Jakarta, August 19, 2024 – To celebrate Indonesia’s Independence Day, Habitat for Humanity Indonesia successfully held the Habitat Charity Concert 2024 titled “Songs for NTT.” The event took place at The Ballroom at Djakarta Theater on Monday, August 19, 2024, offering an evening filled with arts and social awareness.

The “Songs for NTT” charity concert marks Habitat for Humanity Indonesia’s third concert. It follows the success of aiding survivors of the Seroja tropical cyclone through “NTT adalah Kita 2021” and supporting earthquake survivors in Cianjur with “Songs for Cianjur 2022.” This year, the Habitat Charity Concert focused on helping East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), the second province with the highest number of uninhabitable houses in Indonesia.

NTT, often facing clean water crises and lacking adequate school facilities, is one of the provinces with the highest poverty rates in Indonesia. The urgency of the situation is clear, with the poverty rate in NTT reaching 21.87%—significantly higher than the national average of 9.70%. This also affects the population’s access to clean water, with BPS data showing that 27.5% of NTT’s population in 2019 did not have access to clean water. Driven by these alarming facts, Habitat for Humanity Indonesia recognized the urgent need to support the people of NTT through the Habitat Charity Concert 2024, “Songs for NTT.” Your support is crucial in addressing these urgent needs, and we hope it motivates you to take action.

Susanto, the National Director of Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, explained that the funds raised from ticket sales and auctions would be used to build decent homes, provide clean water access, and renovate schools in NTT. “The funds raised tonight will be used to build decent homes, provide clean water access, and renovate schools in NTT. Every guest’s contribution tonight is significant for improving the welfare of the people there. Every guest here is invited to help realize their hopes and dreams of having decent housing, clean water, and adequate education. That is our mission in organizing this event,” Susanto stated.

With the spirit of unity to bring about change, the event featured a series of special performances by Kris Dayanti, the vocal group IL BIDO—comprising Fofo Sariaatmadja, Amb. Tantowi Yahya, Amb. Kristiarto Legowo and Robert Yonathan—Flashback Band, Luxe Voir, the Armonia Choir, a sasando music performance by young NTT musician Ganzer Lana, and a musical drama from NTT by Pagelaran Sabang Merauke. An auction of items and songs hosted by Hans Huang added to the vibrant atmosphere.

Ganzer Lana expressed his gratitude and pride for the opportunity to participate in the Habitat Charity Concert 2024 “Songs for NTT.” “As a native of NTT, I feel honored and grateful to present NTT’s traditional art, the Sasando musical instrument, at this charity concert. I hope that events like this will continue to be held every year, as many children and families in NTT still need our support.” During the concert, Ganzer Lana performed his original song, “Lalean,” which means paradise. Through this song, he depicted the breathtaking beauty of NTT’s nature and culture.

More than 300 guests attended with great enthusiasm, donating to NTT. They enjoyed the heartwarming music, indulged in a delightful dinner, and visited various booths offering merchandise and products unique to NTT.

The Minister of Transportation of the Republic of Indonesia, Dr. (H.C.) Ir. Budi Karya Sumadi also expressed his appreciation for the charity concert. “This is an awe-inspiring event, with many amazing singers also present here. Especially since we are doing this event to raise funds to improve a region with so much that needs to be fixed. I highly appreciate this effort. I hope this event runs smoothly and sets an example for all Indonesians that we must care for communities in need,” he said.

Susanto emphasized that Habitat for Humanity Indonesia would continue to show its commitment to helping low-income communities in Indonesia through similar events in the future. “We hope that in the future, charity concerts like this will continue to be organized as a form of Habitat Indonesia’s dedication to building many regions in Indonesia. Because Indonesia is us,” he added.

At the end of the event, all the performers of the Habitat Charity Concert 2024 – “Songs for NTT” united in harmony, singing the legendary song “We Are the World.” Their voices resonated with the spirit of togetherness, reminding everyone of the importance of unity and care in helping others. This moment served as a beautiful and meaningful conclusion, symbolizing Habitat Indonesia’s determination to continue serving communities across Indonesia. As an audience, your presence and support have made a significant difference, and you should feel proud and inspired by the impact we’ve made together.

Tangerang, August 28, 2024 – Kakaobank, a leading digital bank from South Korea, is teaming up with Habitat for Humanity Indonesia for the highly anticipated Global Village Volunteering program, scheduled from August 25-28, 2024. This impactful initiative has involved 15 volunteers from Kakaobank Korea actively participating in construction projects in Mauk, Tangerang.

As a pioneer in digital banking, Kakaobank is showcasing its dedication to global community support through this philanthropic endeavor. In this initiative, Kakaobank is donating to build 5 livable homes and an Information and Communication Technology Laboratory (ICT Lab) for SMK Hanjuang, equipped with 21 new computers.

The Global Village Volunteering program emphasizes physical construction and the enhancement of human resources, particularly in education. The newly established ICT Lab will offer students critical access to technology and information essential in today’s digital era. The goal is for SMK Hanjuang students to gain easier access to information and develop skills crucial for their future.

This initiative highlights the synergy between building quality housing and improving education. A safe, stable home provides the foundation for a family to thrive, supporting students in learning more effectively without the barriers of inadequate living conditions. Kakaobank’s contributions to building secure homes and enhancing educational facilities in Mauk will create lasting positive effects for current and future generations.

Susanto, National Director of Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, stated, “We are incredibly grateful for Kakaobank’s support in creating livable homes and educational facilities in Mauk. Their involvement immediately benefits families and students, especially through the new ICT Lab. This project is a significant investment in the future of the community.”

The Principal of SMK Hanjuang, Mrs. Ratu Shodlatul Munifah, S.S, M.Pd, also expressed appreciation, saying, “We are very thankful to Kakaobank and Habitat Indonesia. The new ICT Lab will greatly enhance our students’ digital skills. This project is more than just new facilities; it represents new opportunities and a brighter future for our students.”

The closing ceremony of this initiative take place on August 28, 2024, with the Regent of Tangerang in attendance to show support for this commendable project. Local government participation underscores the vital collaboration between the private sector, non-profit organizations, and government in building a more prosperous community.

A leader of the Kakaobank Business Support Group, Mr. Hayden, stated, “At Kakaobank, we believe that social responsibility is a fundamental aspect of our vision for a better future. By supporting the construction of homes and educational facilities in Mauk, we aim to make a meaningful and sustainable contribution to the community. We also hope it will strengthen our relationships with the international community.”

Through this partnership, Kakaobank and Habitat for Humanity Indonesia aspire to significantly improve the quality of life in the Mauk community, focusing on education and housing.

About Kakaobank

Kakaobank is a digital bank based in South Korea renowned for its technological innovations in banking services. As one of the leading banks, Kakaobank is committed to providing accessible financial services for everyone.

Tangerang, August 27, 2024—Habitat for Humanity Indonesia and AXA Financial Indonesia (AFI), through their AFI Berbagi initiative, organized the Closing Ceremony of the Financial Literacy Program & Waste Management Training and the Kick-Off of the Clean Water Facilities Renovation for low-income families in Kedung Dalem Village, Mauk District, Tangerang Regency on Tuesday (27/8).

From May to August 2024, a series of successful programs were conducted, providing financial literacy and household waste management training to 120 adults, health check-ups for 67 elderly individuals, and financial literacy training and health check-ups for 137 children. These achievements are a testament to the potential for positive change in Kedung Dalem Village.

The primary financial literacy training for housewives covered distinguishing between wants and needs, household financial management, handling online loans, and introducing them to official financial lending institutions.

Additionally, financial literacy training for elementary school children included understanding money and the importance of saving, aiming to help them make wiser spending decisions and build the habit of saving from an early age.

AFI Berbagi’s practical actions continued by empowering the community with the knowledge and skills to manage household waste. The literacy training included initial processes such as storage, collection, sorting, reuse, and final waste processing, all designed to be easily implemented by the community.

AFI Berbagi also launched a program to revitalize clean water facilities in the Kedung Dalem Village residential area as part of AXA Financial Indonesia’s ongoing CSR efforts. This step was taken to enhance the community’s access to clean water, essential for improving the quality of life.

“AXA Financial Indonesia is committed to making a tangible and sustainable contribution to empowering communities through AFI Berbagi. AFI strives to support good health and well-being, quality education, and clean water and sanitation access. We engage in community capacity building, health check-ups, and improvements to public sanitation as part of our involvement to provide financial literacy, environmental awareness, and improve the health of the surrounding community, ensuring a better life,” said Niharika Yadav, President Director of AXA Financial Indonesia, during the event at SDN Kedung Dalem 02, Mauk, Tangerang Regency.

Susanto, National Director of Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, added, “We welcome the collaboration with AXA Financial Indonesia through the financial literacy & waste management program, education and health check-ups, as well as the clean water facilities revitalization program in Kedung Dalem Village. This initiative improves the quality of life and daily well-being of the community and provides better access to sanitation facilities, which will positively impact their lives and health. Through this joint effort, we hope this program will support inclusive and sustainable development, enhancing the quality of life for residents.”

Through strategic collaboration and sustainable programs, Habitat for Humanity Indonesia and AFI believe they can continue improving the community’s quality of life, health, and well-being, particularly in Kedung Dalem Village. This initiative is a tangible step in strengthening support for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals while opening up opportunities for similar partnerships.

In 2016, Mrs. Khusnul began her journey as a reseller in the women’s fashion industry. She aimed to increase her family’s income and support her factory laborer husband.

Initially, Mrs. Khusnul sold women’s clothing straightforwardly, relying solely on word of mouth. However, in 2019, with great courage, she decided to open her small boutique.

At that time, the boutique was quite modest. Mrs. Khusnul utilized a small, makeshift space with walls full of holes and faded paint. The dim atmosphere made it difficult to attract customers, but she remained optimistic that her business would eventually thrive.

Amid the challenges of 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic struck, and Mrs. Khusnul’s income plummeted. However, she found hope in the support of Habitat for Humanity Indonesia. With the help of donors and volunteers, Habitat Indonesia assisted in renovating her boutique, transforming it into a more presentable and appealing space.

They revitalized her once-drab boutique into a modern and inviting shop. The walls were repaired, glass doors were installed, and the essential business fixtures, such as cabinets and display cases, were provided.

Additionally, Mrs. Khusnul received valuable entrepreneurship training, including financial management and product marketing, which significantly contributed to the growth of her business.

“I can’t express my gratitude enough to the Habitat donors who helped me reach where I am today,” she said with deep appreciation during an interview at her newly renovated boutique.

Today, Mrs. Khusnul’s boutique has evolved from selling just women’s clothing to offering abayas and children’s wear. Her income has grown to two million rupiahs per month, and her boutique has expanded into online sales, marking a significant milestone in her entrepreneurial journey.

With renewed enthusiasm, Mrs. Khusnul is determined to continue expanding her business. She is now focused on saving to develop her business further and plans to open a new boutique.