Jakarta, March 25, 2026 – When people talk about building decent housing, many imagine construction workers laboring under the scorching sun—lifting bricks, mixing cement, and installing walls. Yet behind this process, there is an important role that often goes unnoticed: the involvement of women in designing, building, and sustaining their homes and communities.

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)

Gunungkidul, March 16, 2026 – A deep sense of emotion fills Karju whenever he reflects on his life journey. At 75 years old, he never imagined that in his later years he and his wife would finally be able to enjoy a more decent kitchen and toilet in their modest home in Nglipar District, Gunungkidul Regency, Yogyakarta.

Karju and his wife, Jumiyati, who is 64, are simple farmers. In their daily lives, they rely on the harvest from their rice fields to make ends meet. Some of the rice they grow is consumed by the family, while the rest is sold to buy basic household necessities. When the harvest is not plentiful, they make use of whatever is available around their garden.

“It’s not just rice. Whatever we have in the garden—bananas, chickens, anything—we sell it. The important thing is that we can eat every day,” said Karju.

However, their simple life has also been accompanied by many limitations. Their kitchen was only surrounded by old bamboo walls that had become fragile and full of holes due to age. This condition often made it difficult for Jumiyati when preparing meals for her husband, especially when heavy rain or strong winds came.

Animals would often enter through the gaps in the bamboo walls, making the kitchen dirty and causing unpleasant odors. For this elderly couple, such conditions not only disrupted their comfort but also threatened their health.

Another difficulty they had faced for decades was the lack of proper sanitation facilities at home. Every time they needed to use the toilet, they had to go outside and walk several meters from the house.

“I always prayed that someday we would be blessed with the means to have a proper kitchen and toilet,” Karju said.

He also often felt worried whenever earthquakes or strong winds occurred—something that is not uncommon in the Gunungkidul area. “When there’s an earthquake, we can really feel it here. Or when strong winds come, we’re afraid the kitchen or toilet might collapse, especially since they were only made of bamboo,” he explained.

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

The prayers they had long offered finally found their way. Through the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) access improvement program, Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, together with generous donors, helped rebuild the kitchen and toilet in Karju and Jumiyati’s home to make them safer and more suitable to use. This program not only supported their family but also helped 24 other families in Gunungkidul Regency, Yogyakarta.

Now, a new kitchen and toilet stand firmly in their home. The change is felt not only physically but also deep in the hearts of this elderly couple. The worries that once lingered have gradually been replaced with a sense of peace.

“We feel calm and relieved now. There’s no more worry or fear. The new kitchen and toilet are much better and stronger,” Karju said.

The new kitchen has now become the space they use most often. During the holy month of Ramadan in particular, the room has become a witness to their simple moments of happiness. “Now we have our pre-dawn meal and break our fast here in this kitchen. It feels joyful and heartwarming,” Karju said with a smile.

Having a toilet inside the house also brings greater comfort, especially for them at their age. “Now we’re no longer worried about going to the toilet at night or when it rains because it’s already inside the house. It helps us so much,” he added.

For Karju and Jumiyati, the new kitchen and toilet are not merely structures. They symbolize hope, peace of mind, and a restored sense of dignity in their later years. At an age when their strength is no longer what it once was, having a safe and decent home is a truly meaningful blessing.

Small changes like this prove that support and compassion can create a significant impact on the lives of families in need. A home is not only a place for shelter, but also a space where people can live their days with safety, comfort, and hope.

Let’s explore more inspiring stories about how Habitat for Humanity Indonesia’s programs are bringing real change to families across various regions. Each story is proof that together, we can build not only homes, but also hope.

Writer: Kevin Herbian

(kh/av)

Karawang, March 9, 2026 – Is it really possible for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to scale up? The answer is absolutely yes.

Through a training program organized by Habitat for Humanity Indonesia in collaboration with PT Asuransi Jasa Indonesia (Asuransi Jasindo), 20 MSME actors in Karawang Regency have gained new insights into the GoGreen concept and inclusive business practices to meet the demands of an increasingly sustainability-conscious market.

This training is also part of the ongoing support for families benefiting from the decent housing program. Several participating MSME actors are families running home-based businesses that have grown from living in safer and healthier homes. From these improved homes, they have started small enterprises to boost their family’s economic well-being.

Among the 20 MSME participants were five entrepreneurs with disabilities, reflecting the program’s commitment to inclusive learning spaces where every business actor has equal opportunities to enhance their skills and expand market access.

The three-day training, held from 25 to 27 February 2026, took place at the Hall of the Office of Cooperatives and MSMEs, Karawang Regency. During the program, participants received comprehensive materials designed to strengthen the competitiveness of their businesses amid shifting market trends.

Topics included understanding green business concepts, identifying eco-friendly opportunities within their businesses, and developing green business plans using a simple business model canvas. Participants also received guidance on transforming ideas into eco-friendly packaging designs, understanding sustainable design principles and material selection, and preparing green packaging production as part of value-added marketing strategies.

The training featured experienced speakers, including Dr. Agung Surya Dwianto, SE., MM., CHRP, Dr. Didin Hikmah Perkasa, SE., MM., and Nur Endah Retno Wuryandari, S.Sos., MM., who shared both academic perspectives and practical business insights relevant to today’s MSME needs.

Read also: Photo: Improving Community Health through PHBS Training

The program aimed to enhance participants’ knowledge and skills in implementing the GoGreen concept concretely in production and packaging processes. It also encouraged product innovation based on eco-friendly materials and expanded market access through branding reinforcement and collaborative opportunities with the private sector.

Furthermore, the initiative is designed to build an integrated green business ecosystem in Karawang Regency. MSME actors are encouraged not only to focus on profits but also to contribute to natural resource preservation and community welfare. By applying clean production principles, energy efficiency, and better waste management, MSMEs can grow sustainably while increasing their competitiveness in the market.

This collaborative commitment was also symbolized by the ceremonial handover of a mockup by the Head of TJSL Jasindo, Mr. Firman, to the Head of the Office of Cooperatives and MSMEs of Karawang Regency, Mr. H. Dindin Rachmadhy, S.Sos., M.M. This handover represents support for strengthening a more sustainable and inclusive MSME ecosystem in Karawang.

The collaboration proves that building the capacity of local entrepreneurs is a strategic step toward fostering a more inclusive and sustainable economic transformation. Equipped with new knowledge and skills, MSME actors in Karawang are now better prepared to level up—not only in terms of business scale but also in the positive impact they bring to the environment and the community.

Photo: HFHI/Edwin Manahan

Writer: Kevin Herbian

(kh/av)

Yogyakarta, March 3, 2026 – Every day, while most people are still asleep, the small kitchen is already alive. Thin wisps of smoke rise into the air, skilled hands shape dough into bakso cilok, and hope begins to simmer again at three o’clock in the morning.

In Pilangrejo Village, Nglipar District, Gunung Kidul Regency, 45-year-old Ibu Sri Lestari spends almost her entire day in the kitchen. Together with her husband, 49-year-old Bapak Sumarno, they rely on selling bakso cilok and soy milk to make a living. From dawn until late at night, Ibu Sri prepares the food, which her husband then carries as he travels from one village to another to sell.

Yet the kitchen where hope is prepared was far from adequate. Its walls were made of old bamboo panels with poor ventilation. Sunlight barely entered the space, so even during the day, the lights had to remain on for her to see the dough she was preparing. When heavy rain fell, water seeped in through gaps in the walls and the leaking roof.

“In the past, when it rained heavily, water would come into the kitchen. I had to stop cooking the meatballs here, and as a result, my husband couldn’t go out to sell,” Ibu Sri recalled.

The kitchen was not the only challenge. Their toilet was located outside, separate from the main house. To use it, the family had to walk across a dark and slippery yard, especially during rain or at night. The fear of slipping was constant. At the same time, there was also a sense of embarrassment about not having proper sanitation facilities.

“When it rains heavily, we’re afraid it will be slippery and that we might fall. At night it’s also very dark. We also feel embarrassed about having the toilet outside,” she said softly.

Read also: The Struggle of a Mother Head of Household to Achieve a Decent Home

Through the Clean Water Access and Proper Sanitation Program, Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, with support from donors, rebuilt Ibu Sri’s kitchen and toilet. A new kitchen now stands firmly with permanent green-painted walls, complete with ventilation and windows that allow light and fresh air to flow freely. The toilet has also been rebuilt more safely and integrated into the house, providing comfort and privacy for the entire family.

The change was felt from the very first day.

Now, from a distance, the delicious aroma of meatballs can once again be smelled every morning. Smoke rises steadily from a kitchen that is far brighter and healthier than before. Ibu Sri no longer worries when it rains. She can continue cooking whenever needed.

“Now, even when the door is closed, it’s still bright. Light comes in from outside. There’s also plenty of ventilation, so the air feels fresh,” she said with a smile.

With a safer and more comfortable kitchen, her daily production has increased from 5 kilograms to 7 kilograms per day. She has even started adding a new variation of meatball soup to her menu. The family’s income has grown by approximately Rp150,000 to Rp200,000 per day compared to before. When Bapak Sumarno sells out, Ibu Sri can now quickly bring additional supplies without any obstacles.

“Now, when my husband runs out of goods to sell, I can immediately go and bring more meatballs,” she said enthusiastically.

For Ibu Sri and her husband, this change is not only about physical improvements. It is about renewed spirit. It is about believing that their hard work can build a better future for their two children who are still in school.

“With this new kitchen and toilet, it gives my husband and me more motivation to keep selling and provide for our two children,” she said emotionally.

Looking ahead, Ibu Sri dreams of buying a new refrigerator or freezer so that production can increase even further. She wants her business to continue growing, step by step.

Ibu Sri’s story is proof that access to adequate housing and sanitation is not merely about comfort, but about opening economic opportunities, protecting family health, and restoring dignity.

The support of donors has helped bring real change to families like Ibu Sri’s. Every contribution helps transform a once-dark kitchen into a space filled with light and hope.

Let’s read more inspiring stories and see how your support can bring real change to more families here.

Writer: Kevin Herbian

(kh/av)

Sibolga, February 23, 2026 – Flash floods and landslides that struck several areas across Sumatra Island have caused large-scale housing damage. According to Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) website (February 10), a total of 301,102 houses were damaged, consisting of 58,505 severely damaged, 66,785 moderately damaged, and 175,722 lightly damaged homes. The destruction is spread across 53 districts and cities in Aceh, North Sumatra, and South Sumatra provinces, illustrating the widespread impact of the disaster on communities’ lives.

The magnitude of this damage represents not only the loss of shelter but also the loss of safety and security for thousands of families. Recovery efforts therefore go beyond clearing debris; they require rebuilding homes so they are stronger and more resilient to future disaster risks.

To address this need, on January 21, 2026, Habitat for Humanity Indonesia began a two-year long-term commitment to support the recovery of affected families in Sibolga City and Central Tapanuli Regency. In the first year, the focus is on repairing and retrofitting 500 houses categorized as lightly to moderately damaged, allowing homes that are still habitable to be strengthened without requiring complete reconstruction.

But what exactly is retrofitting?

Before understanding the retrofitting method, it is important to first recognize how housing damage levels are classified. Based on the Guidelines for Identification and Verification of Damage issued by the Ministry of Public Works and Housing (PUPR) in 2021 through perkim.id, housing damage is divided into three categories: light, moderate, and severe. The assessment considers the condition of structural components such as foundations, columns, and beams, as well as non-structural components such as walls, roofs, and floors.

Lightly damaged houses generally experience damage only to non-structural elements, such as ceilings or roof coverings, and are still safe to occupy. Moderate damage affects some structural and non-structural elements; these houses remain habitable but require prompt repairs to prevent further deterioration. Meanwhile, severe damage occurs when most building components are compromised, making the house unsafe to live in and often requiring complete reconstruction.

Read also: Habitat Indonesia Reaches 676 Families, Strengthens Post-Disaster Recovery in North Sumatra

What is retrofitting?

For houses categorized as light to moderate damage, Habitat for Humanity Indonesia applies the retrofitting method. According to siagabencana.com, retrofitting is a technique to strengthen or modify existing buildings by adding new elements without dismantling the entire structure. This approach allows homes to be repaired more efficiently and cost-effectively while significantly improving their resilience.

Implementation can take various forms, such as adding or thickening walls, installing wire mesh before plastering, or applying jacketing systems with additional steel reinforcement. These strategies aim to increase the structure’s strength, stiffness, and flexibility so that buildings can better withstand pressure or shocks during disasters. Arwin Soelaksono, Program Director of Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, who has experience working with the American Red Cross, notes that retrofitting can be carried out with relatively minimal funding while still effectively strengthening homes.

As reported by Tempo, retrofit measures can even begin with simple steps such as patching wall cracks, injecting cement slurry, and tying load-bearing components together so the building functions as a unified structural system. Interestingly, this approach is not only used after disasters occur but can also serve as a mitigation measure for homes located in disaster-prone areas.

Through retrofitting, the recovery process does more than restore houses to their previous condition—it creates safer and more resilient homes for the long term. Habitat for Humanity Indonesia believes that rebuilding means building back better, so survivor families can move forward with a renewed sense of security.

For this reason, Habitat Indonesia continues to invite the public to participate in these post-disaster recovery efforts. Support from donors will help more families repair their homes and rebuild their lives with renewed hope.

Contribute through: kitabisa.com/campaign/bangunharapansibolga

Writer: Kevin Herbian

(kh/av)

Tangerang, February 13, 2026 – Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, together with the Tangerang Regency Government and the Ministry of Housing and Settlement Areas (PKP), officially held the Handover Ceremony of the Tanjung Kait Revitalization Program in Kampung Tanjung Kait, Tanjung Anom Village, Mauk District, on Friday (February 13). The event was inaugurated by Handoko Ngadiman, National Director of Habitat for Humanity Indonesia; Drs. Moch. Maesyal Rasyid, M.Si., Regent of Tangerang Regency; and representatives from the Ministry of Housing and Settlement Areas.

The Tanjung Kait Revitalization Program is a multi-stakeholder collaborative initiative aimed at improving the quality of life of coastal communities, particularly low-income fishing families, through the provision of adequate housing, access to secure land tenure, and the development of basic infrastructure that supports healthier and safer living conditions. The program reaches approximately 110 families who previously lived in substandard housing with limited access to clean water, sanitation, and other essential facilities.

Through this program, residents not only receive decent and safer homes designed to withstand coastal environmental risks, but also gain greater security of land tenure through a financing scheme facilitated jointly with partners, along with support throughout the construction process. The area development is complemented by supporting infrastructure such as neighborhood roads, drainage systems, clean water networks, public facilities, and communal spaces that promote healthier and more productive community life.

Since its launch in 2021 using a participatory approach involving residents, local government, Koperasi Mitra Dhuafa (Komida), Selavip, PT Lautan Luas Tbk, BMI Monier, PT Avia Avian Tbk, PT Solusi Bangun Indonesia Tbk, and PT Prudential Life Assurance, the revitalization has become a symbol of transformation—turning what was once considered a slum coastal area into an organized, safe, and sustainable residential community. The program also forms part of a long-term effort to ensure that residents have access to decent housing while improving their social and economic well-being.

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

Handoko Ngadiman, National Director of Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, stated that the program is rooted in the needs of the community.

“Seeing families in Tanjung Kait now living in safe homes with secure tenure brings us great joy. We hope this revitalization serves as a strong foundation for the Tanjung Kait community to continue progressing toward a better future. With a healthier environment and improved access to infrastructure, we believe this positive transformation will bring a renewed sense of safety and dignity to every beneficiary family. We would also like to express our sincere appreciation to all partners who have actively contributed to this revitalization,” said Handoko Ngadiman.

The Regent of Tangerang Regency, Drs. Moch. Maesyal Rasyid, M.Si., reaffirmed the local government’s commitment to improving the quality of life of coastal communities, particularly fishermen who play an essential role in the regional economy. This revitalization aligns with the region’s vision for sustainable and inclusive development by providing healthy, safe, and well-organized living environments.

With the completion of construction and the official handover, the residents of Kampung Tanjung Kait now embark on a new beginning—living in a more decent, safer environment that offers renewed hope for future generations. The revitalization is also expected to serve as a model for the development of other coastal villages across various regions, enabling more families to experience the benefits of adequate housing, healthy environments, and improved well-being.

Photo & Writer: HFHI/Syefira Salsabilla

(kh/av)

Bogor, 18 February 2026 – That morning, dark clouds hung low over Wanaherang Village, Gunung Putri District, Bogor Regency. The sky grew heavy, and soon a light drizzle began to fall, soaking the ground at the construction site of Pak Ade Saputra’s future home. The soil turned muddy and the air felt cold, yet the atmosphere was filled with energy and determination.

Sixteen volunteers from Thunderbird were ready to begin their day. Muddy shoes and clothes slowly dampened by the rain did not wipe the smiles from their faces. There were no signs of hesitation—only enthusiasm and shared laughter. They had come not merely to gather, but to help build a decent and safe home for Pak Ade and his family.

Pak Ade is a father of three. To support his family’s daily needs, he works as a day laborer, taking whatever jobs come his way. His income is uncertain, while the house they had been living in was far from safe or comfortable. Its fragile walls lacked proper structure, and the roof had holes in many places. Every time it rained, water seeped inside and flooded the floor. Instead of being a place of shelter, the house often left the family feeling worried.

Seeing these conditions, the construction of a decent home became a new source of hope for Pak Ade. That hope is now slowly taking shape, built hand in hand by volunteers working selflessly.

Read also: A Home That Strengthens the Steps of an Office Boy

The volunteers were divided into two groups. Some assembled steel frames to strengthen the structure, ensuring the house would stand firm and secure. Others dug the ground for the foundation. The sounds of hoes striking the soil, metal scraping, and light conversations blended together, creating a familiar rhythm of teamwork. Even as sweat poured and their energy drained, not one of them stopped, because they knew every small effort that day meant so much to one family.

Muhammad, one of the volunteers, said he felt as if he were at home. “My friends and I were welcomed very warmly. We’re happy to be able to help Pak Ade’s family. We hope that once this house is finished, it will bring blessings and a better life for them,” he shared.

For the Thunderbird volunteers, this activity was more than just an ordinary act of service. It served as a reminder that simple acts of care can create meaningful impact. Through togetherness, mutual cooperation, and the time they dedicated, a deeper sense of empathy grew for families like Pak Ade’s.

Habitat for Humanity Indonesia also expressed its highest appreciation to all the volunteers who contributed their energy and hearts to the construction process. Amid the rain and muddy ground, they proved that hope can be built together.

Slowly, the foundation began to take shape, walls rose one by one, and Pak Ade’s dream of having a safe home grew closer to reality. One day, this house will not only be a physical structure, but a space for shelter, togetherness, and the start of calmer, brighter days with his family.

Photo & Writer: HFHI/Kevin Herbian

(kh/av)

Central Tapanuli, 10 February 2026 – Habitat for Humanity Indonesia continues to support families affected by flash floods and landslides in Sibolga City and Central Tapanuli Regency, North Sumatra. As the response moves beyond the emergency phase, the focus has now shifted to environmental recovery and housing repairs, enabling communities to return to safer and more decent living conditions.

On January 31, 2026, the Habitat Indonesia team continued the distribution of community shelter kits, reaching 170 households in Tukka Village, Tukka Subdistrict, Central Tapanuli Regency. The assistance focused on providing wheelbarrows to accelerate debris removal, transport remaining disaster materials, and support the spirit of community cooperation in restoring neighborhoods and small-scale public facilities.

This distribution complements the assistance that had been provided earlier. By the end of January 2026, a total of 676 families across four subdistricts in Sibolga City and one subdistrict in Central Tapanuli Regency had received support in the form of both family shelter kits and community shelter kits.

According to Handoko Ngadiman, National Director of Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, this distribution marks the first step in Habitat Indonesia’s long-term commitment in North Sumatra. Through collaboration with the governments of Sibolga City and Central Tapanuli Regency, the recovery process is designed to align with local disaster risk mitigation efforts. “Our focus is not only on rebuilding houses, but also on strengthening community resilience so that families are better prepared to face future disasters,” he said.

Read also: Habitat for Humanity Indonesia Distributes Shelter Kits and Debris-Cleaning Tools in North Sumatra

Since December 10, 2025, the Habitat Indonesia team has consistently conducted rapid assessments followed by in-depth assessments to identify the needs of survivors, particularly homes with minor to moderate damage. The findings serve as the foundation for implementing repair and retrofitting programs for 500 houses over the next two years to improve structural safety.

Looking ahead, Habitat Indonesia also plans to rebuild homes for families who lost their houses due to severe damage. This effort simultaneously promotes women’s empowerment by involving mothers as key drivers in the repair and reconstruction process, enabling them to play an important role in rebuilding their families’ and communities’ lives.

All of these efforts are made possible through the support of donors, partners, and various stakeholders who continue to work hand in hand with Habitat for Humanity Indonesia. Habitat Indonesia still welcomes #HabitatFriends who wish to take part in the post-disaster recovery efforts in Sibolga and surrounding areas. Your support will help more families gain access to safe, decent, and resilient homes.

Contribute through: kitabisa.com/campaign/bangunharapansibolga

Photo: HFHI/Budi Ariyanto

Writer: Kevin Herbian

(kh/av)

Bogor, February 2, 2026 – In a quiet corner of Bogor Regency, Ibu Kokom (55) often sits in silence in front of her home as the late afternoon sun begins to set. She is a widow, a housewife, and the head of household for her five children. In those quiet moments, she often gazes at the home that has long been the only shelter for her family—a house filled with stories of loss, struggle, and hopes that nearly faded away.

Since 2012, Ibu Kokom’s life has changed completely. The passing of her husband left a deep sorrow and a heavy burden she had to bear alone. From that day, she became the backbone of her family, raising her five children with very limited means. Year after year, she struggled forward, striving to remain patient even when reality often felt overwhelming.

Yet the burden did not stop there. The home that should have been the safest place slowly lost its function. The house had partially collapsed before and was repaired only minimally. Its walls were made of bamboo partitions without a sturdy structure, held up by simple wooden beams. The aged zinc roof offered little protection. From a distance, the house looked tilted, as if it could collapse again at any moment.

For years, Ibu Kokom and her children lived without a bathroom or toilet. They relied on a small stream nearby for their basic needs. Close to the stream, there was a small spring often used for bathing and cleaning themselves.

“When it was really urgent, I sometimes had to use a neighbor’s bathroom,” Ibu Kokom said quietly. “But not often, because it’s embarrassing. It really doesn’t feel right to intrude.”

Ibu Kokom’s house is located far from her relatives’ homes. Since her husband passed away, she could only rely on neighbors. But receiving help was not always easy. There was a sense of hesitation, a feeling of discomfort—especially when kindness was not always available.

“I once had to deal with the neighbor locking their toilet door because I used it too often. They said I couldn’t use it anymore,” she recalled.

Those experiences left small scars on Ibu Kokom’s heart—not from anger, but from feeling powerless. She knew not everyone could keep sharing, and she was exhausted from always having to ask for help.

Amid these limitations, Ibu Kokom held onto a simple dream: to have a decent home. Not a luxurious one, not a large house. She only wanted a home that could protect her family, ease the burdens of life, and give her children a sense of safety. She never stopped praying, every time she worshiped, every time exhaustion set in. And one day, her prayers found a way.

Read also: The House That Became a Witness to Durahman’s Family Happiness

Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, in collaboration with Astra, visited Ibu Kokom and helped renovate her home into a decent and safe dwelling. The news came as a ray of light amid the long years of hardship she had endured.

“Alhamdulillah, my children and I are so happy,” she said, tears welling in her eyes.

The house construction became an unforgettable moment. Many hands were involved, and acts of kindness flowed abundantly. Neighbors and residents volunteered, carrying materials, dismantling the old house, and digging into the septic tank. The once fragile home slowly transformed into a sturdy and safe building.

Now, the weight that had long pressed on her shoulders feels lifted. Her home is no longer a source of worry.

“Now I don’t have to think about all the problems with the house anymore,” she said. “The house is strong, it’s good, and we finally have our own bathroom and toilet. No more going to the stream.”

More than just a physical building, this decent home has restored the dignity of Ibu Kokom’s family. They now enjoy private space, better sanitation, and growing self-confidence. The children no longer feel inferior, and Ibu Kokom no longer feels ashamed.

For Ibu Kokom, this home is more than a place to live. It is a shelter from the harshness of life, a place where hope is sown again, and a space where her children’s future can be planned with greater peace.

“A home is where we return every day,” she said. “And this house will be everything for my children’s future.”

There are still many families like Ibu Kokom who hold similar simple dreams: the hope for a better, safer life despite limitations. Every home that is built does not just change a building—it changes the direction of a family’s life.

The right helping hand can answer prayers that have long been offered. If you want to be part of this change, your kindness can be contributed through: habitatindonesia.org/donate

Writer: Kevin Herbian

(kh/av)

Bogor, January 21, 2026 – That morning, Muhamad Qosim stood for a moment at the threshold of his home, which is now painted a bright blue. The small house that once felt cramped and filled with worry now looks spacious and calming. Something he once found nearly impossible to imagine has now become his everyday view.

Qosim, 47, is a familiar face at the Sentul Village Office in Babakan Madang, Bogor Regency. Since 2020, he has worked as an office boy there. For over five years, he has dedicated himself to cleaning rooms, preparing office supplies, and ensuring that public service activities run smoothly. The wages he receives do not exceed one million rupiah per month—an amount he must manage with extreme frugality to support his 41-year-old wife, Ella, and their three children: two who are in high school and elementary school, and a two-year-old.

Before becoming an office boy, Qosim worked as a local motorcycle driver. Moving from one job to another has long been a part of his life. Yet, one thing never changed: his responsibility as the head of the family and his desire to provide a sense of security for the people he loves.

The house they occupy is not new. Twenty years ago, Qosim bought it from his grandmother, with a land area of only 21 square meters. When it was just him and his wife, the house felt sufficient. However, as the children grew, the cramped space began to feel stifling.

“Since I’ve owned this house, it has never been rebuilt or expanded. It just stayed like this. At most, I’d fix it little by little if there was a leak or if the walls started peeling,” Qosim recalled.

The roof was made of asbestos, a material he knew posed health risks to his family. However, replacing it with tiles was no easy feat due to financial constraints. “I couldn’t afford to switch to a tiled roof. The cost is high, while my income is only enough for food and the children’s schooling,” he said softly.

Whenever he found holes in the walls or parts of the house starting to rot, Qosim always tried to repair them. The fear that the house might endanger his family at any moment was his driving force, even though his financial situation was often inadequate. Consequently, any money he had was always spent on patching up damages. They lived hand-to-mouth, with almost no room to save. Their income was only enough for daily meals and children’s education.

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Change began when Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, together with PT Mitra Pinasthika Mustika, arrived in Sentul Village. Through an assessment process, Qosim’s home was deemed in need of an upgrade to become a decent place to live. The damaged condition of the house, his status in the lowest economic group, and the overcrowding of family members relative to the house’s size were the key considerations for building him a decent home.

The construction process was a moment filled with hope. Slowly, the fragile old house was replaced by a more spacious and sturdy dwelling. Now, Qosim’s house stands at 28 square meters, painted a bright blue that radiates a completely different atmosphere than before.

“Alhamdulillah, I am so grateful for this house. The whole family is beyond happy. Even my youngest child immediately pointed out where their room should be,” he said with a small laugh.

With a larger house, Qosim no longer has to share a mattress with the entire family. He, his wife, and their youngest child now have their own bedroom, while the other two children also have their own sleeping spaces.

“I also feel more confident. I’m no longer ashamed to welcome guests. I used to direct them to my parents’ house because my own was too cramped and inadequate,” he said.

The blessing of a decent home did not stop at physical changes. A few weeks after the house was completed, Qosim was offered a new role as a service staff member at the village office—an opportunity he had never imagined before, marking a new chapter in his life.

For Qosim, a decent home was not the direct cause of his change in status. However, the house became a foundation that provided security, peace of mind, and the confidence to take further steps. With more stable living conditions, he was able to demonstrate his full capacity and dedication at work.

“Now I have a new spirit. I want to work harder and save up slowly. In the future, I want to add one more bedroom,” he said hopefully.

Qosim’s story proves that a house is more than just a building. A house is the foundation of life that opens doors for change. When a family has a safe and decent place to live, hope finds a place to grow.

For Qosim, this decent home has led him not only to a better place to stay but to a life of greater dignity and hope.

Writer: Kevin Herbian

(kh/av)