coordination on the ground, Habitat for Humanity Indonesia plans a two-year recovery intervention in Sibolga City and its surrounding areas. 

In the first year, Habitat Indonesia will focus on emergency support and basic repairs for affected families, including: 

• Distribution of shelter kits for 500 families 
• Support for rubble removal equipment/assistance to help clear landslide debris 
• Repairing 500 houses with structural strengthening (retrofitting) 
• Restoration of sanitation and clean water access (WASH) 
• WASH and Build Back Safer training for the community 

In the second year, Habitat Indonesia will rebuild 300safe and decent homes on an area-based approach for affected families, using better resilience standards to minimize disaster risk in the future. 

This effort is a form of Habitat Indonesia’s commitment to help survivors regain a safe, decent, and dignified place to live. 

#Bersama, Bangun Sumatera

In these difficult times, support from various parties is highly meaningful. Habitat for Humanity Indonesia invites the public from various sectors—individuals, corporations, and partners—to participate in the recovery and rebuilding process for the lives of families affected by the disaster in Sibolga. 

For Habitat Friends who wish to participate in this humanitarian mission, donations can be channeled through BCA: 210-3002-958 (Habitat Kemanusiaan Ind Yay). More complete information can be found on the flyer below. 

Photo/Writer: HFHI/Kevin Herbian

(kh/av)

Gresik, December 11, 2025 – Habitat for Humanity Indonesia and Pakuwon Group continue their shared commitment to creating real impact for communities, particularly in reducing the number of families—currently in the millions—who still live in inadequate housing. 

This effort is strengthened through Pakuwon Group’s CSR program, which this year is directed toward building 21 decent housing units in Campurejo Village, Panceng District, Gresik Regency. The construction was officially launched with a groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday (4/12). 

On this occasion, the Regent of Gresik, represented by the Regent’s Expert Staff for Physical Infrastructure, Johar Gunawan, expressed appreciation and full support for the synergy built through this program. He emphasized that improving settlement quality is a key priority for the Gresik Regency Government. 

According to data from the Office of Cipta Karya, Housing, and Settlement Areas, as well as Bappeda, there are 145 housing units targeted for quality improvement and 90 new housing units built as relocation sites for residents from village-owned land. 

“Of these 90 units, 69 are funded by the government, and 21 are facilitated through the CSR initiative of Pakuwon Group in collaboration with Habitat for Humanity Indonesia. We deeply appreciate this collaboration and hope that the beneficiary families will take good care of the homes built for them,” said Johar Gunawan. 

Similar support was expressed by Habitat for Humanity Indonesia through Abraham Tulung, Resource Development General Manager. He emphasized that this program is part of Habitat Indonesia’s long-term mission to build better lives for low-income families. 

“Habitat for Humanity Indonesia has been present for more than 10 years, building decent homes, providing access to clean water, and developing community centers and sanitation facilities for families in the bottom income deciles 1 and 2,” he said. 

Saibun Wijaya, Director of Pakuwon Group, also highlighted the importance of safe housing as a foundation for families to thrive. “The houses we build together with Habitat Indonesia are expected to help homeowners plan for their future and open new opportunities for them,” he stated. 

This collaboration is a tangible example of how the private sector, nonprofit organizations, and local government can work hand in hand to deliver sustainable housing solutions. With the construction of these 21 decent housing units, Campurejo Village not only receives new infrastructure but also new opportunities for its residents to begin their journey toward a safer, healthier, and more dignified life. 

(kh/av)

Jakarta, 8 December 2025 – PropCon Golf Club once again held its annual tournament, the 17th Interdesign PropCon Not Another End of Year Golf Tournament 2025, successfully hosted on Saturday, 6 December 2025, at Damai Indah Golf – BSD Course. The event served not only as a gathering space for golfers from various backgrounds but also as a platform for collaboration to create social impact.

For the second time, PropCon Golf Club partnered with Habitat for Humanity Indonesia as its charity partner, reaffirming its commitment to supporting access to proper sanitation and education. Through this tournament, a total of IDR 103,000,000 was raised.

The funds collected will be allocated to support the renovation of five school toilet units and the construction of one new toilet unit at MTs–MA Batamiyah in Batam, aimed at creating a healthier and safer learning environment for students.

“We believe that sports can be a bridge for collaboration as well as a means of sharing. Through this tournament, we hope to create tangible impact that can be directly felt by those in need,” said Mr. Desmond Kandiawan, Chairperson of PropCon Golf Club.

Meanwhile, Habitat for Humanity Indonesia expressed gratitude for the continued trust and collaboration. “It is an honor for Habitat Indonesia to once again be chosen as a charity partner by PropCon Golf Club. Their support plays an important role in our efforts to ensure that schools have proper sanitation facilities. From the golf course, hope is built together,” said Abraham Tulung, Resource Development General Manager of Habitat for Humanity Indonesia.

The tournament took place in a competitive yet warm and friendly atmosphere, reflecting the spirit of togetherness among participants. More than just a year-end event, it served as a reminder that collaboration can bring about positive change for the future of Indonesia’s younger generation.

Watch the video below to see how the collaboration between Habitat for Humanity Indonesia and PropCon Golf Club has created a real impact for two schools in Karawang and Gresik in the previous program:

Video: HFHI/Budi Ariyanto

Writer: Syefira Salsabilla

(ia/kh)

Yogyakarta, December 3, 2025 – Every corner of Jogoyudan Village, in Gowongan Subdistrict, Jetis District, Yogyakarta, now appears alive again. But more than a decade ago, this area was on the brink of losing hope.

For Rodi Firdaus, the head of RW 10, memories of the 2010 Mount Merapi eruption are still vivid. At that time, heavy rains poured down and cold lava rushed into the settlement, carrying sand and rocks as large as cars. Nearly 200 homes were submerged, the protective embankments could not withstand the torrent, and many residents were forced to evacuate as their houses were buried under mud.

“The water back then surged up to four meters high. Everything was swept away — sand, rocks… everything went into the residents’ houses,” recalled Rodi. Siti Fathonah, a resident of RW 10, remembers the panic vividly. “That afternoon, I was attending a social gathering at the Community Hall. Suddenly, the floodwater entered the yard. Everyone panicked and ran to save themselves,” she said. “Three floods came one after the other. It felt almost hopeless,” she added.

The disaster destroyed not only physical structures but also the spirit of the residents. Houses that once stood strong were now severely damaged, some buried under mud, others losing roofs and walls. “It felt impossible to rebuild life here,” Rodi recalled.

Amid these challenges, external aid was almost invisible, as the village was not prioritized during the initial emergency response. Residents felt isolated and hopeless.

Hope began to emerge in early 2011. Habitat for Humanity Indonesia arrived in Jogoyudan, conducting surveys and data collection as part of the initial post-Merapi response. The first intervention was the construction of seven communal toilets, an initial step to restore basic needs. “We held discussions with community leaders and listened to residents’ needs. From that, a plan to rebuild decent houses emerged,” said Wahyu Kustanta, Community Organizer at Habitat Indonesia.

Construction began in RW 10 with seven houses. Gradually, it expanded to RW 8, 11, 12, and 13, until more than 160 decent houses stood firm. These homes were built with principles of safety, durable materials, and designs tailored to residents’ needs. “Alhamdulillah, my house was rebuilt. Because I run a small shop at home, the house was also designed to accommodate my business. It’s been very helpful,” said Siti Fathonah.

Beyond housing, Habitat Indonesia developed clean water facilities at several points in the village. This water system not only served affected families but also other residents, ensuring equitable access to clean water. Residents were actively involved in the construction, contributing materials, labor, and ideas. Three stormwater channels were also built using the Participatory Approach for Safe Shelter Awareness (PASSA), which engaged the community in planning and implementation.

“Residents were very actively involved. They were not just recipients of aid but part of the building process,” Wahyu said. “This gotong royong (mutual cooperation) made them feel ownership over their homes and community. They felt reborn,” he added.

The transformation housing concept applied in Jogoyudan went beyond rebuilding physical houses. It also strengthened community capacity, revitalized the local economy, and fostered awareness of collective responsibility.

Siti described the impact on her life: “Having this decent house has brought a huge change. I’ve been able to reorganize my small shop, gradually. Now my shop is thriving, stocked with goods, and my family feels safe.” The transformation touched not only the physical homes but also household economics and residents’ self-confidence.

By the end of 2025, all the facilities built during the post-disaster recovery were still in use and maintained by the community. “We even expand and improve them further,” said Rodi. For example, the clean water facilities are used for laundry services and other economic activities. The water system managed by the PASSA group is also reinvested into community welfare through savings and loan programs.

This program shows that disaster is not the end, but the beginning of real change. Residents who once lost hope are now rebuilding their lives on the same land. Decent housing, clean water facilities, and stormwater channels are not just physical assets but symbols of resilience and the community’s ability to recover.

Furthermore, the program emphasizes disaster risk reduction (DRR) through transformation housing. This concept combines safe physical housing construction, community participation, and preparedness for future disasters. Residents who were once victims now understand how to arrange homes and their surroundings to withstand risks, strengthen collective awareness, and build a stronger community.

Fifteen years after the disaster, Jogoyudan Village has not only recovered but stands as a living example that community-based interventions can change lives. Strong homes, accessible clean water, and functional stormwater systems are proof of sustainable transformation. Residents are no longer merely waiting for aid but have become agents of change in their own community.

Rodi concluded with confidence: “If Habitat had not come, we probably couldn’t live here again. Now, we not only have houses but also a sense of security, improved livelihoods, and a strong community.”

Disasters may leave scars, but these scars have been transformed into a new foundation for a better life. Jogoyudan Village proves that post-disaster recovery is not just about rebuilding—it’s about creating a resilient community capable of organizing life independently and sustainably.

Watch the video below to gain a deeper understanding of Housing Disaster Resilience and Recovery (HDRR)!

Video: HFHI/Budi Ariyanto

Writer: Kevin Herbian

(kh/av)

Tangerang, December 1, 2025 – Asnah, 38, starts her day before dawn. By five in the morning, she is already preparing to work at a neighbor’s house, helping out at their vegetable stall. Her work continues until evening, earning no more than sixty thousand rupiahs per day. Sometimes, when needed, Asnah is also asked to help with household chores—washing clothes, ironing, or cleaning the house. She willingly works late into the night for the extra income. This additional money is invaluable, sometimes reaching one hundred thousand rupiahs, and often comes with staples like rice, noodles, or eggs.

Before becoming a vegetable stall attendant, Asnah’s main profession was as a domestic helper. From this work, she learned perseverance, saved bit by bit, and tried to meet her family’s needs, despite their very modest life. Her husband, Niin, 49, works as a laborer in a rice mill, earning fifty thousand rupiahs per day. Together, they live in Rajeg, Tangerang Regency, with one married daughter who still resides with them.

Life, however, was full of challenges. Their house, more than thirty years old, was a simple bamboo structure without solid support, with an earthen floor that became muddy during the rainy season. Leaky roof tiles and rotting bamboo walls let water seep in.

“When it rained heavily, we all had to leave the house and take shelter at relatives’ homes next door,” Asnah recalled.

The most heartbreaking issue was the lack of a toilet. “I had to rely on neighbors’ bathrooms. Because we used them so often, some neighbors even locked their toilets so my family couldn’t use them,” she said. When it became urgent, they were forced to relieve themselves in an outdoor latrine, sometimes at night in complete darkness.

Their crisis did not end there. There was no access to clean water at home either. “When I was still working as a helper, I had to borrow money from here and there just to drill for water and install a pump,” Asnah said. As for electricity, it could only be installed after making payments in installments.

Once water and electricity were available, Asnah realized another vital need: her house had to be repaired to become livable. But fate had not yet favored her. “After paying off all the debts for water and electricity, a few months later my house collapsed. I came home from work to find it flattened. I cried so hard. Eventually, I borrowed money from my employer until he personally came to see my house,” she recalled.

With her employer’s help, Asnah received a four-million-rupiah loan to rebuild her home. “We built it as best as we could, with help from relatives. The house had bamboo walls and an earthen floor,” she said. Although simple, the house provided shelter. They salvaged usable remnants from the ruins to rebuild their home.

Despite everything, Asnah and Niin never lost hope. They continued to pray and save, aiming to renovate the house in 2026 to make it sturdier and more livable. But daily life often forced them to postpone their dream. The money they saved was always spent on family needs, requiring Asnah to work harder, leaving less time with her family.

Finally, their dream came true sooner than expected. Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, in collaboration with PT Caterpillar Indonesia and PT Caterpillar Finance Indonesia, selected Asnah as a recipient of the Decent Home Program.

“When I heard from the neighborhood head that my house would be rebuilt properly, I was extremely grateful. I was so moved, I couldn’t even find words,” Asnah said, her eyes welling with tears.

Read also: A Decent Home Becomes the Pillar of Life for Ibu Imas and Her Family

In early August 2025, 69 volunteers from Caterpillar began laying the foundation for Asnah’s house along with two other families. Years of Asnah’s struggle finally bore fruit: a decent home that provides protection and dignity for her family.

“My hard work over the years to support my family has finally led to a good house. Life used to be so hard that even buying gas for cooking meant borrowing. Now I have a decent home with a toilet and bathroom; I no longer have to rely on neighbors. I’m not ashamed anymore,” she said with joy.

This support also felt like an answered prayer. “I had planned to renovate the house next year. Alhamdulillah, it’s answered now. I can use my savings to pay off all debts. It feels like starting life from scratch, but much more peaceful,” Asnah added.

During nearly two months of construction, Asnah and Niin actively contributed. They woke early, moved materials, and even prepared meals for the construction workers, despite their own limitations.

“My husband always helps the builders. I work at the neighbor’s house to earn extra income. My employer often gave more than my wages to help with the house construction. Thank God, the ceiling of my house was finally completed without any debt,” Asnah explained.

Now, Asnah’s new home has brought significant changes to their lives. The air is cleaner, free from rats, and their grandchild no longer struggles at night from the heat.

She continues to work as an attendant at her neighbor’s vegetable stall, a job she took up after her home became livable, while still earning extra income as a domestic helper in her spare time. This change is not just about work; it is about dignity, health, and family economic stability.

“This house is where I will take shelter for the rest of my life. My family will always come back here,” Asnah concluded, smiling with heartfelt certainty.

Every brick laid, every floor arranged neatly, is not just a building—it is a silent witness to struggle, hope, and prayers that never extinguished. With your support, more families like Asnah’s can light up their homes, rebuild their lives from scratch, and face the future with confidence.

Let’s be part of this story together, planting kindness that will continue to grow in every home we help. Visit: habitatindonesia.org/donate

Writer: Kevin Herbian

(av/kh)