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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photo & Writer: Kevin Herbian

(kh/av)

Gunungkidul, July 21, 2026 – Following the successful provision of clean water access to more than 250 household connections in Nglipar District, Gunungkidul Regency, Habitat for Humanity Indonesia is expanding its efforts through the support of generous donors. This time, the clean water initiative is focused on Panggang District, with the goal of reaching 525 families across four hamlets in Girisuko Village.

The expansion of the program is driven by a long-standing challenge faced by the local community. The karst landscape that dominates Panggang District has made access to clean water a recurring problem, particularly during the dry season. Under these conditions, hundreds of families continue to rely on purchasing clean water to meet their daily needs.

On average, each family spends around IDR 300,000 per month to purchase two tanker loads of clean water, which are then stored in water tanks located in their home yards. For many households, this expense represents a significant financial burden, yet it remains unavoidable to ensure that basic needs such as cooking, bathing, washing, and drinking can be met.

One of the residents of Girisuko Village, Suwiyati, has experienced these challenges firsthand. For her, buying clean water is no longer a choice, but a necessity—even if it means sacrificing a substantial portion of the family’s income. “What else can we do? Whether we like it or not, we have to buy clean water for our daily needs. Even though spending three hundred thousand rupiah every month is difficult, we still have to make it work,” she said.

The community’s challenges extend beyond the high cost of water. During the dry season, clean water becomes increasingly scarce. Water tank deliveries are more difficult to obtain, and when available, prices often rise above their normal rates. As a result, families face uncertainty not only in terms of water availability but also the costs they must bear.

Read also: GEDSI Training: Strengthening Clean Water Management and Inclusive Housing in Panggang District, Gunungkidul Regency

Recognizing these challenges, Habitat for Humanity Indonesia conducted an assessment to identify sustainable water sources that could serve the community. The assessment found that the springs at Goa Wuluh Kumet and the Kedung Lumut River have strong potential to be developed as sustainable sources of clean water for the surrounding communities.

Through the project currently underway, clean water will be distributed to 525 household connections across the hamlets of Gebang, Pacar 1, Sanglor 1, and Sanglor 2. The system will also include water storage reservoirs and a filtration system to help maintain water quality before it is distributed to households.

For Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, a decent home is not defined solely by a strong physical structure, but also by access to the essential services that support the well-being of its occupants. Access to clean water is an integral part of decent housing, playing a critical role in promoting family health, improving sanitation, and creating a safe, healthy, and dignified living environment.

The construction of this infrastructure also actively involves community participation. Through collective community efforts, local groups have begun excavating pipeline routes, installing HDPE pipelines, and fitting water meters at beneficiary households. This active participation not only accelerates the construction process but also fosters a sense of ownership, helping ensure that the facilities will be maintained and used sustainably over the long term.

In addition to developing the infrastructure, Habitat for Humanity Indonesia is strengthening community capacity through a series of training programs. All beneficiary families will participate in Clean and Healthy Living Behavior (PHBS) training, while Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) training will be delivered to promote more inclusive water management and ensure equal participation for all community members. Meanwhile, the community-based water committees will receive training on system operation and maintenance to ensure that the infrastructure continues to function effectively for years to come.

Through the collaboration of local communities, Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, and its generous donors, this program is expected to create lasting change. Beyond improving access to clean water, it will help reduce household expenses, improve public health, and strengthen the quality of housing and community life in Panggang District for years to come.

Writer: Kevin Herbian

(kh/av)

Tangerang, July 15, 2026 – IES Jakarta Foundation, in partnership with Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, officially handed over decent homes to 56 families in Margamulya Village, Mauk District, Tangerang Regency. The handover marked the completion of a housing program that began in 2023 to help low-income families gain access to safe and adequate housing.

The symbolic key handover ceremony was led by Kamlesh Chandiramani, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of IES Jakarta Foundation, who presented the keys to Syafei, Head of the Government Affairs Section of Margamulya Village, representing the beneficiary families. The event was also attended by Kevin Sutantyo and Wai Toong Chong from the IES Mission Project Team, Abraham Tulung, General Manager of Resource Development at Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, along with dozens of beneficiary families.

To mark the final phase of the program, 30 volunteers from IES Jakarta Foundation participated in a volunteer activity by painting the last three homes, completing all 56 houses built under the initiative. On the same occasion, the volunteers also planted 70 trees around the neighborhood to help create a greener, shadier, and more comfortable living environment for the community. The trees included productive fruit varieties such as longan and mango, as well as red shoot (Syzygium oleina) trees that now line the roads throughout the neighborhood.

Read also: Laughter, Sweat, and Hope: The Story of IES Volunteers in Mauk, Tangerang

Syafei expressed his appreciation for the collaboration throughout the program. According to him, the initiative has not only provided decent homes for local families but has also brought visible improvements to the overall environment of Margamulya Village. “We would like to express our sincere gratitude to IES Jakarta Foundation and Habitat Indonesia for their support. We can now clearly see the transformation that has taken place. Kampung Bebulak has become much neater, better organized, and has brought a renewed sense of optimism to the community,” he said.

Kamlesh Chandiramani shared a similar sentiment, stating that the collaboration between IES Jakarta Foundation and Habitat Indonesia has benefited not only the recipient families but also the wider community. “We are proud to be part of this transformation. The impact extends beyond the homeowners themselves to the surrounding community, which now enjoys a better-organized, more comfortable, and more livable neighborhood,” Kamlesh said.

For Tinah, one of the beneficiary families, her new home has provided the sense of security she had long hoped for. “Thank you very much to Habitat Indonesia and IES Jakarta Foundation for this support. Our house no longer leaks, it feels much safer, and I can now live each day with greater peace of mind alongside my family,” she said.

The collaboration between IES Jakarta Foundation and Habitat for Humanity Indonesia is expected to continue through future initiatives that support improvements in community well-being. Together with its partners and generous donors, Habitat Indonesia remains committed to realizing its vision of a world where every family has the opportunity to live in a decent, safe home that serves as the foundation for a better future.

Writer: Kevin Herbian

(kh/av)

For many people, the sound of rain can be soothing. But for Yanto, every raindrop falling on the roof of his former home brought nothing but anxiety.

Bondowoso, July 7, 2026 – For nearly ten years, the 34-year-old resident of Sumberwringin, Bondowoso Regency, lived with his family in a modest house that had steadily deteriorated with age. The floor was still made of bare earth, the walls were constructed from plywood sheets that had become weathered and full of holes, and the asbestos roof above them was riddled with gaps that allowed rainwater to pour into the house.

“The roof used to leak, and there were holes everywhere along the edges. When it rained heavily, water would come in and everything inside would get wet,” Yanto recalled.

As an odd-job laborer earning around IDR 50,000 per day, Yanto had very few options. Most of his income was spent covering daily necessities for his wife and their six-year-old daughter. Whenever there was any money left over, food for the family remained the top priority.

“We had to be very frugal. If we weren’t, we wouldn’t have enough to meet our daily needs,” he said.

Living in a mountainous area brought its own challenges. At night, cold air would enter the house from all directions. Wind passed through the holes in the walls, while the damaged roof could no longer provide proper protection. Yanto and his family relied solely on blankets to keep warm.

Amid all these hardships, the thing that troubled him most was the safety of his family.

“I felt sad, sometimes even to the point of crying when I looked at the condition of the house. But what could I do? I didn’t have the money to repair it. As long as we had enough to eat, that was what mattered most,” he said.

His worries grew whenever he imagined the worst possible scenario. The aging house made him fear that a disaster or earthquake could cause the structure to collapse. At the same time, the asbestos roof was another source of concern, as the material is known to pose health risks, especially for children who spend their days living and growing up beneath it.

Read also: Seven Years Waiting for a Decent Home: Nining’s Struggle to Care for Her Parents Amid Hardship

In the midst of these difficult circumstances, Yanto never imagined that his life would change.

Then one day, a team from Habitat for Humanity Indonesia visited his home to conduct an assessment.

At first, he assumed it was simply a routine survey. However, he was shocked to learn that his family had been selected to receive support for the construction of a decent home.

Yanto did not let the opportunity pass him by. Throughout the construction process, he actively participated in any work he could do. From digging the septic tank and carrying building materials to assisting with various construction tasks, he contributed wherever possible.

For Yanto, the house was not something that simply appeared. It was built with his own labor, time, and dedication throughout the construction process.

The transformation he experienced was remarkable.

Today, his home looks completely different. Cream-colored walls have replaced the fragile materials of the past, while the stronger structure provides the sense of security he had dreamed of for years.

“My wife and daughter are very happy now. There are no more leaks. I’m no longer afraid that the house might collapse,” he said with a relieved smile.

The impact extends beyond the physical condition of the house. Yanto has also seen positive changes in his family’s daily life. His wife and daughter can now rest comfortably without having to endure cold air seeping through gaps in the walls. They also no longer live under an asbestos roof that had long been a source of concern.

His daughter has grown into a happier and more cheerful child. The safer yard around their home now gives her space to play and explore her surroundings.

“In the past, I often stopped her from playing too much. I was worried the house was too unsafe or that she might get hurt. Now she can play freely wherever she wants,” Yanto said.

The nights that were once filled with worry have gradually been replaced by peaceful rest. There is no longer overwhelming anxiety whenever it rains or when strong mountain winds blow.

That peace of mind has given Yanto renewed energy to continue working and to look toward the future with greater optimism. He can now focus on things that were previously overshadowed by concerns about the house, including preparing for his daughter’s education.

For Yanto, this transformation is about more than simply having a safer place to live. It is an opportunity to live with greater peace of mind, care for his family more effectively, and move forward with confidence that the future he dreams of for his daughter is now much closer than ever before.

Writer: Kevin Herbian

(kh/av)

Sragen, June 30, 2026 – Habitat for Humanity Indonesia and the Sragen Regency Government continue to strengthen their collaboration to improve access to decent housing for low-income families. This commitment was marked by a ceremonial handover of assistance for the improvement of substandard housing (Rumah Tidak Layak Huni – RTLH), held at the Sumonegaran Pavilion in Sragen Regency. 

The assistance was symbolically presented by the Regent of Sragen, Sigit Pamungkas; the Head of BP3K Central Java Region III, Aldino Herupriawan; Member of Commission V of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Sriyanto Saputro; and Rudi Nadapdap, Senior Manager of Field Operation at Habitat for Humanity Indonesia. The event marked a collaborative effort between the local government and Habitat Indonesia to support the provision of safer, healthier, and more adequate housing for families in need. 

The collaboration focuses on reaching families in the first and second income deciles, female-headed households, and families with members living with disabilities. Throughout 2026, the program aims to build and improve homes for 101 families out of the 904 families identified as priorities by the Sragen Regency Government. 

This partnership was established in response to the significant need for adequate housing in Sragen Regency. According to data from the Sragen Regency Government, the region has one of the highest poverty rates in the Solo Raya area and is among the eight poorest regencies in Central Java. Out of a total population of 1,021,435, approximately 110,650 people—or 12.41 percent—still live below the poverty line. 

These challenges are also reflected in the housing sector. A total of 13,945 families in the first and second income deciles continue to live in substandard housing. Among them are 3,229 female-headed households, 1,912 families with members living with disabilities, and 2,151 families that remain part of the housing backlog. 

Read also: Collaborating for Decent Housing: Addressing the Housing Backlog Challenge in Sragen

To address these challenges, Habitat for Humanity Indonesia has partnered with the Sragen Regency Government through a matching-fund scheme that complements the government’s Self-Help Housing Stimulant Assistance Program (Bantuan Stimulan Perumahan Swadaya – BSPS). Under this scheme, the government’s contribution of IDR 20 million is matched by an additional IDR 20 million from Habitat Indonesia’s donors, enabling each beneficiary family to receive more comprehensive support to meet the standards of decent housing. 

Throughout the implementation of the program, beneficiary families are not required to make financial contributions. Instead, they contribute through sweat equity by participating in the construction process. Habitat Indonesia also provides comprehensive technical assistance, including project planning, construction supervision, material management, and quality assurance to ensure that each house meets the specific needs of the family, while also considering accessibility for persons with disabilities and safety for female-headed households. 

Beyond improving the physical condition of homes, the program also strengthens community capacity through Building Back Safer (BBS) training. The training equips families with knowledge of safer and more disaster-resilient construction practices. In addition, advocacy initiatives—including workshops and public awareness campaigns—are conducted to promote greater public understanding of the importance of inclusive and sustainable decent housing. 

Through this collaboration, Habitat for Humanity Indonesia and the Sragen Regency Government hope that more families will be able to live in safe, healthy, and decent homes while strengthening joint efforts to reduce housing poverty across Sragen Regency. 

(kh/av)

Gunungkidul, June 29, 2026 – Access to clean water and decent housing is often considered a basic need that is already evenly distributed. However, realities on the ground show otherwise. Not all groups in society have equal opportunities to access, use, or participate in decision-making related to these services. This situation forms the background of the Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) Basic Training on Clean Water Management and Inclusive Housing in Panggang District, Gunungkidul Regency.

In this region with karst geographical characteristics, access to clean water becomes an increasingly serious challenge during the dry season. However, its impacts are not experienced equally. Women, older persons, and persons with disabilities often face greater burdens, ranging from limited access to mobility barriers in obtaining water and other basic services. At the same time, their participation in community-level decision-making processes remains limited.

A total of 23 community representatives, consisting of village officials, female heads of households, older persons, and representatives of families of persons with disabilities, participated in this training. Through a participatory approach, participants were encouraged to understand inequality in access, map existing conditions in the field, and explore how village decision-making can become more inclusive through various simulations and interactive discussions.

From this process, participants began to see that water and housing issues are not only about infrastructure, but also about who is involved, who is affected, and who is still underrepresented. The GEDSI approach opens up reflection that sustainable development must consider access, control, benefits, and participation fairly for all groups in society.

This training marks an important step in strengthening community understanding and capacity to be more responsive to the needs of vulnerable groups. The hope is that these inclusive practices can continue to be applied in village-level planning and resource management so that development can truly be felt by everyone without exception.

Come and see their activities in the photos below.

Read also: Photo: Improving Community Health through PHBS Training

Photo & Writer: Kevin Herbian

(kh/av)

Garut, June 22, 2026 – Andri (36) lives with his wife, Rina (33), and their two children in Garut Regency, West Java. Their first child is currently in the third grade of elementary school, while the youngest is three years old. For the past seven years, this small family has lived in a simple house whose condition was far from decent.

Daily, Andri works on odd jobs with an unpredictable income. When work is available, he becomes a farm laborer or helps forage grass to feed livestock in residents’ gardens. However, his income averages only about IDR 50,000 per day.

With such a limited income, Andri could only afford to repair his house bit by bit. He would sometimes patch the dirt floor with cement whenever he had extra money. “If we are blessed with a little extra income, I use it to patch the floor with cement. But only part of it, I can’t afford to do the whole thing,” Andri said.

Their housing condition was deeply concerning. The roof was made of asbestos without a ceiling, a material that poses health risks, especially for the children who stayed inside every day. Furthermore, the walls were made of woven bamboo that had holes in many places, allowing cold air and rainwater to easily enter the house.

Their biggest fear came whenever the rainy season arrived. “If it’s just light rain, we still brave it out inside the house. But if it’s a heavy downpour accompanied by strong winds, we always evacuate because we are afraid the house might collapse,” Andri explained. “The most difficult part is when it rains at night. It is pitch black here with minimal street lighting. We have to run to my parents’ house to seek shelter,” he recalled.

The hardest period came when Rina was pregnant with their second child. At that time, the family’s economic condition was truly at its lowest point, while the due date was fast approaching. “At that time, I felt hopeless. I felt like I couldn’t be a useful husband and father for my family,” Andri said.

In addition, the fragile condition of the house made them worry about the safety of their unborn baby. After their youngest child was born, Andri and his family finally decided to temporarily evacuate to his parents’ house for two months to avoid any unwanted incidents.

Amid all these struggles, Andri could only keep trying while leaving the rest to God. “I learned to accept reality. I have tried my absolute best to earn a living. The rest, I leave it up to Allah,” he said.

Read also: Seven Years Waiting for a Decent Home: Nining’s Struggle to Care for Her Parents Amid Hardship

New hope finally arrived when Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, in collaboration with Astra, rebuilt Andri’s house into a decent home, along with 84 other families in Garut Regency. “Praise be to God (Alhamdulillah), my life felt filled with a renewed spirit when I found out that my house was selected to be rebuilt,” Andri said emotionally.

For him, this new house is the answer to the long struggle he and his family have endured. “This feels like the fruit of my family’s long struggle to finally have a decent home. I am sure this is the answer to our prayers,” he said.

Now, Andri’s house is much sturdier and safer. Not only was it built with proper walls and roofing, but the house is also equipped with various furniture such as a living room table and chairs, mattresses, wardrobes, and other necessities.

The change has brought a sense of security that they had never truly felt before. “This house makes me feel more confident; it is something I can be proud of. Most importantly, now I am no longer afraid when it rains and I don’t need to stay over at my parents’ house anymore,” Andri said with a smile.

It did not stop there; Habitat Indonesia also invited Andri to get involved in building decent homes for other families in his neighborhood. Armed with his experience as a construction worker, Andri now helps with the house construction after finishing his half-day work in the garden.

This opportunity has also helped increase his income. “Now I have additional income, so it can be twice as much as before,” Andri said.

The transformation is also felt by their children. Andri believes that a safer and more comfortable home environment has significantly improved his children’s physical and mental health. His children are no longer ashamed of their own home.

In this new house, Andri has finally found what he had been searching for all these years: peace of mind. “I am very grateful and would like to thank Astra. This house has truly become a proper place to live. This is what a decent home should be,” Andri concluded.

Andri’s story is proof that a decent home is not just about a sturdy structure, but about providing a sense of security, preserving a family’s dignity, and opening new hope for a better life.

Writer: Kevin Herbian

(kh/av)

Sabu Raijua, June 17, 2026 – East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) is known for its scenic savanna landscapes. Yet behind this beauty lies a significant challenge: an extreme dry season that lasts up to eight consecutive months each year. In Sabu Raijua Regency, this challenge triggers a daily crisis. Data from BPS NTT 2023 shows that only 46.65% of the population has access to clean drinking water, far below the national average of over 91%.

For Mrs. Libertina Ludji (73), these statistics represent a harsh reality. For decades in Sabu Liae District, this resilient woman has had to walk 500 meters across hilly terrain, carrying jerry cans of water from a communal well that often runs dry during the dry season.

Buying water from tankers at IDR 250,000 for 4,000–5,000 liters becomes a last resort. This cost is extremely burdensome for residents of Sabu Raijua, where the average per capita income (2025) is only IDR 1.56 million per month—just a quarter of the national average. Here, clean water has long been a luxury that undermines community well-being.

Seeing this situation, Habitat for Humanity Indonesia stepped in to build a communal well prioritized for eight of the most vulnerable families. “We are very happy with this new well. For decades I had to carry water. Now we just turn on the tap, and water flows,” said Mrs. Libertina gratefully.

For Habitat Indonesia, a decent home is not only defined by strong roofs and walls, but also by a healthy supporting ecosystem. Access to clean water brings a domino effect that transforms the long-term future of the Sabu Raijua community. In terms of health, clean water immediately reduces the risk of waterborne diseases such as diarrhea and typhoid, which have long contributed to stunting and child mortality in remote areas.

Read also: Flowing Hope, Building Resilience: Three Years of Habitat for Humanity Indonesia’s Efforts to Improve Access to Water and Sanitation

Beyond that, this intervention fosters sustainable economic independence. The time and energy previously spent queuing for and carrying water can now be redirected toward far more productive activities. Stable access to water opens new opportunities that were previously impossible, such as home gardening, better livestock farming, and even small business initiatives to increase household income.

After experiencing both health and economic benefits, the eight beneficiary families have now taken the initiative to independently plan the construction of a communal water reservoir. They want to ensure that this blessing of clean water does not stop with them, but can also flow to neighboring households.

It is this spirit of community solidarity in Sabu Raijua that brings to life Habitat Indonesia’s vision over its 29 years of work: to create a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Through integrated access to clean water, we remain committed to building homes, communities, and hope—ensuring that every family has an equal opportunity to grow healthier, more independent, and with dignity.

Writer: Astridinar Vania

(av/kh)

Sabu Raijua, June 12, 2026 – Mornings on Sabu Island often begin with dust. During the dry season, strong winds carry dried leaf fragments from the deteriorating roof of Joni’s house. The floor has to be swept repeatedly every day, yet dust still enters through the gaps in the fragile plywood walls.

A few months ago, Joni’s youngest child, only three months old, fell ill with acute respiratory infection (ARI). Inside the small house, the air felt stuffy due to the lack of windows for proper ventilation. When strong winds blew, dust from the roof continued to fall into the house. “When the wind is strong at night, we are afraid the children will struggle to breathe,” Joni said.

Joni’s story reflects the situation faced by many families on Sabu Island, East Nusa Tenggara. The region recently experienced an extreme drought lasting 128 days without rain, more than twice the national extreme drought threshold according to BMKG in 2025. The prolonged dry season has made communities increasingly vulnerable to health issues and poor housing conditions.

In East Nusa Tenggara alone, the incidence of acute respiratory infections (ARI) reaches 36.3%. Poorly ventilated houses, deteriorating roofs, and inadequate sanitation are among the factors increasing the risk of respiratory illnesses, especially for children and the elderly.

In Sabu Liae District, where Joni lives, 23,809 families are still living in inadequate housing. Many homes are built with makeshift materials and are unable to provide safe protection from extreme heat, dust, and unpredictable weather conditions.

Amid these challenges, Joni continues his work as a mentor at a local church’s Children Development Center (PPA). With an income of around IDR 1 million (approximately USD 56.58) per month, he and his wife strive to meet the needs of their three children. When most of their income is spent on daily necessities and medical expenses when their children fall sick, improving their home becomes something out of reach.

“The roof often leaked and there was so much dust. But at that time, we didn’t know where to start,” he said.

Read also: Habitat for Humanity Indonesia Arrives in Sabu Raijua, NTT: Efforts to Address Decent Housing Challenges in Eastern Indonesia

When the housing improvement program reached his area, Joni decided to fully participate. He completed the required documents and began collecting river stones on his own for the foundation of his new house. For Joni, the house is not just a new building. It is an opportunity for his children to grow up healthier.

Today, their home has stronger walls, a safer roof, and ventilation that allows better airflow. Dust no longer fills the house every day. “I feel relieved now that the children rarely cough. We also sleep more peacefully,” Joni said.

The change is clearly felt in their daily lives. Money that was previously often spent on medicine is now set aside for the children’s education and nutrition. Joni is also no longer haunted by worry every time the dry season comes or when strong winds blow.

For many families on Sabu Island, a decent home is more than just shelter. A healthy home helps children stay healthy, enables parents to maintain their livelihoods, and gives families the chance to think about their future with greater peace of mind. In regions increasingly vulnerable to extreme weather, a safe home is also the first line of protection for families facing the impacts of climate change.

For Joni, that change began with one simple thing: a home where his children can breathe more easily.

Writer: Astridinar Vania

(av/kh)