Access to clean water is indeed the first step in creating a healthy environment, but to achieve sustainable change, education on Clean and Healthy Living Behaviors (PHBS) is equally important. This is what Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, in collaboration with PT Bumi Resources Tbk, has been doing in Kampung Wangun 2, Karang Tengah Village, Babakan Madang (2/5). 

A total of 208 local villagers participated in the PHBS Knowledge Enhancement activity, designed to raise awareness about the importance of personal and environmental hygiene. Through a fun and interactive approach, participants learned in an engaging way. Activities such as practicing the six steps of handwashing, interactive quizzes on hygiene myths and facts, and a sanitation-themed snakes and ladders game made the training not only informative but also enjoyable.

One of the participants, Tami, shared that the training was very beneficial. “I now understand more about family hygiene. The little things I used to overlook have a big impact. I will be more careful in maintaining cleanliness,” said Tami.

Tami’s experience reflects the everyday reality of many families in Babakan Madang, where illnesses like diarrhea and dengue fever (DBD) have been persistent challenges—largely due to limited access to proper sanitation and hygiene facilities.

To address these challenges, Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, with the support of PT Bumi Resources Tbk, had previously assisted 159 families in Kampung Wangun by providing PHBS training and access to clean water. This support laid a strong foundation for collective behavioral change across the community.

Through this initiative, Habitat Indonesia hopes that every small step taken by individuals will have a significant impact on the health of families and the community. With healthy habits instilled in every household, the goal is to create a stronger and healthier community in the future.

Read also: Photo: Developing Healthy and Inclusive Communities

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Since childhood, Mrs. Juniati (42) grew up with her parents in a modest home. The same house where she now cares for her parents in their old age. Despite the many memories, the house they lived in was no longer fit for habitation. However, it had never crossed her mind that the help to repair the house would come from the generosity of donors and volunteers from Habitat for Humanity Indonesia. 

The house she grew up in with her parents now looks different. The house that was once made of plywood with an asbestos roof and a light steel frame now stands strong, offering the safety and comfort they had never experienced before. 

Previously, every time heavy rain poured down, Mrs. Juniati had to prepare to collect the water that seeped into the house, as if she didn’t, the entire house would be flooded. The same was true when strong winds came, the whole family had to sit anxiously outside the house. 

“It wasn’t just the heavy rain that worried me. When the wind came, we all had to sit in front of the house, afraid the house would collapse. It would creak, creak…,” said Juniati, recalling the tense moments they went through. 

Financial limitations added to the burden. Her husband, Indra (42), a construction laborer, earned less than 130,000 IDR (approximately 8 USD) per day. With that income, fixing their broken house was not something they could afford. “If we had money, we would definitely want to build. But that’s just wishful thinking. We’re barely getting by, pressed by the economy,” said Juniati. 

Read also: Starting Over with the Key to a Decent Home

But one day, a ray of hope came. The Habitat for Humanity Indonesia team visited their home and offered assistance to rebuild the house they had long dreamed of. Mrs. Juniati could not hide her gratitude. “Oh my God, really? Is the house really going to be built? Is Habitat really going to build the house?” she said, moved by the news. 

The construction process began, and it didn’t take long to feel the difference. Now, their home has become a comfortable and safe place to live. Juniati shared that her husband, Indra, is now more enthusiastic about working. “Now, he’s really excited to work. Even when he works far away for months, he says he’s never worried about the house anymore, unlike before when he’d keep calling about the condition of the house,” said Juniati, smiling. 

There’s also a funny story she’ll never forget. “When we first moved into this house, I kept sleeping in because it was so comfortable I’d miss waking up on time,” she laughed. Their lives are now much calmer, and this new home has become a place filled with happiness for their family. 

Not only that, but a week after the house was completed, Indra eagerly built a kitchen for his wife. For them, the house is no longer just a place to live but a place to build dreams together. “A house is a palace for a mother. If you have money and a vehicle, but no house, where will you sleep? So, the house must be taken care of,” said Juniati, full of responsibility. 

Now, Mrs. Juniati can spend more time taking care of her parents, providing them with the comfort in their old age that she had always dreamed of. This new home is the greatest gift for their family, a place to share love, care for their parents, and enjoy days full of happiness. 

The transformation felt by Mrs. Juniati and her family is a tangible testament to the significant impact we can make when we support one another. Habitat for Humanity Indonesia remains committed to providing decent housing for millions of families across Indonesia. Let’s support this effort and be part of the change. Visit habitatindonesia.org/donate

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Jakarta, May 28, 2025 — Habitat for Humanity Indonesia has officially established a strategic partnership with the Ministry of Housing and Residential Area of the Republic of Indonesia to support the acceleration of the national 3 Million Decent Homes Program. 

The partnership was formalized through the signing of a Cooperation Agreement (PKS) between Dr. Drs. Imran, M.Si., MA.Cd., Director General of Rural Housing at the Ministry, and Handoko Ngadiman, National Director of Habitat for Humanity Indonesia. The signing, held in Jakarta, was also witnessed by Arwin Soelaksono, Program Director of Habitat Indonesia, along with several officials from the Ministry of Housing and Residential Area, marking a joint commitment to addressing housing challenges in Indonesia, especially in rural areas. 

This collaboration is a concrete step to strengthen joint efforts in the development of housing and settlements, with a primary focus on accelerating access to decent housing for low-income communities. Through the synergy between government institutions and civil society organizations like Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, it is hoped that structural and financial barriers in housing provision can be addressed with a more inclusive and sustainable approach. 

“The signing of this agreement marks a significant milestone in our joint efforts to provide new homes and improve the quality of existing housing. This collaboration serves as a solution to address the ongoing housing backlog. We greatly appreciate the support from Habitat for Humanity Indonesia in the 3 Million Homes Program,” said Imran. He also emphasized the importance of cross-sector partnerships to reach communities in remote and rural areas that still face limited access to decent housing. 

Read also: Addressing the Housing Backlog: A Synergy of Government, Communities, and Civil Society Organizations

Meanwhile, Handoko Ngadiman stated that the partnership would be a significant boost for Habitat for Humanity Indonesia in expanding the reach and impact of its programs. “The support from the Ministry of Housing and Residential Area, especially through the Directorate General of Rural Housing, means a great deal to us. This agreement provides a stronger foundation for us to implement various initiatives aligned with the national housing program. We are currently targeting the construction of 500 decent housing units by the end of 2025 and hope to exceed that number to reach 1,000 units. Our main focus is on families in the first and second income deciles, who are among the most vulnerable in terms of access to housing,” he explained. 

Furthermore, the Ministry and Habitat Indonesia are also planning to implement a pilot project in the near future. This project will focus on area-based housing development, which not only provides physical homes but also integrates key aspects such as environmental infrastructure, sanitation, health, and disaster resilience. This holistic approach is expected to create broader and more sustainable impacts while supporting the development of resilient communities. 

This collaboration is expected to not only accelerate the achievement of national housing targets but also strengthen public trust in Habitat for Humanity Indonesia’s efforts to provide safe, healthy, and dignified homes for Indonesian families. Moving forward, such synergies are anticipated to open more opportunities and reach even more families in need of decent housing. 

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That afternoon, in a village on the northern coast of Tangerang, Tinah (45) was busy watering the plants that decorated her blue house. Her face radiated a smile unlike any seen before—one filled with hope and happiness. The dream she had long carried in prayers and hope had finally come true. A decent home she had always wished for to enjoy her old age and care for her beloved grandchild now stood firmly before her. 

Before the new house arrived, Tinah’s life was full of struggle. The inherited home from her parents, with bamboo walls and a leaky roof, felt extremely limited and uncertain. “I used to sleep in the living room, and my husband slept outside on a bamboo bench. When it rained, water would leak in from the holes in the roof. We tried to endure it, but it was really hard,” recalled Tinah, her eyes welling up as she remembered those difficult times. 

It wasn’t just the rain that threatened them—fear also filled the house. The decaying walls made the house not only prone to leaks but also vulnerable to animals. “One night, a snake got in. My daughter, who was pregnant at the time, was so frightened. We were all panicking,” Tinah said, her voice trembling. The fear didn’t stop there. The house also became a target for crime, with more than two break-in attempts. “More than twice, someone tried to break in when no one was home. I was terrified,” she added, her eyes staring into the distance, as if reliving the anxiety. 

For Tinah and her family, owning a decent home was never easy. Her husband, Sarnadi (45), works as a fisherman laborer catching crabs and harvesting seaweed, earning only about Rp100,000 (USD 6) a day. Tinah also works as a farm laborer, adding Rp50,000 (USD 3) to their daily income. With that limited income, they could only afford basic meals and patch up the damaged house walls. “We couldn’t even think about building a new house. It was already hard enough just to eat. The leftover money was only enough to patch the broken walls,” said Tinah with a tired but resilient expression. 

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

Everything changed when Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, together with IES Jakarta, came to help build new, decent homes for Tinah and 49 other families in Marga Mulya Village, Mauk, Tangerang. “I’m so grateful to Habitat and IES for building us a beautiful home like this,” Tinah said with deep gratitude. 

Now, Tinah feels like her life has changed. “I have a new spirit. My mind is at ease—I no longer worry about leaks or animals entering the house. Now I can just focus on feeding my family and caring for my grandchild,” she said with a bright smile. This home is more than just a shelter—it provides safety, peace of mind, and renewed hope for Tinah and her family. 

Sarnadi can now work more confidently without worrying about the house’s condition, even starting to set aside small savings for the future. “We have a dream—to one day save enough to build a kitchen in the back and a permanent front porch,” Tinah shared with hope in her voice. 

For Tinah, this house is more than just a place to live. It’s a symbol of freedom, a place where her family can grow in safety and comfort. This house has become the foundation for a better future, where dreams and aspirations can flourish. 

The presence of a decent home not only provides physical comfort but also brings stability and independence. It’s a significant transformation with long-term impact for families like Tinah’s, giving them the opportunity to live a better life. 

Habitat for Humanity Indonesia invites you, #SahabatHabitat, to be part of this journey. Help us build more decent homes for millions of families across Indonesia. Visit: www.habitatindonesia.org/donate 

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Bogor, May 31, 2025 – Habitat for Humanity Indonesia once again held its annual CEO Build charity and volunteer event, carrying the theme “Board Room Leaders, Community Builders.” This year, the event was led by Edwin Soeryadjaya and involved 58 Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) and leaders from various prominent companies and educational institutions in Indonesia. Together, they built five homes out of 38 decent homes collected through fundraising by participating companies and individuals for low-income families in Kadumanggu Village, Babakan Madang District, Bogor Regency.

This activity is part of Habitat Indonesia’s long-term commitment to address the national housing backlog, which currently stands at 9.9 million units. In Kadumanggu Village, Babakan Madang District alone, at least 82 families still live in uninhabitable homes. Since starting the program in Kadumanggu Village, Habitat Indonesia has built 1,061 homesthrough new construction and housing quality improvements. This initiative aligns with the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal (SDGs) point 11, which aims to make cities and settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. The majority of beneficiaries who receive support for decent housing construction are female heads of households, people with disabilities, and daily laborers who face economic limitations, making it difficult for them to improve their living conditions. CEO Build serves as a platform for active participation of corporate leaders to create a real impact on society.

Read also: Addressing the Housing Backlog: A Synergy of Government, Communities, and Civil Society Organizations

Since it was first held in 2015, this program has built 82 decent homes: 4 units in Bogor Regency in 2015, 11 units in Gresik Regency in 2019, 29 units in Banyuwangi Regency in 2022, and this year, 38 decent homes in Bogor Regency.

The enthusiasm of this year’s participants further strengthened the spirit of cross-sector collaboration. Gita Tiffani Boer, Director of PT Astra International Tbk, stated, “I am very enthusiastic to be directly involved in this activity with the ASTRA team. This is not just about building houses; it’s also about bringing new hope to beneficiary families.” Meanwhile, Sandiaga Uno, Co-Founder of PT Saratoga Investama Sedaya Tbk, added, “After five years, I am happy to be able to participate again. I believe that building decent homes is part of our collective responsibility as citizens to improve the well-being of our brothers and sisters.”

Edwin Soeryadjaya, as the leader of CEO Build 2025 and President Commissioner of PT Saratoga Investama Sedaya Tbk, expressed his hope that this activity can inspire more parties to participate. “I am happy to see the spirit and commitment of the CEOs in supporting Habitat Indonesia’s vision. We live side by side in this world, and we should help each other,” he said. Handoko Ngadiman, National Director of Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, emphasized the importance of multi-stakeholder synergy in addressing the housing gap in Indonesia. “The target of 3 million decent homes cannot be achieved by the government alone. Collaboration between the community, the private sector, and non-profit organizations is needed. We invite all parties to work together to build a better future for families in Indonesia.”

Habitat for Humanity Indonesia expresses its deep appreciation to all CEOs, donors, and sponsors for their support. The CEO Build program is clear evidence that leadership can extend beyond the boardroom and have a direct positive impact on people’s lives. Going forward, Habitat Indonesia will continue to open opportunities for cooperation with various stakeholders to expand the reach of its programs and encourage decent, safe, and dignified housing for millions of families in Indonesia.

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Local governments should find more innovative ways to maximize the utilization of the local budget to support low-income households in having or renovating their houses. The local government should be creative in funding allocation to eliminate the housing backlog and inadequate housing. This initiative is needed to help low-income households finance housing construction or renovation.  

Deciding the amount of support for house funding is a dilemma. It cannot be used to renovate or build a house if it is too small. The money will go to anything else, such as daily consumption. If the funding is significantly large, then what kind of house will they build? Anyone will be tempted to build a big house, but later on, they will find out that the money will not be sufficient. Government funding will also not be enough since many low-income households need support. Then what will be the solution? We need to consider limited budget, but support as many households as possible with adequate housing.  

Those were discussed during the workshop in Gresik Regency, East Java Province. The Vice Regent of Gresik acknowledged that the regency has more than 6,900 inadequate housing units. Utilizing the village budget was discussed during the workshop on advocacy for providing adequate housing by the Local Government budget. The local government needs to find innovative ways to add its portion to the limited village fund. As discussed, a policy should be developed for technical guidance on prudently operationalizing this initiative.  

Read also: 28 Years of Habitat for Humanity Indonesia: Building Homes, Building Futures 

Supporting this initiative, Habitat for Humanity Indonesia shared its experiences developing the Regent Decree about Technical Guidelines for Building Decent Houses in Tangerang Regency. This policy was proven to be useful, as the Tangerang Regency Housing and Settlement Agency built more than 3,100 adequate housing units for low-income families.  

Moreover, with the generous support of PT Arthawenasakti Gemilang, Habitat Indonesia had supported families in Wringinanom Subdistrict with a Community-Based Disaster Risk Management (CBDRM) approach.  This disaster risk management approach involves communities actively identifying, analyzing, treating, monitoring, and evaluating disaster risks to reduce their vulnerabilities and enhance their capacities to prevent and withstand the damaging effects of hazards.  

Understanding the risk, they proactively add features such as elevating the floor level since they have annual flooding. With this approach, too, families contribute to the construction cost by paying part of the builder’s wages and daily snacks, adding porches and ceremonies as common practices in their villages. This approach ensures responsibility and ownership, and since the families contribute to the process, they will maintain their houses properly. 

Combining advocacy and proof of robust houses constructed will send a strong message of the successful collaboration of local government, homeowners, and Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, which is supported by its generous donors. This will encourage replication, and this approach can be used across the country. 

Writer: Arwin Soelaksono/Program Director Habitat for Humanity Indonesia 

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Yogyakarta, May 15th, 2025 – Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, in collaboration with Herbalife Family Foundation, today announced the successful completion of a community-based program focused on stunting prevention in Kedungkeris Village, Ngilipar District, Gunungkidul Regency. The program, titled “Building a Brighter Future for the Next Generation: A Household-Centered Stunting Prevention Approach through Integrated Housing and Settlement Development, WASH Access, and Awareness Improvement,” has made significant strides in addressing stunting and improving community health.

Stunting remains a critical health issue in Indonesia, affecting an estimated 21.6% of children under five years of age nationally and 23.5% in Gunungkidul Regency. This program aimed to combat stunting by addressing its root causes through a holistic approach.

“We are proud of the positive impact this program has had on the community of Kedungkeris,” said Rudi Nadapdap, Senior Manager of Field Operations Habitat for Humanity Indonesia. “By providing access to safe and healthy housing, clean water and sanitation, and crucial health education, we are empowering families to create a nurturing environment for their children to thrive.”

The program’s key achievements include:

• Construction of 5 new houses
• Construction of 30 private toilets
• Construction of a Posyandu (integrated health post) building
• Training programs on healthy homes and clean and healthy behaviours (PHBS)
• Training for Posyandu cadres
• Provision of supplementary feeding

Arif Mustolih, Director Public Affairs Herbalife Indonesia, stated that this program is the result of collaborative efforts to find solutions and address the challenges of malnutrition, including the high rate of stunting among children in Indonesia.

“This collaboration with Habitat for Humanity which started in 2019, is part of the Casa Herbalife Program, a global initiative by the Herbalife Family Foundation that works with community organizations to provide nutritious food, educational resources, and safe environments for children and underserved communities,” said Arif.

Globally, the Herbalife Family Foundation has awarded $5 million in grants to 164 nonprofit organizations across 59 countries and territories for the 2024–2025 period.

The closing ceremony for the program was held on May 15th, 2025 at Posyandu Sendowo Kidul, Kedungkeris Village, Ngilipar District. The event was attended by local government officials, representatives from the Nglipar Community Health Center (Puskesmas), Posyandu cadres, beneficiary families, community leaders, and staff from Habitat for Humanity Indonesia and Herbalife Family Foundation.

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On May 1, 2025, Habitat for Humanity Indonesia celebrates its service as it reaches its 28th anniversary. This journey has been filled with hope, hard work, and collaboration to provide better living conditions for low-income communities across Indonesia. 

For nearly three decades, Habitat Indonesia has made a significant impact, reaching over 215,000 families through various programs that touch upon the fundamental aspects of their lives. Programs such as decent housing, access to clean water and sanitation, disaster response, economic empowerment, development of education and health facilities, and partnerships to improve housing access, all aim to help communities achieve a better quality of life. 

In 2025, Habitat Indonesia has successfully built 39,478 decent homes, an increase from 38,869 homes the previous year. A total of 31,375 families now have access to clean water and proper sanitation, a significant increase from 27,009 families in 2024. Additionally, 71,504 families have received renovation funding, demonstrating a commitment to creating safer and more comfortable homes. 

These numbers are the result of the hard work of the entire Habitat Indonesia staff and all those who have tirelessly worked in various regions, including Jakarta, Tangerang, Bogor, Karawang, Cilegon, Yogyakarta, Gresik, and Batam with the involvement of 2,399 volunteers from various background. 

Read also: When the Future Grows in a New Classroom

This success would not have been possible without the dedication, enthusiasm, and solid teamwork, as well as the support of various stakeholders, including partners, donors, and volunteers who have always been by our side. Habitat Indonesia stands strong thanks to this collaboration, which allows us to continue carrying out our noble mission of helping millions of families secure decent housing. Without them, these achievements would have been difficult to achieve. 

“We believe that every individual has the right to a decent place to live. On behalf of all the families we have helped, we would like to express our deepest gratitude to everyone who has been part of this journey,” said Handoko Ngadiman, National Director of Habitat for Humanity Indonesia. 

With continued enthusiasm, Habitat Indonesia is committed to moving forward. The programs we run not only provide short-term assistance but also long-term impacts that enhance the overall quality of life in communities. We believe that true change begins with providing opportunities, and we are determined to continue opening those opportunities for more families. 

“We are confident that, through collaboration, we can create real change that not only meets basic needs but also paves the way to prosperity for more people,” added Handoko. 

Habitat Indonesia’s journey is far from over. There are still many families in need of assistance. However, we will continue to stand by them, providing access to decent housing and opening opportunities for a brighter future for millions of families in Indonesia. 

Let us join hands and be part of the real change. For a better future, for every family, for a better Indonesia. 

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For most teenagers, volunteering may not be the first choice for spending their free time. However, for 17-year-old Denzel Setiawan, a high school student, his experience as a volunteer became a turning point that opened the way to a sustainable, innovative project. 

It all began when Denzel joined a project to build decent homes with his mother, who was part of the Thunderbird Alumni community. At that time, he was involved in a volunteering activity with Habitat for Humanity Indonesia in Mauk, Tangerang. Seeing firsthand the impact of decent homes for underprivileged families made Denzel start thinking about how he could do more. 

From this experience, Denzel joined Habitat Young Star, a movement that encourages young people to actively participate in social activities. Here, he found a space to channel his concerns, not only through his efforts but also through ideas and innovation. 

Denzel’s First Step 

Denzel’s interest in environmental issues and technology led him to an unusual idea: to make building materials from shell waste. The idea came to him when he wrote a paper about converting carbon dioxide into renewable energy during his 11th grade. Inspired by the abundance of shell waste in coastal areas, especially in Mauk, Denzel began designing an environmentally friendly mortar project. 

Bringing this idea to life wasn’t easy. He had to dedicate time outside of school to discuss with academics from the University of Indonesia, conduct tests, and formulate the right material mix. The biggest challenge came from the lack of references and methodologies to use as a guideline. 

Currently, the shell waste mortar project is still in the development phase. Although it is not yet ready for widespread use, Denzel remains optimistic that with continuous improvements, the outcome could become an alternative building material that is eco-friendlier and more sustainable. 

Lessons from Volunteering 

For Denzel, volunteering is not just about giving help; it’s also about learning and growing. Through his involvement with Habitat Indonesia, he gained many new experiences—from leading teams and interacting with communities to designing solutions based on real needs in the field. 

He believes the most important thing in social activities is commitment. He realized that meaningful contributions can only be made when someone is truly ready to show up and fully engage in the process. 

“If you’re ready and have the time, do it with all your heart. But if you can’t commit yet, it’s better to wait. Because when we get involved, we bring hope to others,” he said. 

Read also: Habitat Young Star: Kirana’s Story Brings Youthful Spirit to the Segar Hati Project

Small Steps, Big Impact 

Through his project, Denzel hopes to encourage young people to start with simple things. He believes that big changes always start with small steps. According to him, everyone can contribute according to their interests and expertise. 

Denzel himself chose a path close to his love for the environment. He hopes that more young people will see the potential of things often overlooked and turn them into solutions that benefit society. 

Denzel’s story is an example that youth is not an obstacle to creating change. With strong ideas, a spirit of learning, and care for others, young people can actively contribute to building a better future for communities and the environment. 

About Habitat Young Star 

Habitat Young Star is a movement initiated by Habitat for Humanity Indonesia to invite young generations to be agents of change—not only in building homes and beautifying public spaces but also in creating solutions that have an impact on the environment. 

Through real actions such as building decent homes, educating people on the importance of living healthily and cleanly, and innovative, sustainable solutions like waste management into eco-friendly materials, young volunteers show that care for communities and the earth can go hand in hand. Want to be part of this positive movement? Visit: www.habitatindonesia.org/become-volunteer 

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Summer vacations are often associated with relaxation and leisure time. However, for Kirana Ratomo, an 11th-grade student at Jakarta Intercultural School, summer became the beginning of a much more meaningful journey. Through her involvement as a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, Kirana embarked on an inspirational path that not only had a positive impact on her, but also on many children in surrounding communities. 

Meeting Habitat for Humanity Indonesia 

Kirana’s journey with Habitat Indonesia began when she participated in a mission trip program at her church, IES Jakarta. Along with her mother and older sister, Kirana got involved in building homes in Mauk, Tangerang. Although she had no experience in construction, she felt truly appreciated by the supportive volunteer team. 

“The team was so supportive, even though I wasn’t the best at building foundations or installing wires, they still valued my efforts. That’s what made this experience so valuable,” she recalls gratefully. 

Kirana’s enthusiasm grew, and she continued to engage in various Habitat activities, including an internship program that brought her closer to the communities that Habitat Indonesia supports. 

The Birth of Segar Hati Project 

Kirana has a great passion for the arts, and it was here that her creativity made a significant impact. Seeing that many children in underprivileged communities lacked a space to express their creativity, she was inspired to start a social project that combined art with social activities. Thus, Segar Hati was born—a non-profit project focused on murals and building playgrounds from recycled materials for kindergarten children around Jakarta. 

This project became an opportunity to introduce art as a medium of expression for children. Every Saturday, Kirana and other volunteers hold mural sessions at various locations, such as early childhood education centers, apartment complexes, and villages. 

“Painting is the best way to bond. There is no right or wrong picture; everyone can be creative. I want children to experience the freedom to express themselves through art,” Kirana explains enthusiastically. 

Read also: Digital Reading Corner: Enriching Learning Opportunities Together

A Journey Not Always Smooth 

Although the Segar Hati project brought much joy, challenges were inevitable. One of the hurdles was running out of paint during the mural process, while the nearest paint store was an hour away from the location. Additionally, Kirana admits that she initially struggled with delegating tasks to her team. 

“At first, I was a perfectionist and wanted everything done according to my own vision. But I’ve learned that teamwork is important. Now, I can delegate tasks more effectively and trust my team members,” she reveals, sharing the valuable lessons she’s learned along the way. 

The Real Impact of Segar Hati Project 

The positive impact of this project is evident, especially for the children involved. Kirana recalls how children who were initially shy and hesitant eventually became more enthusiastic and even started playing and joking around. 

“At first, they were afraid to talk to me, but after we painted together, the atmosphere became more relaxed. That was a very valuable experience,” says Kirana, reminiscing about the moments of joy and laughter. 

Kirana and her team plan to continue expanding the Segar Hati project. In addition to painting at early childhood education centers and apartment complexes, they aim to expand the project to children’s hospitals and other public spaces. Kirana hopes that more young people will be inspired to get involved in similar social activities. 

“Try new things. I started by building houses, something I never imagined before. But from there, I found that stepping out of my comfort zone could lead me to extraordinary experiences,” Kirana shares as a message for young people out there. 

Habitat Young Star: Becoming a Change Agent 

Kirana’s story is a real testament to the fact that a small step can lead to a big change. With her passion and dedication, she not only contributed to the community but also inspired many people to try, share, and create a positive impact. 

Habitat Young Star is a movement initiated by Habitat for Humanity Indonesia to involve young people as change agents. Through concrete actions, Habitat Young Stars directly contribute to volunteering activities, from building homes, beautifying public spaces, to educating the community about health and sanitation. 

Become a part of Habitat Young Star and channel your energy and creative ideas to bring about real change! Click here to join: www.habitatindonesia.org/become-volunteer 

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