Bogor, October 6, 2026 – Every morning at four o’clock, while Gunung Putri in Bogor Regency is still wrapped in cool air and silence, Ibu Meilina (46) is already awake. Without wasting a moment, she prepares for her demanding daily routine—from offering her morning prayers and tidying up the house to ironing clothes for her only son, who currently works as an Office Boy (OB).

For a female head of household who has fought alone for decades, every morning marks the start of a new battle. Recently, however, a noticeable change has appeared on Ibu Meilina’s face and in her posture. Gone is the anxiety when looking up at the ceiling, and gone is the dread of rainwater dripping directly onto her bed. Behind the simplicity of her new home, Ibu Meilina can finally breathe a sigh of relief and reclaim a sense of peace that had been missing for so long.

A Long Struggle and Crumbling Walls

Ibu Meilina’s path in life has been anything but easy. Her struggle began in 2004 when she made the difficult decision to separate from her husband and become a single parent. From that point forward, the entire burden of making a living and raising her son rested solely on her shoulders.

A hardworking woman, Ibu Meilina spent over a decade working as a factory employee. Life dealt a heavy blow when her health suddenly deteriorated. Ovarian cysts forced her to undergo two major surgeries, causing both her physical well-being and financial stability to collapse. “I was sick with cysts for about 10 years. After recovering from surgery, I immediately started working as a domestic worker in 2022,” Ibu Meilina recalled, remembering when her physical strength began to fade.

Unable to sustain heavy factory labor, she transitioned to working as a domestic helper. Washing, mopping, and ironing at her employer’s home earned her around IDR 700,000 to IDR 1,000,000 per month—just enough to cover basic daily food expenses.

With such limited income, the dream of renovating her living space felt entirely out of reach. Ibu Meilina and her son were forced to endure living in an uninhabitable former rented house owned by her family. “Our old home was actually a former rented unit. The entire roof leaked… The doors were broken and no longer fit for use,” she shared, reflecting on their harsh living conditions.

A Turning Point and the Arrival of New Hope

That fading hope began to flicker back to life when neighbors and local village officials noticed her dire situation. Following an application for assistance routed through local community leaders (RT and RW), Ibu Meilina’s story reached the team at Habitat for Humanity Indonesia.

Through collaboration and shared care with Prudential Indonesia, concrete steps to change this small family’s fate began. The dilapidated and unsafe structure was demolished to make way for a sturdy new foundation. Day by day, a safe, healthy, and decent home rose in its place.

New Home, New Spirit, and Blossoming Dreams

Today, Ibu Meilina’s life has been completely transformed. The new home has brought a profound psychological impact for both her and her son, replacing constant anxiety with joy that is hard to put into words. “The change is enormous. Words can’t even describe how happy I am. I’m just so grateful,” Ibu Meilina said with a beaming smile.

With a clean and orderly home, her enthusiasm for life has renewed. Waking up in the morning now feels pleasant. The sense of security she experiences indoors provides a positive drive to face each day with optimism. “When you have a proper home, you go to work with more energy because your mind is at ease,” she added with deep gratitude.

Having a decent residence has also empowered Ibu Meilina to pursue new economic aspirations. No longer preoccupied with a leaking roof, she is now planning to save up capital to start a small home business selling her own homemade food and cakes. For Ibu Meilina, this new home is more than just a physical shelter—it is a foundation for her beloved son’s future.

Ibu Meilina expresses continuous gratitude for the assistance that changed her life’s trajectory. “I am deeply thankful to Prudential and all the donors. May your endeavors always be eased, your health preserved, your lives blessed, and may God reward all your kindness,” she concluded with emotion.

Ibu Meilina’s story stands as proof that a safe, healthy, and decent home can restore hope and dignity to a family facing uncertainty. Countless other female heads of household and vulnerable individuals are still struggling to survive behind crumbling walls that endanger their lives.

Join hands with Habitat for Humanity Indonesia. Continue supporting proper housing programs to bring more stories of change, new smiles, and a brighter future to families in need across the nation.

Writer: Kevin Herbian

(kh/av)

Jakarta, September 29, 2026 – Home is where everything in our lives begins. Behind its doors lies a place to rest, grow, and weave hopes for the future. According to the 2026 Housing Statistics released by Statistics Indonesia (BPS), 70.30% of families in Indonesia now have access to decent housing. This figure reflects a positive upward trend compared to 2025, which stood at 68.40%.

This increase is undoubtedly good news. When a family gains access to decent housing, the impact goes far beyond having a roof and walls overhead.

A Decent Home Opens Many Doors

Access to safe and healthy housing brings tangible changes to a family’s life. A decent home serves as the foundational stepping stone that opens up various opportunities:

• The Door to Better Health: Sturdy walls and hygienic sanitation break the chain of disease. Children grow up healthier, protected from skin irritations, digestive illnesses, and stunting.
• The Door to Education and the Future: Free from the anxiety of a leaking roof during heavy rains, children can study in peace, focus on reaching their dreams, and improve their quality of life.
• The Door to Economic Opportunities: When parents no longer expend their energy repairing a damaged house or worrying about their safety, they gain the mental space and time to earn a living, innovate, or even start small businesses.
• The Door to Safety and Dignity: A secure home protects families from extreme weather hazards and safety threats. Beyond that, decent housing restores every family member’s self-confidence and dignity within the community.

The Reality of Inequality: Millions Still Left Behind

Although national achievements show progress, we cannot turn a blind eye to the reality on the ground. The 70.30% figure is still shadowed by significant regional disparities.

At the provincial level, the percentage of families with access to decent housing ranges from 7.30% to 89.13%. Highland Papua records the lowest achievement, where only 7.30% of families enjoy decent housing. This means that fewer than one in ten families in the province live in a residence that meets basic standards.

It is crucial to understand that “decent housing” is not merely about having a standing physical structure. BPS defines four main pillars that must be met simultaneously for a home to be categorized as decent:

1. Structural Durability (safe and sturdy roofs, walls, and floors).
2. Sufficient Per Capita Floor Area (adequate living space for each family member).
3. Access to Decent Drinking Water (clean and safe water sources for consumption).
4. Decent Sanitation (hygienic toilet and waste disposal facilities).

Why Do So Many Families Still Struggle?

Securing decent housing is no easy feat, particularly for low-income households. Several major challenges trap them in a cycle of inadequate living conditions:

• Limited Income: The majority of low-income families’ earnings are spent covering daily basic needs such as food, leaving no surplus funds to save, let alone build a house.
• Rising Land and Material Costs: Property, land, and building material prices escalate at a rate far outstripping average annual household income growth.
• Difficulties Accessing Financing: Housing finance schemes from formal financial institutions often fail to reach informal sector workers with irregular incomes.
• Land Constraints in Urban Areas: Rapidly increasing population density makes land availability scarce and prices unaffordable.
• Remote Locations of Affordable Housing: Many affordable housing options are situated far from economic hubs or workplaces, adding to families’ daily transportation expenses.

#OpenTheDoor: Let’s Open the Door of Hope Together

Indonesia’s housing challenges cannot be resolved solely by erecting new buildings. Upgrading existing home quality, providing clean water, and ensuring equitable sanitation are crucial steps to ensuring that every family, without exception, can enjoy a prosperous life.

Through the #OpenTheDoor campaign, Habitat for Humanity Indonesia invites youth, communities, and individuals alike to take an active role. We can all be part of this change by advocating for the importance of decent housing for every family in Indonesia.

Because when we open the door to a decent home, we do not just provide shelter—we open the door to health, education, and a better future.

How can you help today?

1. Share this article on your social media to raise awareness.
2. Amplify the #OpenTheDoor campaign so more people realize that great change always starts at home.

Let’s take action together. Your small step today is the key to opening the door to a brighter future for families in need.

Writer: Kevin Herbian

(kh/av)

Nagekeo, September 24, 2026 – Entering 40 days after the magnitude 7.7 earthquake hit several areas in Flores, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), the shadows of grief and struggle for survivors are far from over. Based on data from the National Disaster Management Authority (BNPB) as of September 21, 2026, more than 29,980 people are still staying in evacuation camps. The majority of them, around 26,089 families, lost their homes due to severe damage.

In Nagekeo Regency, a focus area for Habitat for Humanity Indonesia’s emergency response and recovery program ‘Flores Housing Recovery,’ at least 6,930 people are still forced to make emergency tents their temporary “home.” Although this number is slowly decreasing as residents whose houses are safe or suffered only minor damage begin to return, thousands of others remain trapped in uncertainty.

However, behind the tarpaulin sheets protecting them from scorching heat and rain, a real threat quietly lurks. BNPB recorded that at least 94 earthquake victims passed away while staying in evacuation centers. Most of them breathed their last due to deteriorating health conditions, old age, and worsening comorbidities aggravated by inadequate living conditions in the camps.

Emergency Tents: Not Meant for Long-Term Living

Evacuation tents are essentially designed as short-term emergency shelters, intended for a few days to a few weeks at most. When survivors are forced to stay in tents for months, the risks to their physical health, mental well-being, and social safety increase drastically.

Citing various health and disaster reference sources, here are the main dangers of staying too long in emergency tents:

1. Threats to Physical Health and Potential Disease Outbreaks

Overcrowded, unsanitary evacuation environments, combined with continuous exposure to extreme weather shifts, can significantly weaken immune systems. Some disease threats prone to outbreaks include:

• ARI (Acute Respiratory Infections) and Pneumonia: Cold night air, dust, and poor ventilation in overcrowded tents are the main triggers. Pneumonia presents the most fatal threat, particularly for infants and toddlers.
• Waterborne and Sanitation-Related Diseases (Diarrhea & Typhoid): Limited access to clean water and inadequate sanitation facilities trigger the spread of Salmonella typhi bacteria and germs causing acute diarrhea.
• Vector-Borne Diseases (Malaria & Dengue Fever): Open tent structures allow easy entry for mosquitoes, especially in endemic areas.
• Worsening Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs): The elderly are the most vulnerable group. A lack of routine medication supplies and limited nutrition frequently trigger spikes in blood pressure (hypertension), chronic muscle pain (myalgia), and diabetes complications. (Sources: Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia and Tirto.id)

Read also: Habitat for Humanity Indonesia Distributes Emergency Shelter Kits to Families Affected by the Flores Earthquake

2. Mental Health Crisis and Chronic Psychological Disorders

Losing homes, belongings, and livelihoods, combined with future uncertainty, causes immense psychological strain:

• Acute Insomnia: Loud, uncomfortable tent environments and anxiety over aftershocks make it difficult for evacuees to get restful sleep, ultimately compromising their physical immunity.
• Depression and Frustration: Feelings of helplessness due to interrupted education for children and loss of employment can develop into severe depression.
• PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder): Without ongoing psychosocial support (trauma healing), deep-seated trauma from the earthquake can persist and become a long-term post-traumatic stress disorder. (Source: IDN Times)

3. Social Vulnerability and Safety Issues

Communal tents without private partitions create vulnerable spaces, especially for at-risk groups such as women and children:

• Risk of Sexual Violence: Non-private bathing and toilet facilities, along with poor lighting in evacuation areas, heighten the risk of sexual crimes. Many victims hesitate or fear reporting due to the confusing emergency situation.
• Social Friction: Unequal distribution of relief supplies can sometimes trigger tension and conflict among evacuees.

Restoring Hope, Restoring Their Homes

Confronted with this reality, Habitat for Humanity Indonesia pays deep attention to the post-disaster recovery process in Flores. Our main focus is ensuring that survivor families can soon have safe, decent, and healthy homes so they can rebuild their lives with dignity.

Tarpaulin tents should not be a long-term environment where children grow up or where the elderly spend their later years. They need resilient homes to start rebuilding their hopes.

Help Flores earthquake survivor families secure safe and decent housing soon. Share your support through the donation details on the flyer below:

Writer: Kevin Herbian

Graphic: Tias Ester Widhari

(kh/av)

Karawang, September 21, 2026 – That morning, Nenih, a resident of Baturaden Village, Batujaya Subdistrict, Karawang Regency, was overcome with a mixture of emotion, sadness, and happiness. After 61 years of life, she was finally able to experience clean water flowing directly into her home for the first time. For some people, water may be an ordinary part of everyday life. For Nenih, however, it was something she had long been able to do nothing more than hope for.

Throughout her life, Nenih had relied on an irrigation canal located about 100 meters from her home. The water served as her primary source for various daily needs, from bathing and washing clothes to washing rice and other food ingredients. Yet the water was far from suitable for use. It was often cloudy, foul-smelling, and contaminated with dirt.

Nenih was not the only one. Several families living nearby also depended on the irrigation canal for their daily water needs. For families with better financial means, digging a well was an option. However, this was not an easy choice for Nenih, who had to make ends meet on a limited income.

Nenih is a widow who works as a farm laborer, earning no more than IDR 100,000 a day. At home, she also takes care of and raises her grandchildren because their parents work as Indonesian migrant workers overseas. With her limited income and the many family needs she has to meet, providing a water source of her own was something she could not yet afford.

For drinking water, Nenih had to purchase refillable drinking water. Each gallon cost around IDR 5,000, and she could use up to 30 gallons a month, spending approximately IDR 150,000 just to obtain water that was safe to drink.

“If one gallon costs IDR 5,000, I can use up to 30 gallons a month. So, that’s around IDR 150,000 just for drinking water. Whether it is enough or not, I still have to make it work. What else can I do? We need water, but I also have to divide the money between food and school expenses,” Nenih said.

The situation became even more difficult during the dry season. The flow of the irrigation water that the family depended on decreased significantly, sometimes leaving behind only very murky water. During such times, Nenih had to wait until morning, when the water conditions were slightly better, before collecting it and carrying it home.

“During the dry season, there is less water and it becomes more polluted. The only solution is to save water. Usually, every morning I check the condition of the water first. If it looks a little better, I collect it and carry it home,” she said.

A distance of 100 meters between her home and the water source may not sound particularly far. For Nenih, however, the journey was not easy. She has impaired vision in her left eye following a workplace accident. This condition made collecting and carrying water even more exhausting, especially when she had to make repeated trips to meet her family’s daily needs.

Using water from the irrigation canal was also a source of concern for Nenih. She recalled that her grandchildren had experienced itchy skin several times after using the water. The cloudy, contaminated water meant that even simple activities such as bathing and washing had to be carried out under difficult conditions.

Nenih’s experience shows that access to clean water is about more than simply having water available for drinking. Safe and adequate water is an essential part of a decent home because it is directly connected to health, hygiene, comfort, and a family’s ability to carry out daily activities safely and with dignity.

Then, a glimmer of hope finally arrived. Change began when Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, together with Habitat for Humanity Netherlands, developed a clean water supply system using water from the local irrigation canal. The system is equipped with filtration technology to treat the water before distributing it to 10 priority families who previously lacked adequate access to clean water.

To ensure the quality of the water, the filtered water was also tested in a laboratory. This step was taken to ensure that the water met the required quality standards before being used by the beneficiary families.

Today, the water that Nenih once had to collect and carry approximately 100 meters from the irrigation canal is now available much closer to her home. “I no longer use water from the canal. Now I use the new water for everything—from bathing and using the toilet to washing clothes and vegetables,” Nenih said.

The change may seem simple, but it has had a profound meaning for Nenih. She no longer has to wait for the irrigation water to improve, carry water home, or worry when the dry season makes the water source increasingly difficult to use.

What she notices most is the difference it has made for her grandchildren. “My grandchildren are also very happy because they can bathe using clean water. They no longer complain about having to bathe with muddy water mixed with dirt. I am happy to see them being able to bathe more comfortably,” Nenih said.

For Nenih, access to clean water has also brought new hope for her family’s health. Previously, using water from the irrigation canal was often followed by complaints of itchy skin. Now, she feels more at ease knowing that her family can carry out their daily activities using cleaner and safer water.

She has even started using the water for consumption. “I tried using this water for cooking and making coffee. It tastes very good. Now I feel much more at ease because I can use clean water,” she said.

Access to clean water has also brought economic benefits. Previously, Nenih had to set aside around IDR 150,000 every month to purchase refillable drinking water. With access to a clean water supply, this expense is no longer as much of a burden as it once was.

For families with limited incomes, these savings create more room to meet other needs. Money that was previously spent on purchasing water can now be saved or allocated to other household expenses.

After 61 years of living with limited access to clean water, Nenih can finally experience something she had never had before: safe and adequate water that she can use without having to travel far from home.

“This is such a great blessing for me. I never imagined that at my age I would finally be able to have clean water available near my home. In the past, every time I needed water, I had to think about where to get it. Now, I can use it much more easily,” Nenih said.

However, Nenih’s happiness does not end with what her family is experiencing today. She hopes that the newly built water facility will be properly maintained and cared for so that its benefits can last for many years to come.

“I hope this water facility will continue to be looked after and maintained so that its benefits are not only enjoyed today, but can also be used by my children and grandchildren. I also hope that other neighbors who do not yet have access to clean water will one day be able to experience the same benefits that I have,” she said.

Writer: Kevin Herbian

(kh/av)

Karawang, September 16, 2026 – For some families, the morning may begin with preparing breakfast and making sure the children are ready for school. But for Sami (53) and her family, mornings once began with a much more basic question: where would they get water to bathe that day?

In Baturaden Village, Batujaya Subdistrict, Karawang Regency, access to clean water is more than just a household necessity for Sami and her family. Its availability determines how her children start their day, whether they can get ready for school comfortably, and how much money the family has to set aside each month.

Sami earns a living by selling snacks and refreshments for children in front of her home. From this small business, she earns around IDR 50,000 a day. Her husband, Caplin (55), works as a farm laborer and earns approximately IDR 1.5 million per month. With limited household income, every expense has to be carefully considered, including the cost of obtaining water that is safe and suitable for everyday use.

For years, Sami’s family relied on water from a well provided by the village government and shared by four families. The water was used for daily needs such as bathing and washing clothes. However, the water from the well tasted bitter, making it unsuitable for drinking or other consumption needs.

To meet those needs, Sami had to purchase refillable drinking water. The water was not only used for her family’s drinking needs, but also to make iced beverages that she sold in front of her house.

“Every month, I have to buy around 20 gallons. Each gallon costs IDR 5,000, so I spend around IDR 100,000 just on water. The water is used both for our family’s drinking needs and to make the drinks I sell. So, I really have to manage our expenses carefully to make sure we can still afford our other needs,” Sami said.

However, relying on the well did not always ensure that Sami’s family had enough water. When the dry season arrived and the well’s water supply decreased, Sami and her family had to take turns using whatever water sources were available. In certain situations, they were even forced to rely again on the irrigation canal, where the water was cloudy and unsuitable for everyday use.

For Sami, the situation became even more difficult when her children had to use the water to bathe before going to school. They often experienced itchy skin after using water from the irrigation canal. The situation also affected their comfort as they went about their daily activities, including attending school and studying.

“In the past, almost every morning after dawn prayers, my children would bathe in the canal before going to school. They were actually uncomfortable because they had to bathe in an open area and were afraid that people might see them. On top of that, their skin often felt itchy afterward. As a parent, it was heartbreaking to see my children having to go through that,” Sami said.

Water, which should be one of the most basic necessities of everyday life, had instead become a source of concern for Sami’s family. Limited access to water was not only about drinking or bathing. It also affected their health, comfort, privacy, and the children’s ability to start their day and attend school without unnecessary difficulties.

The situation began to change when Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, together with Habitat for Humanity Netherlands, developed a clean water supply system using water from the local irrigation canal. The water is treated through a filtration system before being distributed to 10 priority families who previously faced limited access to clean water, including Sami’s family.

To ensure that the water was safe to use, the filtered water was also tested in a laboratory. This process was an important step in ensuring that the water quality met the required standards before being used by the families.

Now, after using water from the new system for around two weeks, Sami is experiencing changes that she once found difficult to imagine. Water that she previously had to search for, conserve, or purchase is now available for various household needs.

“Alhamdulillah, we now have a new water source. We no longer have to struggle to find water or worry when the dry season comes. The water is also much better than what we used before. Our skin no longer feels rough after bathing,” she said.

The most noticeable change for Sami has been in her children’s lives. They no longer have to go to the irrigation canal to bathe before going to school. They no longer have to worry about bathing in an open area or using water that causes their skin to itch.

“What makes me happiest is seeing my children being able to bathe with clean water. Their skin is no longer like it used to be, when it often became itchy after using water from the canal. They are more comfortable now and can go to school without having to worry about things like that,” Sami said.

For the children, the change may seem simple. But for Sami, being able to bathe with clean and safe water means much more than comfort. It gives her children a greater sense of safety and privacy, as well as the opportunity to go about their daily activities in better conditions.

Clean water has also brought changes to Sami’s livelihood. Until now, part of the money she spent on refillable drinking water was used both for household needs and to support her small business selling beverages. With the new water source, her reliance on purchased water has begun to decrease.

“The water is also good for drinking. The biggest difference is that we no longer need to buy refillable water as often. It also makes things easier for my business because the water we need is already available. That means I can save some of the money that I would normally spend on water,” Sami said.

Sami has not yet been able to calculate exactly how much additional income she has gained from the new water supply system, as she has only been using it for around two weeks. However, for her, simply reducing the amount she spends on purchasing water is already meaningful support for her family.

Amid the dry season, when water availability has become a challenge for many families in the surrounding area, Sami no longer faces the dry months with the same level of worry. Together with nine other families in Baturaden Village, she is beginning to experience how improved access to water can transform many aspects of everyday life.

Because clean water is about more than simply having water flow from a tap. It means better protection of children’s health, the opportunity to go to school more comfortably, reduced household expenses, and a small business that can operate with less financial pressure.

More broadly, access to clean water is an inseparable part of a decent home. A safe and comfortable home is not defined solely by strong walls and a sturdy roof. Families also need access to basic services that enable them to live healthy lives, maintain hygiene, and carry out their daily activities with dignity.

Writer: Kevin Herbian

(kh/av)

Nagekeo, September 10, 2026 – As the recovery phase following the Flores earthquake begins, Habitat for Humanity Indonesia is strengthening its long-term commitment with the Government of Nagekeo Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, to support affected families as they gradually recover and rebuild their lives.

The commitment was marked by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Nagekeo Regent Simplisius Donatus and Habitat for Humanity Indonesia National Director Handoko Ngadiman. The MoU was signed in a hybrid format on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, providing a foundation for collaboration in implementing post-disaster recovery programs in Nagekeo Regency.

Through this partnership, Habitat Indonesia will implement the Flores Housing Recovery program, which focuses on housing recovery and basic services for families affected by the earthquake, particularly in Aesesa District. The program is planned to run for the next year, with coordination involving the local government and relevant stakeholders.

The recovery program will include several forms of support. Habitat Indonesia will support the repair and structural strengthening of 200 homes through a retrofitting approach, targeting homes that sustained light to moderate damage from the earthquake. These efforts aim to help families have safer and more decent homes.

In addition to housing recovery, support will also focus on restoring household access to safe water and sanitation services. Community education and capacity building will also be part of the program through training on Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) practices, as well as principles for safer housing construction and repairs that reduce disaster risks through a Build Back Safer approach.

Recovery efforts will also extend to public facilities affected by the disaster. Habitat Indonesia plans to rehabilitate schools and community health posts to help restore access to education and primary healthcare services for local communities.

“The Government of Nagekeo Regency, together with the community, would like to express our appreciation and gratitude to Habitat for Humanity Indonesia and its donors for the support provided. We welcome this support as part of our collective efforts to help the people of Nagekeo through the post-disaster recovery process,” said Nagekeo Regent Simplisius Donatus.

Starting Recovery with the First Steps

This long-term recovery commitment builds on Habitat Indonesia’s response since the early stages following the disaster. Previously, on August 31, 2026, with support from its donors, Habitat Indonesia distributed 100 Emergency Shelter Kits (ESKs) to earthquake-affected families across five villages in Aesesa District: Aeramo, Marapokot, Nangadhero, Tonggurambang, and Waekokak.

The ESK packages contain various construction and repair tools that families can use to clear earthquake debris and carry out emergency repairs on damaged homes. This support serves as an initial step for families to begin recovering their homes independently, based on the condition of each house.

For Habitat Indonesia, post-disaster recovery does not end with the provision of emergency assistance. Housing repairs, restoration of basic services, community capacity building, and rehabilitation of public facilities all need to be carried out gradually and sustainably.

“The support from Habitat for Humanity Indonesia’s donors is an opportunity to continue doing good and supporting affected families. We hope this assistance will help families gradually restore their homes and rebuild safer lives after the disaster,” said Habitat for Humanity Indonesia National Director Handoko Ngadiman.

Through the Flores Housing Recovery program, Habitat Indonesia and the Government of Nagekeo Regency are working to ensure that the recovery process is well coordinated and responds to the needs of affected communities. Collaboration among different stakeholders is essential to ensure that families receive not only support during the emergency response phase, but also continued assistance to rebuild their homes and lives over the long term.

Post-disaster recovery is a journey that takes time and requires collective efforts from many parties. Therefore, Habitat Indonesia continues to welcome opportunities for #SahabatHabitat to take part in supporting families affected by the Flores earthquake.

Let us work together to help families in Flores restore their homes, rebuild their lives, and create a safer future. Make a donation through the information provided on the campaign flyer.

Writer: Kevin Herbian

Graphic: Tias Ester Widhari

(kh/av)

 

Karawang, September 10, 2026 – The cheerful voices of students echo through the school grounds as the bell rings, marking the beginning of another school day at SDN Wanakerta 1 in Teluk Jambe Barat District, Karawang Regency. Every day, 184 students attend classes at the school. However, the learning process has faced challenges since one of the classrooms sustained significant damage.

The roof of the classroom had deteriorated over time and eventually collapsed, making the room unusable for teaching and learning activities. The ceiling was also damaged. As a result, students have had to take turns using other classrooms, preventing learning activities from taking place optimally.

“The roof was leaking, and eventually the ceiling collapsed because the roof structure had become too weak. Fortunately, there were no students in the classroom when it happened. We hope the damage can be repaired soon so that teaching and learning activities can run more effectively and the students no longer have to share or take turns using classrooms,” said Drs. Jasa Rohdiat, Principal of SDN Wanakerta 1.

The school’s sanitation facilities also face limitations. Two of the available toilets are damaged and cannot be used. As a result, the number of functioning toilets is limited, forcing students to queue when they need to use them.

The condition of educational facilities at schools such as SDN Wanakerta 1 remains a challenge in many parts of Indonesia. Around 30 percent of elementary schools in rural areas still require major renovations, while approximately 20 percent do not yet have adequate sanitation facilities. Inadequate school buildings and facilities can affect students’ comfort and safety during the learning process.

Similar challenges can also be found around the Karawang International Industrial City (KIIC) in Karawang Regency and the Greenland International Industrial Center (GIIC) in Bekasi Regency. Within four villages located within a 5–7-kilometer radius of these two industrial areas, there are 41 schools ranging from early childhood education to senior high school. An estimated 21 schools continue to face various challenges, including overcrowded classrooms, damaged buildings, inadequate sanitation facilities, and limited learning-support infrastructure.

In response to these needs, Habitat for Humanity Indonesia has partnered with Microsoft to improve educational facilities around the KIIC and GIIC areas. This initiative is part of Habitat Indonesia’s education program, which recognizes the close relationship between adequate housing, supportive learning environments, and the quality of life of low-income families.

Habitat Indonesia believes that adequate housing and a quality learning environment are closely interconnected. Children need a safe place to live where they can rest and study, as well as a comfortable school environment where they can learn and develop to their full potential. Therefore, improving educational facilities is part of Habitat’s broader efforts to improve the quality of life of low-income families.

Currently, the Habitat Indonesia team is conducting an in-depth assessment of schools across four target areas: Wanakerta, Wanasari, Sukamahi, and Pasiranji villages. The assessment aims to gain a comprehensive understanding of the condition of each school’s facilities, identify priority needs, and ensure that the planned renovations are tailored to the specific conditions of each school.

Based on the assessment results, 15 schools will be selected to receive renovation support. Each school will develop a proposal based on its priority needs, ensuring that the interventions are not one-size-fits-all but are instead tailored to the specific conditions and requirements of each school.

Renovation support may include various non-structural improvements, such as repairing ceilings, floors, and walls, repainting, improving sanitation facilities, and enhancing access to clean water. The scope of work will be determined based on the assessment findings and proposals submitted by each school.

In addition to improving physical facilities, the program will also promote more inclusive renovation approaches. Schools will be encouraged to adopt facilities and designs that are more responsive to the needs of women and people with disabilities, ensuring that learning environments can be accessed and used safely and comfortably by all students.

Environmental sustainability will also be incorporated into the planning process. The use of durable local materials, natural lighting and ventilation, and efficient use of water and energy will be considered during renovations. Depending on the conditions of each school, climate-resilient approaches, such as improving drainage, strengthening flood protection, and utilizing rainwater, may also be implemented.

The program will not stop at the construction or improvement of facilities. Schools will also be encouraged to develop a sense of ownership of the renovated facilities. Involving school representatives in determining renovation priorities is an important step toward ensuring that the improved facilities are properly maintained and utilized over the long term.

Through its collaboration with Microsoft, Habitat for Humanity Indonesia hopes that support for 15 schools around the KIIC and GIIC areas will create learning spaces that are safer, healthier, more comfortable, and more inclusive. When children have appropriate spaces to learn, they gain more than a better place to pursue their education—they gain an environment that supports them in growing, developing, and preparing for a better future.

Writer: Kevin Herbian

(kh/av)

Nagekeo, September 7, 2026 – For Kristina Wae, a modest home in Marapokot Village, Aesesa District, Nagekeo Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, was more than just a place to live. It was where she and her family shared meals, exchanged stories, and spent their days together in happiness. But the Flores earthquake changed everything in a matter of minutes.

When the earthquake struck, Kristin, 39, her husband, Fransiskus Lita, 40, and their three children tried to escape as their house began to collapse. The front section of the house was damaged, while the kitchen at the back was also buried under the rubble. The usual exit they relied on was no longer safe.

“When the earthquake happened, we immediately became worried and started crying. We wanted to get out through the front, but the terrace had already started collapsing. We tried to go through the back, but the kitchen had also collapsed. Thankfully, there was a side door. My husband broke the door open, and we all managed to get out through there,” Kristin recalled.

They did not have time to take anything with them. At that moment, their safety was the only thing that mattered to Kristin and her family.

Losing a Home, But Not Losing Hope

Before the earthquake, Kristin was a homemaker while her husband worked as a farmer. The family also raised livestock to support their daily needs. Their income depended on farming and livestock sales, which were unpredictable and amounted to no more than IDR 2 million per month.

Their three children were also a reason for Kristin and her husband to keep going. The family’s needs, including their children’s school expenses, still had to be met even though their home was no longer habitable.

“That house meant everything to my family. It was the most comfortable place for my little family. Although it was a simple house, it was where we shared so much happiness,” Kristin said.

After the earthquake, Kristin’s family evacuated to Bukit Danga, quite far from their home. For about two weeks, they stayed in an evacuation tent and relied on food and basic necessities provided by the government.

However, Kristin realized that she could not stay at the evacuation site forever. There were still livestock at home that could help support the family’s livelihood. Her children also needed to return to their daily lives.

After spending about two weeks in Bukit Danga, Kristin and her family therefore decided to return to Marapokot. They set up a tent beside their damaged home and stayed there temporarily.

“If we continued staying up there, what would happen to our income? We have children who are still in school. We still have livestock that may help us make a living every day. So, we chose to get back on our feet,” she said.

A Kit That Became a First Step Toward Recovery

A few days after returning home, Kristin was informed by village officials that she should come to the village office. She did not know that the visit was related to assistance she was about to receive.

Her motorcycle was still trapped beneath the rubble of the house, so she had to take a neighbor’s motorcycle taxi to get to the village office.

When she arrived, Kristin was unsure and did not know what she was going to receive. She eventually learned that her family would receive a set of tools to help clean up their earthquake-damaged home.

The assistance was an Emergency Shelter Kit (ESK) distributed by Habitat for Humanity Indonesia with support from donors. A total of 100 ESK packages were provided to 100 earthquake-affected families across five villages in Aesesa District, Nagekeo Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, as part of the Flores Housing Recovery program.

Unlike assistance intended for daily necessities, the ESK contains various tools that families can use to clear earthquake debris and carry out initial repairs on homes that have sustained light to moderate damage.

For Kristin, the kit came at just the right time. “I am very grateful and thankful. No matter how small the assistance may seem, I can make use of it,” Kristin said.

More than just a set of tools, the ESK gave Kristin the encouragement to start doing something. Her house could not be rebuilt immediately, and she did not yet have the funds to repair it. But she now had the tools to begin with the simplest task: cleaning her home little by little.

Read also: After the Earthquake, Abdul Rajak Chooses to Rise and Hold on to Hope for His Family

Cleaning the Kitchen, Preparing for the Next Step

Kristin plans to start with the kitchen. The area was one of the parts of the house that sustained damage, and she hopes to clean it so that it can be used for cooking again.

“At the very least, we will clean the kitchen first so that we can use it for cooking. We will do it little by little with these tools,” she said.

The desire to repair the house had actually been there even before the earthquake. Kristin recalled that her family had bought a truckload of sand to repair the kitchen floor. They planned to buy cement the following day to continue the work. But the earthquake struck before they could carry out the plan.

The sand they had purchased had not yet been used when the family had to leave their home to save themselves. Their simple plan to make their home better had to be put on hold.

Now, Kristin is trying to start again from the beginning. “Help like this makes me feel that I need to be stronger and gives me the motivation to keep going. I want to rebuild my house, even though for now I still have to wait until I have the funds or the means to do so. For now, we are cleaning it little by little. If we are blessed with the resources later, we want to build a better home,” she said.

For Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, small steps such as cleaning a damaged home are an important part of the recovery process. That is why the ESK assistance is not only intended to help families clear earthquake debris, but also to provide a starting point for families to regain control over the recovery of their homes.

The distribution of ESK packages also marks the beginning of the housing recovery plan in Aesesa, Nagekeo. Moving forward, Habitat Indonesia will support the repair and strengthening of homes through a retrofitting approach for 200 families, so that the repaired homes will not only be more livable but also safer and more resilient to future disasters.

From the Ruins of a Home, Hope Grows Again

Life is still far from easy for Kristin and her family. They continue to live in a tent beside their home. Most of the building remains uninhabitable due to damage and cracks.

Yet, despite these limitations, Kristin has chosen not to stop. She is slowly cleaning her home while waiting for an opportunity and the resources needed to rebuild it. For her, the process is not only about repairing a building, but also about restoring the place that has long been at the heart of her family’s life.

The modest home that once stood as a witness to her family’s many happy moments has now become a place where Kristin holds on to hope for a new beginning. “Home is everything to my family,” she said.

For Kristin and other families affected by the earthquake, recovery may not happen in a single day. But from a tent, a few simple tools, and the determination to start cleaning again, the first step has already begun.

Your support as a Habitat Friend can help families affected by the Flores earthquake rebuild safer and more decent homes. Together, we can support housing recovery for families in Nagekeo through the Flores Housing Recovery program.

Make a donation through the information provided on the campaign flyer below.

Writer: Kevin Herbian

Graphic: Tias Ester Widhari

(kh/av)

Nagekeo, August 31, 2026 – Habitat for Humanity Indonesia has begun distributing emergency assistance to families affected by the Flores earthquake, which struck several areas of East Nusa Tenggara on August 15, 2026. The assistance is part of Habitat Indonesia’s initial efforts to support the recovery of homes and living environments affected by the disaster.

With support from donors, Habitat Indonesia is distributing 100 Emergency Shelter Kits (ESKs) to affected families in five villages in Aesesa District, Nagekeo Regency. The assistance is being distributed to families in Aeramo, Marapokot, Nangadhero, Tonggurambang, and Waekokak villages.

The assistance packages have been tailored to the needs of affected families, helping them clear debris and carry out initial repairs to their homes, particularly those that sustained minor to moderate damage. The equipment is expected to help residents begin the process of restoring their homes while prioritizing safety.

As part of the handover, Habitat for Humanity Indonesia symbolically presented the ESK packages to the Nagekeo Regency Government, represented by Nagekeo Deputy Regent Gonzalo Gratianus Muga Sada, at the Nagekeo BPBD Emergency Response Post.

“On behalf of the people of Nagekeo, I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the support provided, particularly the tools and equipment. This assistance is greatly needed by the community to clean up and repair damaged homes, which we hope can then be followed by the rehabilitation and reconstruction of residents’ houses,” said Nagekeo Deputy Regent Gonzalo Gratianus Muga Sada.

Supporting Home Repairs and Debris Removal

The assistance packages were prepared based on the needs identified among families in the field. In addition to providing temporary protection, the equipment included in the Emergency Shelter Kits can be used by residents to clear debris while supporting initial home repairs.

Each family receives one 2 x 25-meter tarpaulin sheet for temporary protection. The package also includes several construction tools, such as a medium-sized hammer, a handsaw, a crowbar, a shovel, a hoe with a handle, and two kilograms of nails measuring 7 cm and 10 cm.

To support residents’ safety while carrying out repair and cleanup work, each package is also equipped with two lengths of rope, six pairs of work gloves, one safety helmet, one pair of safety boots, and one pair of safety goggles.

The provision of these tools is part of Habitat Indonesia’s approach to ensuring that affected families receive not only temporary protection but also initial support to begin clearing and restoring their home environments.

An Initial Step Toward Long-Term Recovery

The distribution of Emergency Shelter Kits marks the first phase of Habitat Indonesia’s recovery efforts in areas affected by the Flores earthquake. Going forward, support will focus on more comprehensive housing and settlement recovery needs based on field assessment findings.

Recovery efforts will include the repair and strengthening of damaged structures, or retrofitting, particularly to improve the safety and resilience of homes against future disaster risks.

Habitat Indonesia will also support families in restoring access to safe water and sanitation, including through education and training on hygiene and sanitation practices under the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) approach.

In addition, the Build Back Safer approach will be an important part of the recovery process. This approach encourages homes that are repaired or rebuilt not simply to be restored to their pre-disaster condition, but to become safer and more resilient to future disaster risks.

Recovery support will also extend to affected public facilities, including schools and community health centers, so that communities can regain safe and adequate access to essential education and healthcare services.

Post-disaster recovery takes time and requires support from many different stakeholders. Therefore, Habitat for Humanity Indonesia continues to invite #SahabatHabitat to take part in supporting families affected by the Flores earthquake.

Community support will help strengthen the recovery process, from providing emergency assistance and supporting home cleanup and repairs to rebuilding safer and more resilient homes for affected families.

Let us stand together with families affected by the Flores earthquake as they rebuild their homes and lives. Donations can be made via bank transfer or QRIS through the campaign flyer below.

Writer: Kevin Herbian

Graphic: Tias Ester Widhari

(kh/av)

Bogor, August 29, 2026 – Habitat for Humanity Indonesia once again held CEO Build 2026, a volunteer and fundraising initiative that brings together business leaders, CEOs, and top executives to support access to decent housing for low-income families. Once again led by Edwin Soeryadjaya, this year’s event brought together more than 80 participants and took place in Wanaherang Village, Gunung Putri District, Bogor Regency, on Saturday, August 29, 2026.

Through CEO Build 2026, participants not only contributed through fundraising efforts but also took part directly in the construction of seven decent homes for low-income families. The activity is part of Habitat for Humanity Indonesia’s ongoing commitment to addressing Indonesia’s housing backlog while encouraging greater private-sector involvement in providing decent homes for families in need.

Through their direct experience in the field, business leaders were invited to better understand the challenges of housing poverty while taking an active role in creating more inclusive and sustainable communities. This effort aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11, which promotes inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities and communities.

Since it was first launched in 2015, CEO Build has contributed to the construction of 122 decent homes across Indonesia. These contributions include four homes in Bogor Regency in 2015, 11 homes in Gresik Regency in 2019, 29 homes in Banyuwangi Regency in 2022, 38 homes in Bogor Regency in 2025, and 40 homes through CEO Build 2026 in Wanaherang Village, Bogor Regency. This achievement demonstrates how collaboration among business leaders, the private sector, and Habitat Indonesia can continue to grow, expanding its impact and helping more families gain access to decent housing.

“Volunteerism always brings tremendous value, both to me personally and to the communities around me. I am very grateful that through this initiative, which has been carried out over many years, more and more fellow business leaders have joined efforts to contribute to building a better Indonesia. I hope this spirit of giving will continue to inspire others, so that more families can have decent homes,” said Edwin Soeryadjaya.

In addition to supporting the construction of 40 homes in Wanaherang, Bogor, Habitat Indonesia also used this initiative to raise funds to support the recovery of families affected by the Flores earthquake. This initiative reflects a shared commitment to providing safe and decent homes for communities affected by disasters. The funds raised will support a program to repair 200 homes that sustained light to moderate damage in Flores, while further expanding the impact of the volunteer movement initiated together with business leaders and Habitat Indonesia’s partners.

Read also: CEO Build 2025: Collaboration of 58 CEOs Builds Decent Homes for Low-Income Families in Bogor 

Handoko Ngadiman, National Director of Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, emphasized that addressing housing challenges requires collaboration among various stakeholders, including the private sector.

“In line with SDG 11, we continue to encourage the involvement of the private sector and various stakeholders to work together to expand access to decent housing and sustainable communities. We hope this spirit of collaboration will continue to grow and inspire more people to contribute to addressing Indonesia’s housing challenges,” said Handoko Ngadiman.

Habitat for Humanity Indonesia extends its appreciation to all participants, donors, partners, and other stakeholders who supported the implementation of CEO Build 2026. The event was also made possible with the support of PT Astra Internasional Tbk., PT Mortar Abadi, MPM, Tower Bersama Group, PT Adakom International Technology, Merdeka Copper Gold, Adaro Andalan, Sikular Karya Indonesia, and other sponsors.

It is hoped that this collaboration will continue to grow into various forms of support and partnership, helping more families gain access to decent homes. More than simply building houses, CEO Build is a reminder that leadership has the power to create meaningful change.

Photo: HFHI/Astridinar Vania, Budi Ariyanto, Syefira Salsabilla

Writer: Syefira Salsabilla

(ss/kh)