Tangerang, December 1, 2025 – Asnah, 38, starts her day before dawn. By five in the morning, she is already preparing to work at a neighbor’s house, helping out at their vegetable stall. Her work continues until evening, earning no more than sixty thousand rupiahs per day. Sometimes, when needed, Asnah is also asked to help with household chores—washing clothes, ironing, or cleaning the house. She willingly works late into the night for the extra income. This additional money is invaluable, sometimes reaching one hundred thousand rupiahs, and often comes with staples like rice, noodles, or eggs.

Before becoming a vegetable stall attendant, Asnah’s main profession was as a domestic helper. From this work, she learned perseverance, saved bit by bit, and tried to meet her family’s needs, despite their very modest life. Her husband, Niin, 49, works as a laborer in a rice mill, earning fifty thousand rupiahs per day. Together, they live in Rajeg, Tangerang Regency, with one married daughter who still resides with them.

Life, however, was full of challenges. Their house, more than thirty years old, was a simple bamboo structure without solid support, with an earthen floor that became muddy during the rainy season. Leaky roof tiles and rotting bamboo walls let water seep in.

“When it rained heavily, we all had to leave the house and take shelter at relatives’ homes next door,” Asnah recalled.

The most heartbreaking issue was the lack of a toilet. “I had to rely on neighbors’ bathrooms. Because we used them so often, some neighbors even locked their toilets so my family couldn’t use them,” she said. When it became urgent, they were forced to relieve themselves in an outdoor latrine, sometimes at night in complete darkness.

Their crisis did not end there. There was no access to clean water at home either. “When I was still working as a helper, I had to borrow money from here and there just to drill for water and install a pump,” Asnah said. As for electricity, it could only be installed after making payments in installments.

Once water and electricity were available, Asnah realized another vital need: her house had to be repaired to become livable. But fate had not yet favored her. “After paying off all the debts for water and electricity, a few months later my house collapsed. I came home from work to find it flattened. I cried so hard. Eventually, I borrowed money from my employer until he personally came to see my house,” she recalled.

With her employer’s help, Asnah received a four-million-rupiah loan to rebuild her home. “We built it as best as we could, with help from relatives. The house had bamboo walls and an earthen floor,” she said. Although simple, the house provided shelter. They salvaged usable remnants from the ruins to rebuild their home.

Despite everything, Asnah and Niin never lost hope. They continued to pray and save, aiming to renovate the house in 2026 to make it sturdier and more livable. But daily life often forced them to postpone their dream. The money they saved was always spent on family needs, requiring Asnah to work harder, leaving less time with her family.

Finally, their dream came true sooner than expected. Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, in collaboration with PT Caterpillar Indonesia and PT Caterpillar Finance Indonesia, selected Asnah as a recipient of the Decent Home Program.

“When I heard from the neighborhood head that my house would be rebuilt properly, I was extremely grateful. I was so moved, I couldn’t even find words,” Asnah said, her eyes welling with tears.

Read also: A Decent Home Becomes the Pillar of Life for Ibu Imas and Her Family

In early August 2025, 69 volunteers from Caterpillar began laying the foundation for Asnah’s house along with two other families. Years of Asnah’s struggle finally bore fruit: a decent home that provides protection and dignity for her family.

“My hard work over the years to support my family has finally led to a good house. Life used to be so hard that even buying gas for cooking meant borrowing. Now I have a decent home with a toilet and bathroom; I no longer have to rely on neighbors. I’m not ashamed anymore,” she said with joy.

This support also felt like an answered prayer. “I had planned to renovate the house next year. Alhamdulillah, it’s answered now. I can use my savings to pay off all debts. It feels like starting life from scratch, but much more peaceful,” Asnah added.

During nearly two months of construction, Asnah and Niin actively contributed. They woke early, moved materials, and even prepared meals for the construction workers, despite their own limitations.

“My husband always helps the builders. I work at the neighbor’s house to earn extra income. My employer often gave more than my wages to help with the house construction. Thank God, the ceiling of my house was finally completed without any debt,” Asnah explained.

Now, Asnah’s new home has brought significant changes to their lives. The air is cleaner, free from rats, and their grandchild no longer struggles at night from the heat.

She continues to work as an attendant at her neighbor’s vegetable stall, a job she took up after her home became livable, while still earning extra income as a domestic helper in her spare time. This change is not just about work; it is about dignity, health, and family economic stability.

“This house is where I will take shelter for the rest of my life. My family will always come back here,” Asnah concluded, smiling with heartfelt certainty.

Every brick laid, every floor arranged neatly, is not just a building—it is a silent witness to struggle, hope, and prayers that never extinguished. With your support, more families like Asnah’s can light up their homes, rebuild their lives from scratch, and face the future with confidence.

Let’s be part of this story together, planting kindness that will continue to grow in every home we help. Visit: habitatindonesia.org/donate

Writer: Kevin Herbian

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Cilegon, November 26, 2025 – Every day, soft, steady footsteps echo along the streets of Cilegon. In one hand, a small bag hangs from his shoulder, filled with massage oil and a clean cloth. In the other, he grips a small walking stick that guides his way forward. Under the blazing sun or the gentle drizzle, he keeps moving—steadily, unafraid—though he has never seen the world with his own eyes.

This is Muhdi Hadi, a 40-year-old traveling masseur whose life is marked by perseverance and quiet strength. He lives with his wife, Baitini, 31, who, like him, was born blind. Together, they reside in a modest house in Ciwandan District, Cilegon, Banten. They have no children, but their companionship fills the small space they call home with warmth and resilience.

Every morning, Muhdi carefully checks the items in his bag—the massage oil, the clean cloth—before setting out from one neighborhood to another, offering his services to local residents. His income is modest and unpredictable, sometimes only reaching IDR 400,000 to 500,000 a month. Yet, to him, every rupiah is earned with honesty and effort. “It’s just enough to get by,” he says softly, his voice calm with acceptance.

But behind his quiet determination lies a difficult truth—his home was falling apart. The old structure had weakened with age: the walls were brittle, and the roof had rotted. Every time heavy rain poured, water would leak through the ceiling, soaking the floor. Pieces of the roof sometimes fell in the middle of the night as they slept.

“When it rained hard, water came in from everywhere,” he recalls. “Once, I was giving a massage at home, and suddenly it started leaking. We had to move around to avoid getting wet. I was embarrassed, but I couldn’t afford to fix the house.”

He knew how dangerous it was to live in such a fragile building. “The house was already old and weak. We were scared, especially when strong winds came,” he said quietly. “Once, during a big storm, my wife and I sat by the door, ready to run if the house collapsed.”

Living in such conditions made every day harder. “I already have limited vision,” he murmured. “Living in a dark, damp, broken house made everything even more difficult.”

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

Despite these challenges, Muhdi never gave up. He continued offering massages from his tiny, leaking home, holding on to hope. Then one day, news arrived that would change his life—Habitat for Humanity, in partnership with POSCO, announced that they would rebuild homes for low-income families in his neighborhood, including his.

“I was so happy—too happy to even find the right words,” Muhdi said, his voice filled with emotion.

When construction began, he didn’t just sit and wait. Despite his disability, he found ways to contribute—preparing snacks and drinks for the builders. Often, he would run his fingers along the new walls, feeling the smooth plaster and the solid floor beneath his feet. Through touch, he could sense the change.

“I can’t see, but I can feel that this house is truly fit for us,” he said. “It was designed for people like me and my wife who have special needs. There’s a fence, handrails in every room, and the floor textures are different—some rough, some smooth—so we can move safely. It’s really thoughtful.”

Now, their new home is more than just a shelter—it’s a symbol of hope. His wife, Baitini, says she no longer feels anxious when it rains. “A house should protect you from the rain and heat,” she said gently. “Now, I’m grateful. This new home feels like a blessing.”

For Muhdi, the new house is also a new opportunity. He plans to put up a small sign in front of his house to attract more clients. “I hope this home brings new blessings,” he said with a smile. “I want to save money for our future—maybe one day, for a child.”

The home construction was part of the 2025 POSCO 1% Foundation Echo Village Project, a collaboration between Habitat for Humanity and POSCO. Through this initiative, six safe and environmentally friendly homes were built. The houses feature eco-bricks made from recycled plastic, rainwater harvesting systems, and septic tanks with soak pits to ensure proper sanitation for each family.

Beyond building homes, the project also offered Healthy Home Management and Building Back Safer (BBS) training for 50 other families in the surrounding areas of Ciwandan and Citangkil. Residents also received Disaster Preparedness Team (TBSK) training and were supported in proposing Disaster-Resilient Village (Kaltana) status to Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB).

Today, among the rows of new houses standing strong in Cilegon, Muhdi’s small home shines as a beacon of hope. He may not be able to see it, but every time his hand touches the sturdy walls, he knows—his struggle has not been in vain.

“I used to dream of having a house that wouldn’t leak,” he said softly. “Now, that dream has finally come true.”

Writer: Kevin Herbian

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Sleman, November 21, 2025 — Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, in collaboration with PT Centratama Group, has reaffirmed its commitment to improving educational literacy in Indonesia through the development of a digital library at SMP Negeri 1 Pakem, Sleman Regency, Yogyakarta. This initiative demonstrates that inclusive and modern education can be realized through the synergy between the private sector and social organizations. 

The facility was officially inaugurated through a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by the Deputy Regent of Sleman, Danang Maharsa; Chief Finance Officer of PT Centratama Group, Caba Pinter; National Director of Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, Handoko Ngadiman; as well as the teaching staff of SMPN 1 Pakem. 

This program not only constructed a new library space but also carried out a full renovation, including structural work, mural painting, and the provision of supporting facilities such as carpets, study tables and chairs, sofas, an LED TV, a sound system, air conditioners, computers, and various other furnishings. All these components were designed to create a more comfortable and modern learning environment. 

PT Centratama Group also ensured that technology became a key element in this transformation. The company contributed by installing software and providing training on the use of Edoo, a digital library platform offering more than 1,000 e-books from various categories. Handoko Ngadiman explained, “In the past 10 years, SMPN 1 Pakem only received 1,000 printed books, but within these three weeks the students already have access to 487 e-books with 709 copies. We hope this can further strengthen the positive impact on students, especially in the area of literacy.” 

Read also: Digital Reading Corner: Enriching Learning Opportunities Together

From Centratama’s side, Caba Pinter emphasized that this program is part of the company’s long-term commitment to strengthening technology-based education in Indonesia. “This program is part of our corporate social responsibility. We believe that digital literacy is an essential foundation for the future, and through this facility we want to ensure that students have broad access to modern learning resources,” he said. 

The Deputy Regent of Sleman, Danang Maharsa, viewed this initiative as a strategic step in fostering a culture of literacy among students. He stated, “The presence of this digital library not only adds learning facilities but also serves as an important tool to strengthen literacy for our children. My hope is that this facility will be used to its fullest potential. No matter how advanced technology becomes, if it is not utilized, it has no value.” 

With the digital library now in place, students and teachers can access a wide range of reading resources anytime and anywhere through their smartphones. In addition to improving the quality of learning, this facility is expected to support academic achievement and contribute to the school’s accreditation through effective technology integration. 

The Principal of SMPN 1 Pakem, Titin Sumarni, expressed her appreciation to all parties involved. She concluded by saying, “We hope this can enhance our students’ literacy competence and their interest in reading. Evidently, within three weeks of activation and training, 145 digital books have already been accessed. Having a digital library is an extraordinary leap forward.”

Photo & Video: HFHI/Budi Ariyanto

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November 21, 2025 – In a small hamlet in East Kupang, Kupang Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, stands a modest 4-by-6-meter house owned by Alex Batuk (46). Its walls are made of bebak lontar (palm bark), the roof from dried palm leaves, and the floor is still bare earth. In this small house, Alex lives with his wife, Trudelyanti (34), and their three children, one of whom is still a toddler.

Every corner of the house tells a story of struggle. When heavy rain falls, water seeps in from all directions, leaving the floor muddy and damp. The lontar walls are fragile with age, and the single window offers little air circulation. The family has lived here for over seven years—years filled with worry, endurance, and hope.

“Because the roof is made from palm leaves, I have to save money every three years to replace it. The same goes for the walls when they’re eaten by termites,” Alex explained.

Earning around one million rupiah per month as a farmer, every coin matters. To supplement his income, Alex also makes and sells palm sugar during his spare time.

Yet for this small family, the greatest fear is not just about money—it’s about survival.

“I always feel anxious whenever strong winds blow, like during the Seroja cyclone. Our house could easily collapse. When the wind is strong, we sit near the door, ready to run outside if the roof gives way,” he recalled.

A Turning Point for Hope

A new chapter began when the Habitat for Humanity Indonesia team, together with PT Arthawenasakti Gemilang, arrived in their village. After witnessing the family’s unsafe living conditions, Habitat decided to help rebuild Alex’s home into a safer, healthier place to live.

But this story goes beyond receiving assistance. When construction began, Alex—who once worked as a builder—was invited to join the construction team. He was no longer just a beneficiary, but an active contributor to building his own dream home.

“Before Habitat came to our village, I sometimes worked as a construction laborer. So I understand what a proper, sturdy house should look like, and how to build a strong foundation,” Alex shared.

Through training provided by Habitat Indonesia, Alex learned more about earthquake-resistant housing standards and safe construction techniques. He took part in the entire process—from laying the foundation to installing the roof—making sure everything was done properly.

“The difference is amazing. This new house feels so strong and solid because I know exactly how it was built. I helped build it myself,” he said proudly.

Read also: A Gift from Unceasing Prayers

A Home That Transforms Lives

Today, Alex’s new home stands firm—a safe and dignified place for his family.

“A home is where we find shelter from the rain and the heat. Now I’m so grateful to have a good house like this,” said Trudelyanti, gazing at the fresh new walls. “It fits our family perfectly. Our two children finally have their own room.”

More than just comfort, the new home has brought real change to the family’s life. With no need to constantly repair roofs or walls, the money that used to be spent on maintenance can now be saved for their children’s education.

“Now I can save little by little for my children’s future. I no longer worry about leaks or broken walls,” Alex said with gratitude.

After his house was completed, Alex decided to continue working as a construction worker with Habitat’s team, helping to build homes for other families in his community.

Now, every time he helps raise the walls of another family’s house, he feels the same spirit—the desire to provide safety and hope for others, just as he once received.

Thanks to the support of PT Arthawenasakti Gemilang, this housing project has successfully built and renovated 100 homes for families in Kupang and surrounding areas. Behind those numbers lie real stories—like Alex’s—of resilience, sincerity, and hope rising from newly built walls.

Because for Alex, and for many families like his, a home is more than just a place to live. It is where hope grows, love dwells, and life begins again.

Writer: Kevin Herbian

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Jakarta, November 17, 2025 – Some 2.8 billion people around the world still lack adequate housing—a staggering figure that leaves a third of humanity exposed to the mounting hazards of climate change. Governments and housing agencies have spent years launching various efforts and systems to tackle the problem. Yet, despite these efforts, the global housing deficit persists, further strained by rapid urbanization, intensifying disasters, and a warming planet. The task ahead is not merely to build more homes, but to connect the disparate systems meant to deliver them.

Numerous actors, each with their own expertise, have attempted to improve access to decent housing. Yet entrenched practices and siloed approaches often impede the integration of these efforts. Given the sheer scale of housing needs, incremental improvements no longer suffice. Simply constructing housings and planning settlements will not resolve the crisis. The greater challenge lies in shaping the systems that govern how people access housing in the first place. Housing, after all, is not a single system but a complex web of interlocking systems, including markets, institutions, and social norms. If the barriers between these systems can be dismantled, the sector may yet evolve into a more competitive, accessible, and sustainable landscape.

A small step in that direction came last week, when the Terwilliger Center for Innovation in Shelter (TCIS) ran a capacity-building workshop for Habitat for Humanity teams across the Asia-Pacific region. The session—Habitat for Humanity Indonesia was happy to host this event—introduced participants to systems thinking, human-centered design, and market-systems development. The lessons were weighty but worthwhile, and participants left more capable of steering housing solutions toward the low-income families that need them most.

We’d like to give a big shout-out to Scott Merrill, Sheldon Yoder, and Al Francis Razon, as well as the rest of the TCIS team, whose deft facilitation transformed complex material into a reflective and collaborative learning experience for their Habitat for Humanity colleagues. If the insights gleaned translate into action, more families across the region may soon find themselves in healthier and more resilient homes.

Writer: Arwin Soelaksono/Program Director Habitat for Humanity Indonesia

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BELEM, Brazil (Nov. 11, 2025) — Habitat for Humanity International examined the Nationally Determined Contribution, or NDC, of 188 countries — which spell out a nation’s public pledge to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate impacts, outlining specific targets and actions to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement. Overwhelmingly, these NDCs include minimal or no reference to housing despite the built environment contributing significantly to carbon emissions. 

A new report, Climate Action through Housing and Informal Settlements, released today by Habitat, finds in addition to the lack of commitment to housing, only 11 NDCs reviewed mention informal settlements or slums as a national issue, despite these areas being home to more than 1 billion people.  

Misalignment between commitments and financing is also evident: Countries with strong NDC commitments to housing, such as the Bahamas and Benin, received negligible support through climate-related development finance, while some major recipients of climate finance show weak housing commitments. Costa Rica is a notable exception, aligning both high commitments and high levels of climate-related development finance. Across all regions, financing for informal settlements and slum upgrading remains extremely limited, with only 7% of climate-related development finance directed toward incremental forms of housing. 

The report findings reveal that communities most at risk to the threats of climate change, particularly those in informal settlements, remain underprioritized in both climate policy commitments and development finance.  

“The findings in this report are alarming but unfortunately not surprising,” said Patrick Canagasingham, chief operating officer at Habitat for Humanity International. “Time and time again, we see that those living in informal settlements who are most vulnerable to the effects of climate change are the least supported when it comes to policy and development finance. Habitat for Humanity calls on governments to integrate housing into their NDCs to help ensure climate resilience and security for vulnerable communities around the world.“ 

Key recommendations for policymakers  

To foster climate resilience and emission reductions through housing, Habitat for Humanity urges countries to take action in their upcoming NDC updates. The report highlights several key recommendations, including:  

Governments must integrate housing and informal settlement transformation into NDCs, adaptation plans and disaster risk reduction frameworks, establishing measurable targets and prioritizing locally led interventions. 

Donors and multilaterals should treat housing as a strategic, high-impact investment to achieve climate resilience, scaling proven approaches, improving visibility of development finance toward housing, and aligning support with national climate ambitions. 

Civil society organizations need to play a critical role in monitoring commitments, advocating for inclusive and resilient solutions through housing, and amplifying community-led initiatives that strengthen housing, livelihoods and climate resilience. 

Encouragingly in the report, of the 20 countries that submitted updated NDCs by mid-2025, 16 increased housing-related references, with some adding new commitments on informal settlements and social housing.  

For more information on Habitat for Humanity’s report, Climate Action through Housing and Informal Settlements, or COP 30, please visit habitat.org/Habitat-COP30. 

About Habitat for Humanity    

Habitat for Humanity is a movement of people in your local area and around the world, working together to build more prosperous and vibrant communities by making sure everyone has a safe, affordable place to call home.  

Since our founding in 1976 as a Christian organization, together we have helped more than 62 million people globally build their futures on their own terms through access to decent housing. We’ve done that by working alongside people of all walks of life to build, repair and finance their homes, by innovating new ways of building and financing, and by advocating for policies that make constructing and accessing housing easier for everyone. 

Together, we build homes, communities and hope. 

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Gresik, November 7, 2025 – In an effort to strengthen the role of rural youth as agents of change in the digital era, Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, in collaboration with the Department of Communication Science, Faculty of Humanities and Creative Industry, Petra Christian University (UK Petra), held a training program titled Empowering Youth Organizations in Managing Information Based on Local Potential through Social Media in Campurejo Village, Panceng District, Gresik Regency, East Java. 

The event was attended by 20 members of the Campurejo Village Karang Taruna (Youth Organization) and forms part of the Home Equals Habitat for Humanity Project, which focuses on enhancing community capacity in managing public communication and information based on local potential. 

As a youth organization, Karang Taruna plays a strategic role in developing local potential across social, cultural, and economic sectors. However, the challenges of the digital era highlight the need to strengthen skills in effectively utilizing social media. Through this activity, young people were encouraged to creatively and strategically use social media as a tool for local promotion and branding. 

The main speaker, Dr. Inri Inggrit Indrayani, M.Si, Lecturer and Head of Strategic Communication Studies at the Department of Communication Science, UK Petra, together with her team — Vanessa Febriani, Devina Aurelia Cokro, Hendrawan Surya Wijaya, and Michael Juan Ivander Widiarto — provided training on digital communication strategies, creative writing, and content production based on local potential. 

Read also: Youth Pledge Spirit Resonates Through Real Action at 28UILD 2025

The training program was carried out in four phases: preparation and coordination, basic training, implementation, and evaluation for sustainability. In the initial phase, Habitat for Humanity and UK Petra teams coordinated with local government officials and community leaders to map out local potential that could be developed into digital content. Participants then received training on managing social media accounts aimed at promoting the village’s unique features, including local MSME products, cultural activities, and tourism attractions. 

Dr. Inri explained that improving digital capacity among rural youth is a key step toward fostering independence and community-based development. 

“We want young people to understand that social media can serve as a strategic tool to build a positive image of their community, not just a place for daily sharing. With strong digital skills, they can actively promote local potential, expand networks, and inspire a wider audience,” she said. 

Through this activity, Karang Taruna members are expected to consistently and creatively manage the village’s official social media accounts. These platforms will serve as the main channels for spreading positive information and encouraging community participation in local development. 

The program also aims to build confidence and a sense of pride among the youth of Campurejo Village in their own local potential. Strengthening digital literacy marks an important step toward creating a more empowered and adaptive village community, equipped with a strong digital identity in the modern era. 

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Jakarta, October 25, 2025 – In celebration of Indonesia’s Youth Pledge Day, 400 young Indonesians demonstrated their unity and commitment through real action—building decent homes alongside Habitat for Humanity Indonesia in the 28UILD 2025 event.

Since its declaration on October 28, 1928, the Youth Pledge has stood as a symbol of young Indonesians’ determination to advance the nation. Today, that same spirit lives on through the hands of youth working together to build homes for low-income families—a tangible expression of compassion and solidarity amid Indonesia’s housing backlog, which still exceeds 12 million units.

Habitat for Humanity Indonesia believes that youth participation is key to creating real change. Through 28UILD, they are not only building walls and foundations but also nurturing hope, solidarity, and humanity.

This year, 28UILD 2025 took place simultaneously in Tangerang, Yogyakarta, and Gresik on Saturday, October 25, 2025. Hundreds of young volunteers took part directly in the construction work—from laying bricks and painting walls to forming foundations. Under the scorching sun, their spirits remained high, filled with laughter, warm conversations, and pride in contributing to the community.

Read also: Commemorating Youth Pledge Day, Habitat for Humanity Indonesia Launches 28UILD 2024 to Inspire Youth Action for a Better Indonesia

In addition to house construction, the event also featured a creative competition with a total prize pool of IDR 16 million, covering T-shirt design, chants, jingles, and activity coverage. Through these contests, young people were encouraged to channel their ideas, energy, and creativity positively to amplify the message of decent housing for all.

The event also received support from various Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) and public figures who inspired youth to take action, including Han Chandra, Josh Kunze, and the Act of Love community founded by Cinta Laura. Their presence reinforced the message that social concern is not just a concept—it is a true calling for every young Indonesian.

“Youth are the nation’s hope and have proven throughout history to be the drivers of change in Indonesia,” said Handoko Ngadiman, National Director of Habitat for Humanity Indonesia. “Through 28UILD, we invite young people to keep dreaming boldly and acting courageously to help build a better Indonesia. We hope more youth will embody the spirit of the Youth Pledge through real action to end housing poverty for vulnerable families across the nation.”

The 28UILD 2025 initiative was made possible through the collaboration of partners who share a belief in the power of unity to build the nation, including Daily Box, Kapal Api Group, BUMA, Orang Tua Group, Gebacken, Delami (Executive), PT Trikemindo Utama, Brawijaya Hospital, Pepsico, L’Oréal, Aplus, PT Avia Avian Tbk, Smart Tools, Flow, Superbank, Rentokil, WRP, Karsa, Heritage, TRAC, The Southern Hotel, and Bima Bissaloy.

The success of 28UILD 2025 stands as proof that the spirit of the Youth Pledge continues to burn brightly in the hearts of Indonesia’s young generation. Habitat for Humanity Indonesia will continue to keep that flame alive—empowering more youth to build homes, nurture hope, and create a more decent place to live for all Indonesians.

Writer: Syefira Salsabilla

Photo/Video: HFHI/Budi Ariyanto & Kevin Herbian

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Meet Ibu Nimah, one of the women of Tanjung Kait Village who directly participated in building decent homes. 

Tangerang, October 2, 2025 – There is a spirit that cannot be extinguished in the simple figure of Ibu Nimah. Every morning, the 55-year-old woman starts her day with a small question in her heart: “What can I help with today? What can I do today?” This simple thought sparks the energy that keeps her strong, even though life has not always been easy. 

Ibu Nimah is one of the residents of Tanjung Kait Village, Tangerang Regency, whose house was rebuilt under the Tanjung Kait Village Revitalization Program. The program provided 110 new decent homes for residents, along with improved supporting infrastructure. For Nimah, the program is not just a physical project but an opportunity to leave a meaningful mark in rebuilding her village. 

The Beginning of the Journey 

At first, Nimah’s involvement in the project was simple. She only provided drinks and snacks for the workers busy building houses in her village. However, as days passed, she felt she wanted to do more. She realized that, even without enough money to repair her own house, she still had her energy to offer. “I have no money, nothing to give. But I have strength, and that’s what I can contribute,” she said. 

From that moment, Nimah no longer stood on the sidelines. She joined the community in gotong royong (cooperation), working alongside other residents, including women, to help the construction workers. 

Nimah’s involvement is inseparable from the condition of her old house. For decades, she lived in a home that grew increasingly fragile. The walls were cracked, the floor uneven, and the roof leaked whenever it rained. Worst of all, during high tides, her house would often flood. Saltwater would enter, damaging furniture, making walls damp, and causing further deterioration. 

As a widow who relied on her children’s income and occasional odd jobs like peeling clams, Nimah could not afford to repair her house. Anxiety constantly haunted her, especially during heavy rains combined with high tides. She never knew when her house might collapse. 

Gradually, her difficult situation found relief when the Tanjung Kait Village Revitalization Program came. Initiated by Habitat for Humanity Indonesia in collaboration with the Tangerang Regency Government, the Mitra Dhuafa Cooperative (KOMIDA), and supported by donors, the program was a blessing that answered Nimah’s long-held prayers. 

Read also: Strengthening Community Capacity as the Key too Sustaining the Tanjung Kait Village Revitalization

As construction began, Nimah felt increasingly compelled to participate. Knowing that her house was one of those being built, she wanted to leave her mark. Nimah contributed in ways she could—carrying light materials, tidying the work area, and even giving small touches to the walls. Though seemingly minor, every effort was a tangible form of involvement in building her dream home. 

“At first, the workers felt sorry for me. But after seeing my spirit, they got motivated too. I’m not ashamed, not embarrassed, because I know my effort can be useful,” she said, her face glowing. 

Nimah’s involvement brought a unique vibrancy amid the hustle of construction. Workers and other residents witnessed the determination of a woman who refused to give in to circumstances. The cooperation she joined strengthened social bonds in Tanjung Kait. 

For Nimah, every drop of sweat is a prayer. She believes that her efforts will leave beautiful memories, not only because she helped build her own home but also because she contributed to the future of her village. 

Today, Nimah’s new house is not yet fully completed. She is still busy with finishing touches, from sanding to painting the walls. Yet, she places great hope in the home. “I hope this new house can bring happiness, both physically and spiritually. A safe place for me and my children, a place where we can gather without fear of floods or a leaking roof,” she said with hope. 

Nimah’s wish is simple, yet deeply meaningful. She wants her new home to be a source of peace, a place where she no longer lives under the shadow of disaster, and a symbol of renewed spirit in her life. 

Read also: No More Shame, No More Fear: Ibu Uri’s Story with Her New Toilet

Women and Participation 

More than just building homes, Nimah’s story highlights an important issue: women’s involvement in community development. Construction work has long been considered men’s work, yet Nimah proves that women can play an active role, even with limited resources. 

Her spirit demonstrates how empowering women can have a positive impact. Her presence at the construction site shows that women are not just waiting for results—they can also be part of the process. In Tanjung Kait, the voices and efforts of women help build not only houses but also social cohesion and community independence. 

This story also teaches that contribution is not always measured by wealth or material. Despite her limitations, Nimah made a significant impact through her energy, dedication, and perseverance. Her story reflects that village revitalization is not just about constructing homes but also about building people through awareness, independence, and participation, including that of women. 

In the end, Ibu Nimah stands as a simple symbol carrying a profound meaning: anyone, regardless of who they are, can be part of meaningful change. 

Writer: Kevin Herbian

(kh/av) 

Tangerang, October 9, 2025 – The Tanjung Kait Village Revitalization Program has now entered its final phase. A total of 110 new decent homes built for residents are currently undergoing painting and finishing work as part of the project’s completion stage. In addition, the construction of supporting infrastructure such as a community health post (posyandu), community hall, fish collection center, electricity network, drainage system, and clean water facilities is also progressing in parallel. 

As part of efforts to ensure the sustainability of the program, Habitat for Humanity Indonesia has facilitated a community capacity-building and socialization program, held from September 22, 2025, for four weeks at Co Su Kong Temple, Tanjung Kait, Tangerang Regency. 

This initiative was designed as a community-managed system to ensure that the maintenance and management of revitalized facilities are carried out sustainably, inclusively, and transparently, while also fostering residents’ self-reliance. Through this forum, more than 30 community representatives from Tanjung Kait discussed various local environmental issues, including household waste management, drainage maintenance, and the use of public facilities. 

Read also: A Decent Home Becomes the Pillar of Life for Ibu Imas and Her Family

“Village revitalization doesn’t stop at building houses and infrastructure—it’s also about building awareness and community self-reliance. That’s how sustainability can be achieved,” explained Wijang Wijanarko, facilitator and housing and settlement consultant, during one of the sessions. 

The activity aims to establish a clear framework, roles, and coordination mechanisms for residents in managing their village; to ensure active participation in infrastructure maintenance; and to form a community-based management body, known as the Community Management Committee. 

The agenda was carried out in stages. During the first week, residents, community leaders, and village officials held a program orientation and formed an Environmental Management Team. In the following week, participants attended training sessions on environmental management and institutional administration, followed by the formulation of community regulations. The next phase focused on developing follow-up work plans, covering infrastructure maintenance, public facility management, and community financial mechanisms. The entire series of activities will conclude with a plenary meeting and symbolic handover ceremony in mid-October. 

Through this approach, residents are not only beneficiaries but also key actors in maintaining and advancing their community. With the completion of the final construction phase and the community capacity-building program, Tanjung Kait Village is expected to become a model of best practices for coastal area transformation toward a more livable, healthy, and empowered environment. 

Photo: HFHI/Kevin Herbian

Writer: Kevin Herbian

(kh/av)