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)

Bogor, May 13, 2026 – A sense of anxiety never truly left Ahmad’s mind. Every night as he left for work, his thoughts remained at home—with his wife and daughter, who had to endure living in a fragile house.

Ahmad (48), a daily factory worker, lives with his small family in Karanggan Village, Gunung Putri District, Bogor Regency. With an unstable income, he can only manage to cover daily necessities. If there is any money left, it goes toward minor home repairs—just enough to prevent severe leaks when it rains.

The house they lived in was far from adequate. Its walls were made of weathered bamboo panels, the roof tiles were fragile, and the structure had weakened over time. “When there’s heavy rain and strong winds, we’re afraid the house might collapse,” Ahmad said.

This worry grew even stronger because Ahmad often works night shifts. “Every time I go to work, I worry about my wife and child at home. It’s always on my mind—I can’t feel at ease, I’m afraid something might happen to the house,” he explained.

But it wasn’t only about safety that weighed on him. As a father, his heart felt even heavier when he learned that his daughter felt embarrassed about their home.

“My daughter told me that when her friends want to come over, she always says, ‘not at my house.’ Maybe she understands the condition of our home—that it’s not nice,” Ahmad shared. “As a parent, I understand. She must feel embarrassed because her home isn’t like others.”

Read also: Habitat for Humanity Indonesia and Pakuwon Group Continue Collaboration to Build Decent Housing in Gresik

Seeing this situation, Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, with support from Pakuwon Peduli, stepped in to bring new hope. Through a housing program, Ahmad’s home was rebuilt along with 19 other families in Karanggan Village. In addition, support was provided to 20 families through the construction of household toilets, as well as the improvement of five public facilities in the area.

“I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Pakuwon for helping my family. This support means so much to us,” Ahmad said gratefully.

Now, Ahmad’s house stands strong, with neatly painted blue walls, a sturdy roof, and a much safer structure. This transformation is not only visible physically but is also deeply felt in their daily lives.

Ahmad admits that the new house has changed many things. He is no longer haunted by worry every time he leaves for work. There are no more concerns about leaks or the risk of collapse. The burden he once carried has gradually lifted.

More than that, the house has restored the family’s confidence and dignity. His daughter no longer feels ashamed. She now feels comfortable inviting her friends over to study together—something that once felt impossible.

The most tangible change soon followed. After several months of living in the new home, his daughter showed improved academic performance. From previously ranking third in her class, she has now risen to second place.

Ahmad’s story is proof that a decent home is not merely a place to live, but a vital foundation that affects many aspects of life—from safety and health to confidence and a child’s future.

There are still many families like Ahmad’s who are waiting for the opportunity to experience similar change. Let’s be part of this transformation and help more families gain access to safe and decent housing for a better life.

Writer: Kevin Herbian

(kh/av)

Tangerang, May 4, 2026 – As part of efforts to strengthen the capacity of Indonesia’s construction workforce, Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, through its BMZ program, organized the 2026 Construction Workers Competition, a field-based competition designed to directly assess the technical skills of construction workers. The event served as a platform for participants to build confidence, strengthen their professional portfolios, and demonstrate their competencies through tangible work that creates a real impact on communities.

The competition was held on May 2–3, 2026, in Tanjung Kait, Mauk District, Tangerang Regency, involving 180 construction workers divided into 18 teams. Each team was responsible for building one kitchen unit, resulting in a total of 18 kitchens successfully constructed for beneficiary families in the area over the course of the two-day event.

During the construction process, participants competed in five main areas of construction work: AAC block wall construction, clean and wastewater plumbing installation, lightweight steel roof frame installation, floor tiling, and wall painting. The entire process was evaluated comprehensively based on technical workmanship, implementation of occupational health and safety (OHS) standards, timely completion, and the overall finishing quality of the construction results.

Read also: Advancing Workforce Quality, Habitat Indonesia Presents National Study on the Implementation of Work Competency Certification (SKK) in the Construction Sector

Through this initiative, Habitat for Humanity Indonesia not only encouraged the improvement of construction workers’ competencies, but also reinforced the implementation of safe, healthy, and high-quality building standards. At the same time, participants gained hands-on experience that can enhance their competitiveness and open broader employment opportunities in the future.

“When construction workers are equipped with strong technical skills, understand workplace safety standards, and have confidence in their abilities, they are not only ready to enter the construction industry, but also prepared to build a better future for themselves, their families, and their communities,” said Arwin Soelaksono, Program Director of Habitat for Humanity Indonesia.

The competition also created a direct impact on the Tanjung Kait community through the construction of 18 kitchens, which are expected to improve the quality of life for beneficiary families. It stands as a tangible example that workforce skills development can go hand in hand with development initiatives that bring positive change to communities.

Photo: HFHI/Kevin Herbian

Writer: Syefira Salsabilla

(av/kh)

Morning and night no longer feel the same for Rigo Suhendra. Behind his simple daily life, one question used to constantly linger in his mind: would his house still be standing when the next rain came?

Bogor, May 5, 2026 – Rigo, 47, is a day laborer who depends on any work he can find. Some days he works as a construction worker, on others he becomes a driver, or takes on whatever jobs come his way—without any certainty. His income is just as unpredictable. On some days, he brings home IDR 100,000, on others IDR 50,000, and sometimes nothing at all. Together with his wife, Laya (46), a homemaker, they strive to meet the needs of their two school-aged children.

Amid these limitations, the small family had to live in a house inherited from Rigo’s parents. A house that should have been a place of shelter could not fully provide a sense of security. Its walls were made of weathered bamboo panels, patched with pieces of plywood and GRC boards. From the outside, the house looked fragile. From the inside, worry was always present.

For Rigo, comfort was no longer a matter of choice, but acceptance. He tried to make peace with his situation, convincing himself to live with what he had. Yet deep down, he held onto a simple wish that felt out of reach.

“Who wouldn’t want a good house? But this is all we can afford—what else can we do?” Rigo said.

Every time heavy rain fell, that fragile sense of calm would disappear instantly. Water seeped through the roof and cracked walls, soaking the floors and making it difficult for the family to rest properly. Many nights were spent in unease.

In moments like these, it was not just discomfort that arose, but fear. Rigo often worried that his house might collapse under strong winds. Thoughts about his family’s safety haunted him, while his ability to repair the house remained very limited. He could only set aside small portions of his daily income to patch damaged parts of the house, even though he knew it would never be enough.

Despite everything, he held onto a simple dream: to have a decent home for his family—a place that could truly protect them, not just barely shelter them. But for Rigo, that dream felt far beyond reach. With his limited financial situation, all he could do was try his best and hold on to hope.

The condition of the house also affected his children. Rigo realized that his son often felt embarrassed to invite friends over. A space that should have been a place to learn and grow together had instead become a source of insecurity.

Read also: From Running Out of the House to Feeling Safe Inside: Siti’s Story

Until one day, hope arrived in a way he had never imagined before. With support from generous donors, Habitat for Humanity Indonesia selected Rigo’s home in Wanaherang Village, Gunung Putri District, Bogor Regency, as one of the beneficiaries of a decent housing assistance program.

The news brought mixed emotions. On one hand, there was immense happiness and gratitude. On the other, a new concern arose—whether he would have to bear costs he could not afford. That concern was soon eased when he learned that the program required no financial contribution, but rather participation through sweat equity.

Over time, the once fragile house slowly transformed. The worn, damaged walls were replaced with a sturdy structure. In its place now stands a simple house with bright blue walls—modest, yet deeply meaningful. For Rigo, it is not just a new building, but an answer to the prayers he had long carried.

This change has brought a profound impact on Rigo’s family. A sense of security that once felt out of reach is now part of their everyday life. No more overwhelming worry when it rains, no more fear of the house collapsing.

The change is also felt by his children. Where they once held back out of embarrassment, that feeling has gradually faded. They have become more confident and now even invite their friends over to study together.

Rigo himself feels a significant change within. The burden he once carried has slowly lifted. He is no longer haunted by anxiety every time he leaves home for work. Instead, he moves forward with a calmer mind and renewed spirit.

“Alhamdulillah, now my house is truly livable. I can finally provide the best shelter for my family. It feels like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders,” Rigo said. “It feels like a dream… suddenly having a proper home like this,” he added.

For him, this house is more than just a place to live. It is a symbol of hope fulfilled—a reminder that even in the midst of limitations, a better life is always possible.

Now, every corner of the house holds a story of struggle and gratitude. And for Rigo, that simple happiness feels complete—because at last, he can provide a safe and decent home for the family he loves.

Writer: Kevin Herbian

(kh/av)

Jakarta, May 1, 2026 – May 1, 2026 marks a special milestone for Habitat for Humanity Indonesia. At its 29th anniversary, this long journey not only signifies the passage of time but also reflects an enduring commitment to providing decent housing and improving the lives of low-income families across Indonesia—particularly those in income deciles 1 and 2, women-headed households, and families with members with disabilities.

For nearly three decades, Habitat Indonesia has reached more than 223,277 families. This figure represents not just an achievement, but tangible change experienced directly by families across the country. Through various programs—including the construction of decent homes, the provision of access to clean water and sanitation, disaster response, economic empowerment, and the development of education and health facilities—Habitat Indonesia continues to address basic needs while sustainably improving quality of life.

By the end of fiscal year 2026, these contributions have continued to show positive growth. Habitat Indonesia has successfully built 40,230 decent homes, an increase from 39,478 units in the previous year. In addition, 32,541 families have now gained access to clean water and proper sanitation, up from 31,375 families in 2025. Efforts to improve housing quality are also reflected in the 76,467 families who have received home improvement financing support, reinforcing the commitment to creating safer and healthier living conditions.

Behind these figures lies the dedication of many individuals working wholeheartedly. Throughout fiscal year 2026, a total of 1,234 volunteers from diverse backgrounds took part in housing construction activities. Together with Habitat Indonesia staff, partners, and donors, they form an essential part of a collective movement that brings real change on the ground.

Collaboration remains the foundation of these achievements. Continuous support from various stakeholders enables Habitat Indonesia to consistently carry out its mission. Without strong synergy among communities, partners, and volunteers, this journey would not have reached where it is today.

Over the past year, Habitat for Humanity Indonesia has further strengthened its efforts through strategic collaboration with the Ministry of Housing and Settlement Areas (PKP) and local governments to support the national Three Million Houses Program. This collaboration goes beyond physical construction, aiming also to foster well-planned and sustainable settlements. One tangible example is the revitalization of Kampung Tanjung Kait in Tangerang Regency, where 110 fishing families now have access to land ownership and decent housing equipped with basic infrastructure—creating a safer, healthier, and more organized living environment.

Read also: Tanjung Kait Transformation: Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Senior Officials Review a Resilient and Equitable Fisherfolk Settlement Model

National Director of Habitat Indonesia, Handoko Ngadiman, emphasized that these achievements are inseparable from the strength of collaboration built over time.

“We believe that everyone deserves a decent place to live. What we have achieved today is the result of trust and collective effort from many parties. We extend our deepest gratitude to all partners, donors, and volunteers who have walked alongside us in bringing real change to families across Indonesia,” said Handoko.

Looking ahead, Habitat Indonesia remains committed to expanding the impact of its programs. Beyond short-term assistance, each initiative is designed to create sustainable change, promote self-reliance, improve quality of life, and open broader opportunities for beneficiary families.

Handoko also stressed that meaningful change can only be achieved through consistent and sustained collaboration.

“We believe that when different stakeholders come together, we can not only meet basic needs but also pave the way toward a more prosperous life for more families in Indonesia,” he added.

This journey is far from over. Many families are still waiting for access to decent housing and a better life. However, with a strong spirit of collaboration, Habitat Indonesia will continue to move forward, remain present within communities, and be part of meaningful change.

Let us continue this journey together—planting more hope, creating more opportunities for decent living, and building a better future for Indonesia.

Writer: Kevin Herbian

(kh/av)

Bekasi, April 28, 2026 – Access to clean water remains a real challenge for many communities, including those in Pasirranji and Sukamahi Villages, Central Cikarang, Bekasi Regency. Uneven water distribution has made it difficult for residents to meet their daily needs, especially during the dry season.

In response to this challenge, Bosch Indonesia, in collaboration with Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, implemented the BOSCH Water Project by supporting the installation of PDAM water connections to 40 households across both villages.

A total of 30 volunteers from Bosch Indonesia were actively involved in the volunteering activity on April 22, 2026. Their participation reflected a strong spirit of collaboration, as they directly contributed to the construction process to support sustainable improvements for beneficiary families.

Fenny Sofyan, Country Head of Corporate Communications, Branding Management, and Government Relations at BOSCH Indonesia, shared:

“This initiative is something we are truly proud to be part of, as we can directly contribute to providing clean water access for families here. Through this collective effort, we hope beneficiary families can experience an improved quality of life, as water is a fundamental need, and its impact can extend to other aspects such as health and children’s education.”

Take a look at the moments captured as volunteers came together to help bring clean water access to these communities.

Photo & Writer: HFHI/Kevin Herbian

(kh/av)

Tangerang, April 18, 2026 — That morning, sunlight slowly filtered through the gaps of a white tent set up at a decent housing construction site in Mauk, Tangerang Regency, Banten. The air felt warm—not only because of the rising sun, but also due to the energy of dozens of volunteers who were ready to begin their day in a way that was different from their usual routine.

A total of 40 volunteers from Yayasan IES Jakarta came together with a shared purpose: to take part directly in building decent homes alongside Habitat for Humanity Indonesia. For many of them, it was their first time stepping onto a construction site, handling building tools, and contributing tangibly to the process of home construction.

The activity, titled “Building Hearts,” held on Saturday, April 18, 2026, became a space not only for giving but also for learning and experiencing. Before starting, all participants attended a safety briefing and a warm-up session—an important step to ensure that all activities would run safely, especially for volunteers unfamiliar with physical fieldwork.

Afterward, the volunteers were divided into four groups. Two groups were assigned to dig the foundations, while the other two began building the walls of the houses. What seemed like simple tasks became the foundation for meaningful change for four beneficiary families who had long been living in difficult conditions.

These families are part of low-income communities, working primarily as daily laborers with earnings of no more than IDR 1,500,000 per month. With such limited income, they had been forced to live in inadequate housing. However, through continued support from Yayasan IES Jakarta volunteers since 2023, they are now among 56 families given the opportunity to own safer and more decent homes.

Read also: Sowing Second Hopes with IES Jakarta Through Decent Home

Under the midday sun, the atmosphere at the construction site was vibrant. Volunteers worked side by side, helping one another, often accompanied by laughter and lighthearted conversations that eased the intensity of the work. Tasks such as digging soil or installing building materials—once unfamiliar—became deeply meaningful experiences.

One volunteer, Markus, who has participated in this activity for the third time, shared that being directly involved in the field gave him a new perspective on what it means to give.

“For me, this activity is a real example of how we can participate and contribute to others. Through building these homes, I hope the families who receive them can truly improve their quality of life in the future,” he said.

A similar sentiment was expressed by Rajib, another volunteer, who sees the construction of these homes as the beginning of a greater transformation for the beneficiary families.

“I believe this home can be a strong foundation for a better life. With decent housing, these families will have greater opportunities to grow, including providing a better future for their children,” Rajib added.

This activity serves as a reminder that change does not always have to begin with grand actions. In fact, simple efforts carried out together can create a far-reaching impact. Although the activity lasted only until midday, the experience gained by the volunteers extended far beyond the hours they spent on-site.

More than just building houses, the day was about building empathy, broadening perspectives, and experiencing firsthand how a decent home can transform lives.

In the coming weeks, the four beneficiary families will soon move into their new homes—homes that are not only structurally stronger but also bring a sense of safety, comfort, and renewed hope.

May these homes mark the beginning of better lives—places where each family member can rest peacefully, share warmth, and look toward the future with optimism.

Photo: HFHI/Astridinar Vania

Writer: Kevin Herbian

(kh/av)