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.”

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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. 

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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

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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

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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

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Cilegon, November 26, 2025 – Every day, soft, steady footsteps echo along the streets of Cilegon. In one hand, a small bag hangs from his shoulder, filled with massage oil and a clean cloth. In the other, he grips a small walking stick that guides his way forward. Under the blazing sun or the gentle drizzle, he keeps moving—steadily, unafraid—though he has never seen the world with his own eyes.

This is Muhdi Hadi, a 40-year-old traveling masseur whose life is marked by perseverance and quiet strength. He lives with his wife, Baitini, 31, who, like him, was born blind. Together, they reside in a modest house in Ciwandan District, Cilegon, Banten. They have no children, but their companionship fills the small space they call home with warmth and resilience.

Every morning, Muhdi carefully checks the items in his bag—the massage oil, the clean cloth—before setting out from one neighborhood to another, offering his services to local residents. His income is modest and unpredictable, sometimes only reaching IDR 400,000 to 500,000 a month. Yet, to him, every rupiah is earned with honesty and effort. “It’s just enough to get by,” he says softly, his voice calm with acceptance.

But behind his quiet determination lies a difficult truth—his home was falling apart. The old structure had weakened with age: the walls were brittle, and the roof had rotted. Every time heavy rain poured, water would leak through the ceiling, soaking the floor. Pieces of the roof sometimes fell in the middle of the night as they slept.

“When it rained hard, water came in from everywhere,” he recalls. “Once, I was giving a massage at home, and suddenly it started leaking. We had to move around to avoid getting wet. I was embarrassed, but I couldn’t afford to fix the house.”

He knew how dangerous it was to live in such a fragile building. “The house was already old and weak. We were scared, especially when strong winds came,” he said quietly. “Once, during a big storm, my wife and I sat by the door, ready to run if the house collapsed.”

Living in such conditions made every day harder. “I already have limited vision,” he murmured. “Living in a dark, damp, broken house made everything even more difficult.”

Read also: The Spirit of a Strong Woman Behind the Revitalization of Tanjung Kait Village

Despite these challenges, Muhdi never gave up. He continued offering massages from his tiny, leaking home, holding on to hope. Then one day, news arrived that would change his life—Habitat for Humanity, in partnership with POSCO, announced that they would rebuild homes for low-income families in his neighborhood, including his.

“I was so happy—too happy to even find the right words,” Muhdi said, his voice filled with emotion.

When construction began, he didn’t just sit and wait. Despite his disability, he found ways to contribute—preparing snacks and drinks for the builders. Often, he would run his fingers along the new walls, feeling the smooth plaster and the solid floor beneath his feet. Through touch, he could sense the change.

“I can’t see, but I can feel that this house is truly fit for us,” he said. “It was designed for people like me and my wife who have special needs. There’s a fence, handrails in every room, and the floor textures are different—some rough, some smooth—so we can move safely. It’s really thoughtful.”

Now, their new home is more than just a shelter—it’s a symbol of hope. His wife, Baitini, says she no longer feels anxious when it rains. “A house should protect you from the rain and heat,” she said gently. “Now, I’m grateful. This new home feels like a blessing.”

For Muhdi, the new house is also a new opportunity. He plans to put up a small sign in front of his house to attract more clients. “I hope this home brings new blessings,” he said with a smile. “I want to save money for our future—maybe one day, for a child.”

The home construction was part of the 2025 POSCO 1% Foundation Echo Village Project, a collaboration between Habitat for Humanity and POSCO. Through this initiative, six safe and environmentally friendly homes were built. The houses feature eco-bricks made from recycled plastic, rainwater harvesting systems, and septic tanks with soak pits to ensure proper sanitation for each family.

Beyond building homes, the project also offered Healthy Home Management and Building Back Safer (BBS) training for 50 other families in the surrounding areas of Ciwandan and Citangkil. Residents also received Disaster Preparedness Team (TBSK) training and were supported in proposing Disaster-Resilient Village (Kaltana) status to Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB).

Today, among the rows of new houses standing strong in Cilegon, Muhdi’s small home shines as a beacon of hope. He may not be able to see it, but every time his hand touches the sturdy walls, he knows—his struggle has not been in vain.

“I used to dream of having a house that wouldn’t leak,” he said softly. “Now, that dream has finally come true.”

Writer: Kevin Herbian

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Sleman, November 21, 2025 — Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, in collaboration with PT Centratama Group, has reaffirmed its commitment to improving educational literacy in Indonesia through the development of a digital library at SMP Negeri 1 Pakem, Sleman Regency, Yogyakarta. This initiative demonstrates that inclusive and modern education can be realized through the synergy between the private sector and social organizations. 

The facility was officially inaugurated through a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by the Deputy Regent of Sleman, Danang Maharsa; Chief Finance Officer of PT Centratama Group, Caba Pinter; National Director of Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, Handoko Ngadiman; as well as the teaching staff of SMPN 1 Pakem. 

This program not only constructed a new library space but also carried out a full renovation, including structural work, mural painting, and the provision of supporting facilities such as carpets, study tables and chairs, sofas, an LED TV, a sound system, air conditioners, computers, and various other furnishings. All these components were designed to create a more comfortable and modern learning environment. 

PT Centratama Group also ensured that technology became a key element in this transformation. The company contributed by installing software and providing training on the use of Edoo, a digital library platform offering more than 1,000 e-books from various categories. Handoko Ngadiman explained, “In the past 10 years, SMPN 1 Pakem only received 1,000 printed books, but within these three weeks the students already have access to 487 e-books with 709 copies. We hope this can further strengthen the positive impact on students, especially in the area of literacy.” 

Read also: Digital Reading Corner: Enriching Learning Opportunities Together

From Centratama’s side, Caba Pinter emphasized that this program is part of the company’s long-term commitment to strengthening technology-based education in Indonesia. “This program is part of our corporate social responsibility. We believe that digital literacy is an essential foundation for the future, and through this facility we want to ensure that students have broad access to modern learning resources,” he said. 

The Deputy Regent of Sleman, Danang Maharsa, viewed this initiative as a strategic step in fostering a culture of literacy among students. He stated, “The presence of this digital library not only adds learning facilities but also serves as an important tool to strengthen literacy for our children. My hope is that this facility will be used to its fullest potential. No matter how advanced technology becomes, if it is not utilized, it has no value.” 

With the digital library now in place, students and teachers can access a wide range of reading resources anytime and anywhere through their smartphones. In addition to improving the quality of learning, this facility is expected to support academic achievement and contribute to the school’s accreditation through effective technology integration. 

The Principal of SMPN 1 Pakem, Titin Sumarni, expressed her appreciation to all parties involved. She concluded by saying, “We hope this can enhance our students’ literacy competence and their interest in reading. Evidently, within three weeks of activation and training, 145 digital books have already been accessed. Having a digital library is an extraordinary leap forward.”

Photo & Video: HFHI/Budi Ariyanto

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November 21, 2025 – In a small hamlet in East Kupang, Kupang Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, stands a modest 4-by-6-meter house owned by Alex Batuk (46). Its walls are made of bebak lontar (palm bark), the roof from dried palm leaves, and the floor is still bare earth. In this small house, Alex lives with his wife, Trudelyanti (34), and their three children, one of whom is still a toddler.

Every corner of the house tells a story of struggle. When heavy rain falls, water seeps in from all directions, leaving the floor muddy and damp. The lontar walls are fragile with age, and the single window offers little air circulation. The family has lived here for over seven years—years filled with worry, endurance, and hope.

“Because the roof is made from palm leaves, I have to save money every three years to replace it. The same goes for the walls when they’re eaten by termites,” Alex explained.

Earning around one million rupiah per month as a farmer, every coin matters. To supplement his income, Alex also makes and sells palm sugar during his spare time.

Yet for this small family, the greatest fear is not just about money—it’s about survival.

“I always feel anxious whenever strong winds blow, like during the Seroja cyclone. Our house could easily collapse. When the wind is strong, we sit near the door, ready to run outside if the roof gives way,” he recalled.

A Turning Point for Hope

A new chapter began when the Habitat for Humanity Indonesia team, together with PT Arthawenasakti Gemilang, arrived in their village. After witnessing the family’s unsafe living conditions, Habitat decided to help rebuild Alex’s home into a safer, healthier place to live.

But this story goes beyond receiving assistance. When construction began, Alex—who once worked as a builder—was invited to join the construction team. He was no longer just a beneficiary, but an active contributor to building his own dream home.

“Before Habitat came to our village, I sometimes worked as a construction laborer. So I understand what a proper, sturdy house should look like, and how to build a strong foundation,” Alex shared.

Through training provided by Habitat Indonesia, Alex learned more about earthquake-resistant housing standards and safe construction techniques. He took part in the entire process—from laying the foundation to installing the roof—making sure everything was done properly.

“The difference is amazing. This new house feels so strong and solid because I know exactly how it was built. I helped build it myself,” he said proudly.

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A Home That Transforms Lives

Today, Alex’s new home stands firm—a safe and dignified place for his family.

“A home is where we find shelter from the rain and the heat. Now I’m so grateful to have a good house like this,” said Trudelyanti, gazing at the fresh new walls. “It fits our family perfectly. Our two children finally have their own room.”

More than just comfort, the new home has brought real change to the family’s life. With no need to constantly repair roofs or walls, the money that used to be spent on maintenance can now be saved for their children’s education.

“Now I can save little by little for my children’s future. I no longer worry about leaks or broken walls,” Alex said with gratitude.

After his house was completed, Alex decided to continue working as a construction worker with Habitat’s team, helping to build homes for other families in his community.

Now, every time he helps raise the walls of another family’s house, he feels the same spirit—the desire to provide safety and hope for others, just as he once received.

Thanks to the support of PT Arthawenasakti Gemilang, this housing project has successfully built and renovated 100 homes for families in Kupang and surrounding areas. Behind those numbers lie real stories—like Alex’s—of resilience, sincerity, and hope rising from newly built walls.

Because for Alex, and for many families like his, a home is more than just a place to live. It is where hope grows, love dwells, and life begins again.

Writer: Kevin Herbian

(av/kh)

Jakarta, November 17, 2025 – Some 2.8 billion people around the world still lack adequate housing—a staggering figure that leaves a third of humanity exposed to the mounting hazards of climate change. Governments and housing agencies have spent years launching various efforts and systems to tackle the problem. Yet, despite these efforts, the global housing deficit persists, further strained by rapid urbanization, intensifying disasters, and a warming planet. The task ahead is not merely to build more homes, but to connect the disparate systems meant to deliver them.

Numerous actors, each with their own expertise, have attempted to improve access to decent housing. Yet entrenched practices and siloed approaches often impede the integration of these efforts. Given the sheer scale of housing needs, incremental improvements no longer suffice. Simply constructing housings and planning settlements will not resolve the crisis. The greater challenge lies in shaping the systems that govern how people access housing in the first place. Housing, after all, is not a single system but a complex web of interlocking systems, including markets, institutions, and social norms. If the barriers between these systems can be dismantled, the sector may yet evolve into a more competitive, accessible, and sustainable landscape.

A small step in that direction came last week, when the Terwilliger Center for Innovation in Shelter (TCIS) ran a capacity-building workshop for Habitat for Humanity teams across the Asia-Pacific region. The session—Habitat for Humanity Indonesia was happy to host this event—introduced participants to systems thinking, human-centered design, and market-systems development. The lessons were weighty but worthwhile, and participants left more capable of steering housing solutions toward the low-income families that need them most.

We’d like to give a big shout-out to Scott Merrill, Sheldon Yoder, and Al Francis Razon, as well as the rest of the TCIS team, whose deft facilitation transformed complex material into a reflective and collaborative learning experience for their Habitat for Humanity colleagues. If the insights gleaned translate into action, more families across the region may soon find themselves in healthier and more resilient homes.

Writer: Arwin Soelaksono/Program Director Habitat for Humanity Indonesia

(kh/av)