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)

The post Laughter, Sweat, and Hope: The Story of IES Volunteers in Mauk, Tangerang first appeared on Habitat for Humanity Indonesia.

This year’s implementation was marked by the involvement of 110 volunteers from Prudential Indonesia in various construction and community empowerment activities held in Gunung Putri Village, Bogor Regency, on April 11 & 18, 2026. The volunteers were directly engaged in building the foundations and walls of adequate housing, waste management activities, the creation of biopore holes, as well as conducting health education sessions (health talks) and providing medical check-up services for the community. These activities also formed part of the commemoration of World Health Day, observed on April 7.

In its second year of implementation, the DMP program targets the construction of 15 new adequate housing units and 10 household toilets. In addition, the program includes the renovation of two schools, the planting of 60 seedlings, and various community training initiatives. A total of 110 families will receive training on basic construction and healthy housing, waste management, and clean and healthy living behavior (PHBS). The program is also expanded with participatory approach training for safe shelter awareness (PASSA) for Disaster Preparedness Team (Destana) members, as well as Community-Based Disaster Risk Management (CBDRM) training.

These achievements build upon the positive results from the previous year. In its initial phase, the DMP program successfully constructed 12 new adequate houses and 11 household toilets, and renovated two schools. The program also supported the expansion of community-based waste banks along with their supporting facilities, planted 48 seedlings, and provided basic construction and healthy housing training to 100 families. In addition, 175 waste management committee members and family representatives received waste management training, while 100 families participated in PHBS training.

Read also: Revitalizing Tanjung Kait Village: A Joint Effort by Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, Tangerang Regency Government, and Prudential Indonesia to Build a Better Future

Maria Rosalinda, Chief Risk & Compliance Officer of Prudential Indonesia, expressed her hope that the program would bring tangible benefits to the community. “On behalf of Prudential, we hope that the Desa Maju Prudential program can help communities improve family health, both through the construction of adequate housing and sanitation facilities, as well as through health services such as those provided today,” she stated.

Appreciation was also expressed by the Head of Gunung Putri Village, Daman Huri, who highlighted the direct benefits of the program for the local community. “This program is highly beneficial for the people of Gunung Putri, especially for the direct beneficiaries of the DMP program. I appreciate the collaboration and support between Prudential Indonesia and Habitat Indonesia over the past three years, which aligns with the government’s program of achieving Zero Substandard Housing. I am also grateful that this program not only focuses on housing development but also addresses health and education sectors,” he said.

Throughout 2025, the Desa Maju Prudential program reached a total of 18,160 beneficiaries in Gunung Putri Village, consisting of 1,861 direct beneficiaries and 16,299 indirect beneficiaries.

Moving forward, the collaboration between Habitat Indonesia and Prudential Indonesia is expected to further expand the program’s impact through an integrated approach—not only in providing adequate housing, but also in improving health, environmental conditions, and community capacity to build more sustainable livelihoods.

Photo: HFHI/Astridinar Vania

Writer: Kevin Herbian

(kh/av)

The post Habitat Indonesia and Prudential Continue Desa Maju Prudential Program in Bogor first appeared on Habitat for Humanity Indonesia.

Siti, 40, is a homemaker living in Rajeg, Tangerang Regency, with her husband and three children. Her husband works as a scrap goods trader in Jakarta, with an unstable income. In a week, he can only bring home around IDR 200,000 to cover the family’s needs, from school expenses to daily meals.

The house they live in is far from decent. Its walls are made of layers of corrugated metal sheets, plywood, and tarpaulin supported by bamboo panels. Many of the roof tiles are broken, and the floor is still made of soil. The house does not even have its own bathroom or toilet.

“Our old house, if you say it was not livable, then yes—it really wasn’t,” Siti said. “When it rained, the whole family experienced leaks. When there were heavy winds, instead of taking shelter inside, we had to run outside because we were afraid the house would collapse.”

The lack of basic facilities made daily life full of limitations. For simple needs such as bathing, using the toilet, and cooking, Siti had to rely on her parents’ or relatives’ homes. “If I needed to use the toilet, I had to borrow one. If I wanted to bathe, I had to borrow one. Even for cooking, I had to ask for water,” she explained.

In such constrained conditions, Siti also had to face the harsh reality that her family’s food needs were not always met. There were days when they could eat in the morning but not in the evening, or vice versa. This situation inevitably affected her children’s growth, as they struggled to have a proper space to play and study.

“Our lives were very hand-to-mouth. We only had enough for daily meals. My husband’s work meant he sometimes came home once a week or every two weeks, depending on whether he had money to bring back,” Siti said.

Life became even more difficult when her husband fell ill. Without income, Siti had to face an uncertain situation while her children’s needs continued.

“Before this house was built, my husband once fell sick and couldn’t work, while the children still needed money for school. I was confused and cried, not knowing what to do. There was no income at all, and on top of that, the house was not livable,” she recalled.

In that situation, Siti could only rely on help from her parents and relatives. She often felt ashamed, and eventually decided to work as a domestic helper in her neighborhood to ensure her children could still eat.

Amid all these limitations, Siti could only endure and surrender. “Because of these limitations, I could only adapt to the condition of the house and put my trust in God,” she said.

Then, hope finally arrived. With the support of donors, Habitat for Humanity Indonesia rebuilt Siti’s house into a decent home. Today, her house has been completely transformed. Sturdy cream-colored walls now stand firmly, a strong roof protects against heat and rain, and proper bathroom and toilet facilities are now available inside the house.

“Alhamdulillah, my house is now livable. When it rains, I no longer experience leaks, and I don’t have to run out of the house to my relatives’ home anymore,” Siti said with gratitude.

Read also: Women Behind the Construction of Decent Homes

This transformation has brought significant changes to her family’s life. Siti now feels more confident and no longer ashamed. “Now I am more grateful. I finally have a home like my neighbors. Especially now that I have my own bathroom and room, I no longer feel embarrassed about having to rely on other people’s houses,” she said.

Siti’s children now also have their own space to rest and study. Where they once had to sleep in the kitchen area, they now have bedrooms that provide comfort and privacy. “Now it’s different—my children have their own rooms to sleep in, no longer mixed together,” Siti explained.

In addition, the improved housing conditions also support the family’s health. A cleaner environment, proper sanitation, and a safer building structure provide a sense of security they had never experienced before.

With these changes, Siti looks toward the future with renewed hope. “I hope this new house can bring new fortune to my family, and that the difficult times we experienced before will not happen again,” she said.

Siti is one of millions of families in Indonesia who have moved beyond the hardship of inadequate housing. Behind every home that stands, there is a story of resilience, hope, and dreams gradually coming true. “A home means everything to me,” she concluded.

Let’s work together to help more families like Siti’s have safe and decent homes. Visit the following link and be part of real change for those in need.

Writer: Kevin Herbian

(kh/av)

The post From Running Out of the House to Feeling Safe Inside: Siti’s Story first appeared on Habitat for Humanity Indonesia.

“We can all see that the fishermen’s settlement area has now been transformed into a place that is suitable for living. We want to ensure that this area is not only comfortable to live in, but also productive. Together with Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, which built and improved 110 houses, we witnessed firsthand that the community is happy to live in comfortable homes. I truly appreciate all parties involved—the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, the Ministry of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning, the Banten Provincial Government and Tangerang Regency Government, as well as Koperasi Mitra Dhuafa—for their collaboration in revitalizing this fishing village. We hope to continue strengthening this community over time,” said AHY.

“We hope that the synergy between the central government, regional governments, and non-governmental organizations in managing coastal areas can serve as a model for sustainable development in coastal regions—one that not only provides adequate housing but also considers environmental aspects and supports the economic growth of the community,” added Tangerang Regent, Moch. Maesyal Rasyid.

Read also: Habitat for Humanity Indonesia and Tangerang Regency Government Inaugurate Tanjung Kait Revitalization for Coastal Communities

The Tanjung Kait revitalization program, which is part of the global “Home Equals” campaign by Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, has successfully transformed a vulnerable informal settlement into a legal and adequate living environment for 110 traditional fisher families. This project demonstrates that housing challenges in Indonesia can be addressed through a holistic, community-centered approach, revitalizing the social contract that has long been neglected due to inequality.

“The transformation of Tanjung Kait from a slum into a legal settlement for 110 fisher families was achieved through complex cross-sector collaboration. Using a participatory approach, residents were actively involved in designing climate-resilient housing and disaster mitigation measures. This success is supported by strong management between Habitat Indonesia, the government, as well as donors such as Prudential, PT Lautan Luas, and other industry partners to build an equitable housing ecosystem,” explained Arwin Soelaksono, Program Director of Habitat for Humanity Indonesia.

The revitalization of Kampung Tanjung Kait is based on four main pillars aimed at restoring human dignity and social justice:

1. Land Tenure Security: Breaking the cycle of vulnerability by facilitating access to legal land ownership through inclusive financing schemes in collaboration with Koperasi KOMIDA.
2. Meaningful Participation: Residents are actively involved as architects of their own future through the PASSA (Participatory Approach for Safe Shelter and Settlements Awareness) method.
3. Climate Change Adaptation: Construction of housing units designed with Build Back Safer (BBS) principles to address threats such as tidal flooding and extreme winds in coastal areas.
4. Access to Basic Services: Provision of integrated infrastructure, ranging from clean water and sanitation to electricity networks and drainage systems, to restore dignity and productivity of residents.

The program, which began in June 2023, has gone through several critical phases, including land legalization in October 2024 and completion of construction in December 2025. Residents have now returned to permanent and healthy homes. Moving forward, Tanjung Kait is projected to become a “Traditional Fisherfolk Tourism Village” to promote the community’s economic and ecological independence.

Photo & Writer: HFHI/Astridinar Vania

(as/kh)

The post Tanjung Kait Transformation: Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Senior Officials Review a Resilient and Equitable Fisherfolk Settlement Model first appeared on Habitat for Humanity Indonesia.

The construction sector plays a strategic role in infrastructure and housing development, while also being one of the largest employers in Indonesia. However, only around 6%, or 1 in 17 construction workers in Indonesia, are certified. Therefore, improving workforce quality is a key factor in ensuring safe, high-quality, and sustainable development. The Work Competency Certification (SKK) serves as a crucial instrument to ensure that construction workers possess competencies that meet national standards.

This national study is part of Habitat for Humanity Indonesia’s broader efforts to strengthen the construction workforce ecosystem, which began in 2023 through training and certification programs for low-income communities. From 2023 to 2025, a total of 581 construction workers in Tangerang City and Tangerang Regency successfully obtained national certification across various skill areas.

Beyond capacity building, Habitat for Humanity Indonesia has also promoted access to employment opportunities through the organization of a construction sector Job Fair in 2025, connecting trained workers with national and local construction companies. This initiative highlights the importance of aligning training, certification, and workforce absorption to create sustainable social and economic impact.

Through this national study, Habitat Indonesia identified three key challenges in the implementation of SKK: limited access to information for informal workers, certification costs that remain a barrier, and administrative processes that are not yet fully accessible for workers in the field. The study also highlights opportunities to strengthen the certification system moving forward.

Read also: Carving a Path to Success for Construction Workers and Competitive Opportunities in the Job Market

Arwin Soelaksono, Program Director of Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, emphasized the critical role of construction workers in development and the challenges they face in accessing certification. “Construction workers play a vital role in development, yet they still face challenges in accessing certification. The programs that Habitat Indonesia has implemented over the past three years aim to prepare construction workers to become more skilled, knowledgeable, and confident in their abilities. Through this dissemination, we hope that more workers will gain standardized skills and access to better job opportunities,” he stated.

The program, which has been implemented since 2023 in Tangerang City and Tangerang Regency, has shown highly significant results, with 96% of participants successfully passing certification. This achievement confirms that workers fundamentally possess strong capacity and capability. It demonstrates that the primary barrier is not a lack of individual competence, but rather limited access to the certification system itself.

Ir. Kimron Manik, Director of Competency and Productivity of Construction Workforce at the Directorate General of Construction Development, Ministry of Public Works (PU), also emphasized that the construction sector is a key pillar in supporting Indonesia’s development. “Development activities cannot be separated from reliable and skilled human resources in the construction sector. We appreciate Habitat for Humanity Indonesia’s initiative in implementing SKK training programs and conducting further studies on the implementation of SKK in the construction sector. We hope that the findings and policy recommendations from this study can serve as a foundation for strengthening sustainable collaboration,” he explained.

The findings of this study are expected to serve as a reference for the government, industry players, training institutions, and civil society organizations in strengthening a more inclusive, effective, and sustainable construction workforce certification system.

The dissemination event was attended by various stakeholders, including representatives from the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, the Directorate General of Construction Development of the Ministry of Public Works (PU), the Regional Development Planning Agency (Bappeda) of Tangerang Regency, the Technical Implementation Unit for Job Training (UPT BLK) of the Tangerang Manpower Office, as well as the Public Works Agency (Dinas Bina Marga), along with representatives from civil society organizations and the media.

Habitat for Humanity Indonesia hopes that the results of this study will serve as a strategic reference in improving the quality of the construction workforce, expanding access to certification, and supporting the development of safe and adequate housing for all Indonesians.

Writer: Syefira Salsabilla

(av/kh)

The post Advancing Workforce Quality, Habitat Indonesia Presents National Study on the Implementation of Work Competency Certification (SKK) in the Construction Sector first appeared on Habitat for Humanity Indonesia.

The urgency of this program stems from the persistently high and multidimensional housing deficit. Based on data from the 2024 National Socioeconomic Survey (Susenas), it is estimated that more than 9.9 million families are affected by the housing backlog—a condition in which families do not have access to adequate housing and are often forced to live in overcrowded conditions, sometimes with multiple generations under one roof.

On the other hand, around 26.9 million households live in housing that is unsafe, unhealthy, or built with poor-quality materials. The most affected groups are low-income families in the bottom income deciles (deciles 1 and 2). It is recorded that approximately 2.59 million families in this group fall into the housing backlog category, while around 9 million others live in severely inadequate housing.

Persistent Inequality

Vulnerability is also more pronounced among female-headed households. Of the total families affected by the housing backlog, around 340,000 households, or 22%, are led by women. In addition, approximately 2.986 million female-headed households live in substandard housing, highlighting a dimension of inequality that requires more inclusive solutions.

This condition is clearly reflected in Sragen Regency, one of the areas with the highest poverty rates in the Solo Raya region and among the eight poorest regions in Central Java. Out of a total population of 1,021,435 people, around 110,650 individuals—or approximately 12.41%—live below the poverty line.

Housing issues in Sragen reflect similar challenges. Data from the Sragen Regency Government shows that 13,945 families in the lowest income deciles (1 and 2) live in inadequate housing. This includes 3,229 female-headed households and 1,912 families with members with disabilities. In addition, 2,151 families from this group fall into the housing backlog category.

Limitations of Existing Schemes

In response to these conditions, the Sragen local government has initiated the “Desa Tuntas RTLH (Substandard Housing Alleviation)” program as part of efforts to accelerate the improvement of inadequate housing. This program relies on two main approaches.

First, through the involvement of housing developers to build new homes. However, this approach tends to target households with formal employment and more stable financial capacity, meaning it has not fully reached families in the lowest income deciles who primarily work in the informal sector.

Second, through government support under the Self-Help Housing Stimulant Assistance Program (BSPS). Under this scheme, each household receives IDR 20 million, consisting of IDR 17.5 million for materials and IDR 2.5 million for labor. However, due to limited income, beneficiary families still struggle to cover the remaining construction costs.

Read also: Housing Backlog in Indonesia: A Major Challenge and Collaborative Efforts to Achieve Decent Housing

Collaboration to Bridge the Gap

To address this gap, Habitat for Humanity Indonesia has partnered with the Sragen Regency Government through a match-funding scheme. This program is designed to complement the BSPS subsidy with additional funding support from donors, enabling it to reach the most vulnerable families.

Through this scheme, the government subsidy of IDR 20 million is matched with an additional IDR 20 million from Habitat Indonesia. As a result, beneficiary families are not burdened with financial contributions, but instead participate through labor contributions or sweat equity in the construction of their homes.

A key strength of this program lies in the active participation of beneficiary families. They are directly involved in the home planning process with guidance from Habitat Indonesia’s construction supervisors and local government facilitators. Families also play a role in managing materials, supervising labor, and ensuring that the construction meets their specific needs—including accessibility for persons with disabilities and safety considerations for female-headed households.

Beyond physical construction, the program also includes Building Back Safer (BBS) training, equipping families with knowledge and skills in disaster-resilient construction. These efforts are further strengthened through advocacy activities such as workshops, campaigns, and other initiatives aimed at raising public awareness about housing poverty and the importance of inclusive and sustainable development.

The program, which is planned to run for eight months, targets 101 families as primary beneficiaries through this collaborative funding scheme. In addition, 130 individuals representing beneficiary families will participate in BBS training. Overall, the program is expected to directly benefit 1,084 individuals and reach 3,145 indirect beneficiaries.

Through collaboration between the government and the community, this program is expected to serve as a concrete step in reducing the housing backlog while ensuring that the most vulnerable families are not left behind in accessing decent housing.

We kindly ask for the support and prayers of #SahabatHabitat so that the implementation of this program can run smoothly and deliver meaningful impact for families in need.

Writer: Kevin Herbian

(kh/av)

The post Collaborating for Decent Housing: Addressing the Housing Backlog Challenge in Sragen first appeared on Habitat for Humanity Indonesia.

At 53 years old, Banhawi spends his days working as a scrap collector in Rajeg, Tangerang Regency. His income is uncertain, ranging from IDR 150,000 to IDR 200,000 per day, depending on how much scrap he manages to gather. From this modest income, he had to meet daily needs while facing a difficult trial when his wife fell ill with a tumor.

For four years, Banhawi devoted himself to caring for his wife. The cost of medication—IDR 100,000, which only lasted for three days—became a heavy burden amid his limited earnings. At the same time, the house they lived in was far from livable.

The walls were made of fragile bamboo panels, riddled with holes and infested with termites. Parts of the structure had begun to tilt, with broken roof supports barely holding up. When it rained, the house could no longer provide protection.

“When I talk about my old house, I feel sad. When it rained, I couldn’t sleep—I had to catch the leaks with buckets,” Banhawi recalled.

Even covering the roof with plastic could not withstand the heavy rain. Long nights were filled with anxiety and discomfort. He often felt ashamed when neighbors wanted to visit.

“Seeing other people’s houses already in good condition while mine was just the way it was made me very sad. When neighbors wanted to come over, I felt embarrassed,” he said.

Behind all these hardships, Banhawi held onto one simple wish: to make his wife happy by providing a decent home. He continued to repair the house as best as he could, while still prioritizing her medical needs.

“I still remember my wife telling me, ‘Please keep fixing this house, as long as nothing breaks or collapses.’ So I kept repairing it little by little while continuing to buy her medicine,” he shared.

But fate had other plans. His wife eventually passed away, leaving Banhawi with memories, unfulfilled hopes, and a home that was still far from safe.

Then came a turning point. With support from MedcoEnergi and Medco Foundation, Habitat for Humanity Indonesia rebuilt Banhawi’s house into a decent home. He became one of 14 families in Rajeg who benefited from the housing program, part of a total of 45 homes built across Tangerang, Palembang, and Situbondo.

Read also: New Hope in Their Later Years for Karju and Jumiyati

Today, Banhawi’s house stands strong, with white walls and a sturdy light steel roof. It features two bedrooms, a living room, and a proper bathroom and toilet—providing safety while also supporting better health through improved sanitation.

This transformation has brought him a sense of peace he had never felt before. “Alhamdulillah, I feel much calmer now. I’m incredibly happy—it’s completely different from before. Now I don’t worry anymore when I leave the house to collect scrap,” he said.

More than just a place to live, the house has given him renewed motivation. Banhawi now works even harder, and his income has increased to around IDR 300,000 to IDR 400,000 per day. He has started planning for the future—something that once felt out of reach.

Looking ahead, he hopes to renovate the kitchen and add a canopy to the front of his house, saving little by little from his earnings to make it happen.

Behind his smile and renewed spirit lies a quiet hope that could not be fulfilled with his wife. “If my wife were still here today, I believe she would be incredibly happy. This was her dream—to have a good house like this,” he said softly.

Now, the house that was once filled with worry has transformed into a space of safety, comfort, and new hope. For Banhawi, this home is not just a shelter—it is proof that real change is possible, that even in the midst of hardship, there is always a chance for a better life.

Let’s explore more inspiring stories and see how your support can bring new hope to families in need here.

Writer: Kevin Herbian

(kh/av)

The post For a Beloved Wife Who Has Passed Away, This Home Has Finally Come True first appeared on Habitat for Humanity Indonesia.

As part of the global commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6), access to safe drinking water, proper sanitation, and good hygiene practices forms a critical foundation for creating a healthy and dignified life. Without these, a house cannot fully function as a safe space for growth and development.

To address this challenge, Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, through the project “Strengthening Local Community Resilience in the Water and Sanitation Sector,” has implemented an integrated program to improve access to water, sanitation, and decent housing over the past three years.

The program was carried out in phases across three locations: Babakan Madang (Bogor) from March 2023 to March 2024, Wringinanom (Gresik) from March 2024 to March 2025, and Nglipar (Gunung Kidul, Yogyakarta) from March 2025 to March 2026. This phased approach allowed adaptation to local contexts while strengthening implementation quality through continuous learning from each phase.

From Infrastructure to Behavior Change

Through an integrated approach, the program focused not only on physical development but also on behavior change and community capacity building.

A total of 75 houses were renovated, with improvements centered on water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities, including the construction of hygienic toilets, installation of water tanks, and upgrades to kitchens and ventilation. In addition, 60 families now have access to safer and more adequate private sanitation facilities.

At the community level, more than 2,250 families, or over 10,000 individuals, now have access to clean water through solutions tailored to local conditions—ranging from the utilization of natural springs to community-managed water distribution systems.

These efforts were further strengthened by the renovation of 32 integrated health posts (posyandu) to improve maternal and child health services.

Beyond infrastructure, the program also emphasized behavior change as a key to sustainability. A total of 135 families received education on home maintenance and the adoption of clean and healthy living practices. Meanwhile, 2,250 community members were equipped with knowledge on hygiene, sanitation, and family health practices, including safe water usage and proper handwashing habits.

To ensure long-term sustainability, 90 members of local water committees were also trained and strengthened to manage water facilities at the community level.

Public awareness was further expanded through various campaigns reaching more than 3,775 individuals, including activities commemorating World Water Day and World Toilet Day, as well as other educational initiatives promoting awareness of clean water and sanitation.

Read also: Hope Rising from Ibu Sri’s Small Kitchen

Data-Driven Learning for Sustainable Impact

As part of the Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) system, baseline studies were conducted in each location to assess initial conditions related to housing quality, water and sanitation access, WASH behaviors, and community capacity.

Following the completion of all interventions, endline (impact) studies were conducted to measure the extent to which the project delivered tangible and measurable changes in people’s lives.

The findings serve not only as evaluation reports but also as a foundation for broader learning. Through a Learning Event, evidence-based insights are disseminated to reflect on the effectiveness of integrating housing and WASH approaches, while also exploring the potential for replicating this model to support the achievement of SDG 6 and improve settlement quality.

Fostering Collaboration for a Healthier Future

To conclude the program, Habitat for Humanity Indonesia organized a Learning Event on Tuesday, March 31, 2026. The event involved a wide range of stakeholders, including representatives from national and local governments, civil society organizations, development partners, academics, and community representatives.

Through this forum, participants reflected on program achievements, identified key success factors and challenges, and formulated evidence-based strategic recommendations to strengthen sustainable WASH services.

More importantly, the event aimed to reinforce cross-sector collaboration and encourage shared commitment to expanding access to clean water, proper sanitation, and healthy housing for all communities.

Flowing Hope, Strengthening Lives

Over the three years of implementation, the program has impacted more than 200,000 people, both directly and indirectly. However, the true impact lies not only in the infrastructure built, but in the meaningful changes experienced by the communities.

Together with government partners, stakeholders, and communities, Habitat for Humanity Indonesia continues to strengthen resilience and promote healthier, more sustainable living. Because every family deserves to live in a home that is decent, healthy, and dignified.

Photo: HFHI/Patrik Cahyo & Kevin Herbian

Writer: Syefira Salsabilla

(av/kh)

The post Flowing Hope, Building Resilience: Three Years of Habitat for Humanity Indonesia’s Efforts to Improve Access to Water and Sanitation first appeared on Habitat for Humanity Indonesia.

Understanding the Scale of the Housing Backlog

Data cited from the government’s official website shows that the housing backlog in Indonesia remains significantly high. There are approximately 29,171,222 families experiencing housing backlog, which consists of two main categories: ownership backlog and housing adequacy backlog.

Around 12,573,383 families fall into the ownership backlog category—families who do not yet own a home. Meanwhile, 16,597,839 families experience a housing adequacy backlog, meaning they already have a place to live but their homes do not meet the standards of decent housing.

The distribution of this backlog also shows a significant concentration on the island of Java. West Java records the highest housing backlog, followed by East Java and Central Java. This indicates that rapid population growth in these regions has not been fully matched by adequate housing provision.

Why Is the Housing Backlog Still High?

The high number of housing backlogs does not occur without cause. Various interconnected factors contribute to this condition.

One major factor is the limited availability of housing financing schemes that have not yet fully reached low-income families, especially those working in the informal sector. Without access to affordable financing, many families struggle to purchase their own homes.

In addition, rapid population growth and urbanization are often not balanced by sufficient housing supply. This situation triggers the emergence of densely populated settlements, informal housing, and areas that develop without proper planning.

Another issue relates to the quality of houses and residential environments. Many homes still do not meet technical and health standards, ranging from unsafe building structures and limited living space to inadequate access to clean water and proper sanitation.

Data shows that around 12.8 percent of residential areas are still categorized as slums, while approximately 30 percent of buildings do not meet proper technical building standards. This indicates that housing issues are not only about the number of houses but also about the quality of housing and living environments.

Read also: Understanding Retrofitting: Strengthening Survivors’ Homes After Disasters in Sumatra

Collaboration to Reduce the Housing Backlog

To address these challenges, various efforts continue through government policies and strategic programs.

In the context of homeownership backlog, the government through BP Tapera initiated the FLPP (Housing Financing Liquidity Facility) program, which provides more affordable housing financing schemes for low-income families.

Meanwhile, to address housing adequacy backlog, the government through the Kementerian Perumahan dan Kawasan Permukiman implements the BSPS (Self-Help Housing Stimulant Assistance) program. This program aims to help low-income families improve the quality of their homes so that they meet decent housing standards.

In practice, many stakeholders collaborate to expand the program’s impact. One example is the involvement of Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, which supports the implementation of programs aimed at improving housing quality for communities.

One such collaboration can be seen in the “Gerakan Untuk Membangun Rumah Sehat, Berdaya Guna Secara Terintegrasi dan Kolaboratif Melalui Aksi Nyata” (GUMREGAH TENAN) program implemented in 2024 in Gunungkidul Regency.

Through this program, Habitat Indonesia was entrusted as the government’s main partner to provide complementary funding that supplemented the BSPS program’s financial support. This collaboration enabled the construction and improvement of homes for 109 low-income families across three districts: Nglipar, Playen, and Patuk.

The one-year program successfully brought real change to beneficiary families. Homes that previously did not meet livability standards have now been improved to become safer, healthier, and more suitable to live in. As a result, these families have gradually moved out of inadequate housing backlog conditions.

Continuing the Collective Effort

Efforts to provide decent housing for communities certainly do not stop here. In the near future, in mid-2026, Habitat for Humanity Indonesia will continue its collaboration with local governments—this time with the Sragen Regency Government—to support the implementation of the BSPS program targeting hundreds of additional families.

Cross-sector collaboration like this is key to addressing Indonesia’s housing backlog challenge. When governments, civil society organizations, the private sector, and communities move together, efforts to provide decent housing for low-income families can progress faster and more sustainably.

Because in the end, a decent home is not just about a place to live. It is a foundation for health, dignity, and a better future for every family.

Let us continue to support this movement. Support from #SahabatHabitat means a great deal in helping more families in Indonesia obtain safe, healthy, and decent homes. Together, we can become part of real change for families who are still waiting for a proper place to call home.

Writer: Kevin Herbian

(kh/av)

The post Housing Backlog in Indonesia: A Major Challenge and Collaborative Efforts to Achieve Decent Housing first appeared on Habitat for Humanity Indonesia.

Across the world, the issue of women’s participation in community development has received increasing attention. Gender equality and inclusive development are now essential parts of the global development agenda, as experience shows that women often have a deep understanding of the needs of their families and living environments. When women are given the space to participate in decision-making processes, development outcomes tend to be not only more relevant to community needs but also more sustainable.

This is the approach also promoted by Habitat for Humanity Indonesia in many of its programs. Building homes is not viewed solely as the construction of physical structures, but also as a process of empowering communities—ensuring that women have equal opportunities to participate, express their views, and become part of positive change within their environment.

Women as Community Planners

One example can be seen in the revitalization program in Tanjung Kait Village, Tanjung Anom Village, Mauk District, Tangerang Regency. During the planning phase, women in the village were actively involved in various community discussions.

In these forums, women shared the challenges they face in their daily lives—from inadequate housing conditions and insufficient sanitation to the need for safer living spaces for their families. Beyond voicing problems, they also took part in identifying solutions and shaping ideas about how their community should be rebuilt.

This participatory approach is important because women often have perspectives closely tied to household needs. They understand how kitchen spaces are used every day, how children need safe environments to grow, and how access to clean water and sanitation affects family health.

When women’s voices are included in planning, development results in not only better homes but also more inclusive and sustainable communities.

From Dialogue to Action

Women’s involvement does not stop at the discussion stage. During the construction process in Tanjung Kait Village, women also participated directly in various on-site activities.

Some of them are housewives, shellfish peelers, or members of fishing families whose daily lives depend on the sea. Yet when construction began, they willingly helped with many tasks—from carrying building materials and assisting with painting walls to preparing logistical needs for workers.

One of them is Nimah (55), a resident of Tanjung Kait Village whose house was part of the revitalization program. For Nimah, her involvement was not merely about helping with physical work but also about showing care for the future of her community.

“This house is my home and part of my community, so I feel it’s important for me to be involved in the construction process,” she said.

It is this spirit that transforms construction into something more than just an infrastructure project. It becomes a collective movement of mutual cooperation that strengthens a shared sense of ownership over the living environment.

Read also: Understanding Retrofitting: Strengthening Survivors’ Homes After Disasters in Sumatra

Women and Post-Disaster Resilience

The role of women is also evident in post-disaster recovery efforts. When disasters struck Sibolga and surrounding areas at the end of 2025, the recovery process involved not only volunteers and humanitarian organizations but also local communities—including women.

In many recovery activities, mothers and women in the community worked together to clear debris from damaged buildings, sort materials that could still be used, and help reorganize their living environment.

For many families, women often become figures who maintain household stability during difficult times. They ensure that children continue to feel safe, manage daily needs, and at the same time contribute to rebuilding lives that have been disrupted.

This involvement shows that community resilience is built not only through physical strength but also through solidarity and care among its members.

Women Volunteers Driving Change

In many decent housing programs initiated by Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, women also take part as volunteers. It is not uncommon for them to engage in construction activities that have traditionally been associated with men.

From digging foundations and helping install walls to painting houses, women volunteers demonstrate that the spirit of helping others knows no boundaries. Their presence not only adds manpower but also brings a sense of solidarity that strengthens the spirit of mutual cooperation on the ground.

Through this involvement, women are no longer seen merely as beneficiaries of development programs, but also as key actors driving change.

These experiences show that sustainable decent housing development cannot be separated from the role of women. When women are actively involved, development produces not only stronger houses but also stronger, more inclusive, and more resilient communities capable of facing various challenges.

Women bring unique perspectives when it comes to understanding the needs of families and their surrounding environments. They often become the bridge between household needs and the broader interests of the community.

In many places, change begins with small steps—from voices heard in community discussions, from hands helping to paint the walls of a house, or from the determination to rise together after a disaster. And often, behind those changes, there are women working with sincerity to build homes, hope, and the future of their communities.

Writer: Kevin Herbian

(kh/av)

The post Women Behind the Construction of Decent Homes first appeared on Habitat for Humanity Indonesia.