Habitat Indonesia, in collaboration with LG Energy Solution, implemented a community development program in Wanajaya Village, Teluk Jambe District, West, Karawang Regency. The community development program was filled with volunteer activities with 54 LG Energy Solution employees, building 6 new houses in 4 days. Apart from building houses, the Habitat and LGES collaboration also renovated 1 ECE (Early Childhood Education) school, and provided 1 solar panel to channel water to residents’ homes.

This collaboration between Habitat and LGES Korea is the first to be driven by the same vision and mission: to ensure that society can live more prosperously and sustainably. A series of community development programs in Wanajaya Village closed with a symbolic handover ceremony by Habitat and LGES Korea to the recipients of the houses. Present at the event was the CFO of PT. Hyundai LG Energy Solution Indonesia Mr. Choi Suho, team leader LGES Ms. Park Minji, Habitat Indonesia National Director Susanto Samsudin, Wanajaya Village Head Emin Syaepuddin, and 54 LG Energy Solution employees and volunteers.

Yong Cheol Sung, who is the head of the LG Energy Solutions volunteer team, expressed his joy in participating in the house building activity, “Putting together the bricks one by one will be the beginning of a life full of hope. I know how important houses are and I am proud to be part of this house building activity. This will be an unforgettable moment in my life.”

Habitat’s activity with LG Energy Solution is one of the Global Village activities which have now become a part of Habitat’s routine activities to provide opportunities for volunteers from abroad who want to contribute to developing Indonesia.

In celebration of National Youth Pledge Day on October 28th, Habitat for Humanity Indonesia organized its annual event, 28UILD (to build). This event encourages the younger generation to construct and paint decent houses for low-income society.

28UILD 2023 took place simultaneously in four cities: Tangerang, Surabaya, Yogyakarta, and Batam. Approximately 460 volunteers, including students, employees, and public figures, joined hands with Habitat to construct houses, establish clean water facilities, and paint schools.

In Babulak Sub-Village, Marga Mulya Village, Mauk Sub-District, Tangerang Regency, Banten, Habitat successfully constructed 9 new houses, established a new clean water facility, and beautified 50 houses with the help of 300 volunteers. In the other three cities, Habitat built 1 new house, painted 15 houses and improved 4 kindergartens.

“As we celebrate the tenth year of 28UILD, we aim to inspire more of Indonesia’s youth to cultivate love for their nation. Recognizing the significance of The National Youth Pledge Day in revitalizing Indonesia, we unite the youth to make a positive impact by constructing decent houses,” shared Susanto, the National Director of Habitat for Humanity Indonesia.

Holid Mawardi, the Head of the Mauk Subdistrict in Tangerang Regency, expressed gratitude for the assistance received by his constituents. “For over a decade, Habitat has played a crucial role in enhancing the lives of Mauk residents. Initially, there were few decent houses, but thanks to Habitat’s support, alhamdulillah, now we have well-built homes,” he remarked.  

At 28UILD 2023 in Babulak Sub-Village, we were honored to have the presence of influential public figures known for their impact on the younger generation, including Barry Likumahuwa, Joanna Alexandra, Josh Kunze, Matthew Gilbert, Nadia Tjoa, Olivia Tan, Vanessa Hatter, and Valerie Avril.

“I’m thrilled to have participated in 28UILD. What a unique experience! I had the opportunity to engage in construction activities—sawing, cementing, and arranging bricks. It was truly an extraordinary experience for me! If given the chance, I would have stayed longer. Unfortunately, time is up,” expressed Joanna Alexandra.

Despite the scorching heat, Joanna installed every brick enthusiastically. Her participation in 28UILD became a profound life lesson. “I learned a lot. I was deeply moved when I first arrived here—realizing that not everyone has the privilege of living in a decent house like mine in the city. It’s a lesson that those of us blessed with many privileges should extend a helping hand to those in need.”

Since its initiation in 2012, 28UILD has invited more than 5,000 youth volunteers across Indonesia with various public figures, such as Daniel Mananta, Olivia Jensen, Wulandary Herman, Kelly Tandiono, Indra Bekti, Gilang Bhaskara, Prilly Latuconsina, Cameo Project, Okky Alparessi, and Han Chandra. They join our movement to build homes and to build lives.

Habitat remains committed to realizing residents’ dreams of living independent, secure, and sustainable lives, particularly for low-income families. Leading up to 28UILD 2023, Habitat has served hundreds of families, impacting the lives of 195,000 families over 26 years in Indonesia.

Key news highlights: 

• Mowilex is working with Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, the National Carpentry Council, and the Vocational Training Centre to support a Tukang (craftsman) certification. 
• The three-year program will provide job skills and economic opportunities for 210 participants. 
• Mowilex is investing funds, donating paint and providing volunteers for the program. 

JAKARTA, Indonesia, Sept. 27, 2023 — PT Mowilex Indonesia (Mowilex), a leading producer of premium paints and wood coatings, is partnering with Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, the National Carpentry Council, and the Vocational Training Centre on a three-year program to certify highly qualified Tukang (craftsmen). 

Habitat for Humanity funding supports the program that will train 210 low-income participants from Indonesia’s Tangerang Regency, including painters, applicators and other beginner construction worker. Mowilex is donating funds, paint and volunteer hours, while the Vocational Training Centre is leading classroom sessions. The National Carpentry Council will oversee on-the-job training experiences and award an applicators’ certification to students who successfully complete the 10-day training. 

The investment will bring much-needed professionals to the industry. The Ministry of Public Works and Housing (PUPR) says fewer than one million of Indonesia’s 8.3 million building tradespeople are certified. Certification makes workers more competitive in a global marketplace. It also opens job opportunities that help low-income workers achieve financial independence. 

“Habitat for Humanity is a global leader that helps families attain the stability and independence they need to build better lives, and Mowilex is honored to be selected as their partner in this project. Together with the National Carpentry Council and the Vocational Training Centre, we are educating young people for gainful employment. As this program improves overall paint application quality, it also lifts people out of poverty and benefits entire communities,” says Niko Safavi, CEO of PT Mowilex Indonesia. 

“We know that in Indonesia, the number of certified construction workers is still small. The implementation of this certified training program is an effective step. In addition to supporting the government to produce skilled construction workers to build better houses, this training is expected to increase the workers’ income in the future. We appreciate Mowilex’s support in launching this training program,” said Susanto Samsudin, National Director of Habitat for Humanity Indonesia. 

The first nine days of training explore theory and practice. On day 10, participants take a related certification exam. The certification equips builders and applicators with the knowledge to construct sturdy commercial and residential structures that meet the standards of building material manufacturers. 

Learn more about Mowilex’s ESG programs and products at Mowilex.com. 

About PT Mowilex Indonesia 

PT Mowilex Indonesia (Mowilex), a subsidiary of Asia Coatings Enterprises, Pte. Ltd., is a leading producer of premium paints and coatings. Since launching the first Indonesian-made, water-based paints in 1970, the company has expanded its commitment to environmental ethics, equality, community and innovation. PT Mowilex is Indonesia’s only certified carbon neutral manufacturer, producing zero and low VOC paints in modern colours, and the company regularly wins awards for its corporate social responsibility and sustainability efforts.

On Wednesday, September 13th, 2023, 15 volunteers from various countries, including Saudi Arabia, France, the United States, and the Netherlands, dedicated their time and energy to building a decent house in Kedung Dalem Village, Mauk, Tangerang. The house belongs to Ms. Siti Raenah, a single mother supporting her five children through informal work. Mr. Suryadi, the head of Kedung Dalem Village, expressed the residents’ enthusiasm for the arrival of the volunteers.

Despite the scorching sunlight and heat, the volunteers’ spirit and enthusiasm remained unwavering. They worked tirelessly together on tasks like building walls and the wiring process to support the reconstruction of Ms. Siti’s house.

However, the bricks used in the construction process were provided by Rebricks, which utilizes recycled plastic material. To build a house, approximately 470 kilograms of previously rejected plastic waste were repurposed.

After completing the volunteering activity, the volunteers gathered for lunch and a get-together. During this time, representatives from Rebricks also joined the group and briefly presented their products.

The volunteering event was a resounding success, thanks to the dedicated efforts of our amazing volunteers. Their enthusiasm, hard work, and commitment to our cause filled the Home-Partners with hope and excitement for the future as we look forward to maintaining a strong and lasting partnership with these remarkable individuals.

Since Habitat for Humanity Indonesia was found in 1997, HFHI has invited various parties, ranging from government and private organizations, to support the need for adequate housing in Indonesia. This collaboration has brought change and improved the quality of life of the Indonesian people, especially in Habitat for Humanity Indonesia’s service areas.

This movement was recognized again on Saturday, September 23 2023, where Habitat for Humanity Indonesia held a building activity called the sixth Ambassador Build. This activity involved various important figures, such as the American Ambassador and leaders of American companies in Indonesia, who enthusiastically helped in developing the lives of home-partners in Bebulak Village, Marga Mulya Village, Mauk District, Tangerang.

The event was enlivened by the presence of participants from various impressive backgrounds, namely: the American Ambassador in Indonesia, the Honorable Ambassador Kim Sung Yong, the Head of Marga Mulya village, the Head of the Sector Police, the Military General Command, as well as all regional officials, police, and local military units. Important figures from Habitat for Humanity Asia-Pacific also attended the event, such as Mr. Luis Noda and Mrs. Ana Narag. Other special guests were Pastor Tommy Pacatang and Mr And Simangunsong, Habitat Indonesia Advisory Board. Supporting Habitat’s vision and mission in this event, IDC Habitat for Humanity Indonesia members, such as Mr. Jimmy Marin, Mr. Jens Reisch, Mrs. Kwik Wan Tien, and Mrs. Luce Kwee also participated as participants in the Ambassador Build event.

After the Habitat Indonesia Team carried out a safety briefing and warm-up with the participants, the volunteers moved down to the construction site where they worked together to build 4 houses belonging to local residents. The participants were divided into 4 groups according to the number of houses, where 2 groups carried out foundation construction work and the other 2 groups built walls. The hot sun did not dampen the enthusiasm of the participants who took part in various house construction activities that day.

Through this activity, the volunteers participated directly in improving the quality of life of the people of Mauk, Tangerang. It is hoped that this assistance for livable houses can open up opportunities for collaboration in the future to build more decent houses for families in need in Indonesia.

Habitat for Humanity Indonesia seized the opportunity to open a booth at the seminar, aiming to inform and invite participants to actively participate in humanitarian programs. Additionally, we showcased Habitat merchandise as event mementos, including items like tumblers, pouches, hoodies, t-shirts, umbrellas, and more. The enthusiasm of the attendees to support Habitat financially and through other means was evident.

Let’s support Habitat for Humanity Indonesia to build more decent houses for low-income families through the Habitat Crew Program by registering at:   https://form.jotform.com/80521506673454

You can also support our missions by buying our merchandise here: https://oldweb.habitatindonesia.org/storage/2023/04/Habitat%20Merchendise%202.pdf

In order to provide information and assess the development of children, it is essential to have Health Integrated Centers within the community. Furthermore, it is mandatory for parents to bring their children to these centers regardless of their location. Ideally, each village should have at least two well-qualified, standardized Health Integrated Centers.

Tegalega village, located in the Ciampel sub-district of Karawang regency, had only one Health Integrated Center. Not only was it insufficient, but there were also concerns about the physical condition and quality of the center. Despite its long existence, the center’s floor was made of dirt, raising the risk of imminent collapse. To mitigate the risk of potential disasters caused by its poor condition, an agreement was reached between the local government and the residents. As a result, the health center was demolished, and all activities were relocated to the house of Suyadi, a resident who generously offered assistance voluntarily.

Since the announcement of the reconstruction of the Health Integrated Center by Habitat Indonesia with the support of Amazon Web Services (AWS), the residents have responded with great enthusiasm. As construction began, the residents continued to provide assistance day and night, whether it was during land clearing or roof construction.

With the opening of the new Health Centre, the assistance provided to mothers and children in the village has significantly improved. Mothers can now easily monitor their children’s weight. In contrast to the previous Health Centre’s condition, where only about 50% of the babies in Tegalega village were brought in for health check-ups, the construction of the new Health Centre has resulted in nearly 100% of the babies being brought in by their mothers for check-ups. The elderly also visit the Health Centre more frequently now that it has been renovated. Suwarti Priyanti, the cadre leader, remarked, “At the end of the day, the Health Centre is not only a place for health assistance but also serves as a gathering place for the Water Committee during their occasional meetings.”

Hopefully, the new, decent health centers in Gunung Putri Village could support the development of healthy children for a better future. With these improvements, the residents of Tegalega Village can become a stronger and more resilient community, fostering a healthier life for future generations.

Written by:

Edwin Manahan – Community Organizer of Habitat for Humanity Indonesia (Karawang Project)

The first time Medco Energi staff attended Habitat for Humanity Indonesia’s volunteering activity was during the birthday celebration of MedcoEnergi on June 9, 2023. The event left a deep impression on the volunteers. Thus, MecoEnergi held another volunteering event with Habitat Indonesia on August 12, 2023.

In addition to the staff, the main commissioner of MedcoEnergi, Ms. Yani Panigoro, attended the event along with her son, Mr. Yaser Raimi Panigoro, and the Chief Administrative Officer, Mr. Amri Siahaan.

With the theme of “We Repair Houses for Better Living”, the Medco Energy Volunteer Day event took place in Babulak Sub-Village, Marga Mulya Village, Mauk, Tangerang. The volunteers were assigned to paint ten houses belonging to the families who received housing assistance from the first MedcoEnergi Volunteer Day last June.

The volunteers enthusiastically participated in the event, closely supervised by Habitat Indonesia’s Mauk team. This event marked the completion of the previous building activity, during which the volunteers had worked on the house’s foundation and walls. By the end of the day, the volunteers successfully finished the painting.

Mr. Saudin, one of the home partners who received assistance, expressed his gratitude to the volunteers, saying, “I couldn’t have dreamed of owning a house like this on my own due to financial challenges. Through this program, I now live in peace and comfort. My home used to leak in the past.’’

The event not only provided a new experience but also allowed MedcoEnergi Volunteers to share precious moments, especially since they were assisting numerous families. The hope is that this event strengthens the bond among MedcoEnergi staff and instills a sense of new hope in the families they have assisted.

Habitat for Humanity Indonesia and Prudential Indonesia jointly organized the inauguration ceremony of Desa Maju Prudential Bogor on August 19, 2023. The event was held in Gunung Putri Village, a sub-village of Gunung Putri, Bogor. This program marked the expansion of the initial phase of Desa Maju Prudential, which was previously established in Mauk, Tangerang.

Rudi Nadapdap, the Senior Operations Manager of Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, and Michellina Laksmi Triwardhany, the President Director of PT. Prudential Life Assurance, with Prudential Indonesia’s management team and local government officials, including Didin, the Head of Gunung Putri District, and Daman Huri, the Head of Gunung Putri Village, were present at the event. They were joined by over 150 volunteers who were part of Prudential Indonesia’s staff and agents, making the event vibrant and filled with enthusiasm.

Numerous activities took place that day, starting with the groundbreaking ceremony, followed by house construction activities, health check-ups, children’s financial literacy training and disaster mitigation training.

Over the course of one year, the Desa Maju Prudential program aims to complete the construction of 15 new houses, renovate 10 existing houses, build 38 individual toilets, establish 2 Integrated Healthcare Centers, and create 10 business centers for the residents of Gunung Putri Village.

In addition to the health facilities and infrastructure establishment, the Desa Maju Prudential Bogor Program will enhance the residents’ capacity in response to the COVID-19 pandemic by providing Hygiene training to 400 individuals, entrepreneurship training to 50 participants, and vocational training to a group of 10 chosen individuals.

In every program organized by Habitat for Humanity Indonesia and Prudential Indonesia, we aim for the people of Gunung Putri Village to lead peaceful, safe, independent lives, blessed with a bright future.

On Wednesday, August 30th, Habitat for Humanity Indonesia organized an event titled Indonesia Housing Forum 2023. The event was carried on as the remembrance of the National Housing Day on August 25th, 2023, where everyone who is a part of the Housing Sector in Indonesia joined in a discussion to seek a continuous and affordable solution to decent housing. Indonesia Housing Forum 2023 was a Hybrid Seminar, where the offline location took place in the medical school hall of Indonesia University.

The event, centered around the theme of “Building inclusive, continuous, and affordable housing for all,” was the outcome of a collaboration involving several stakeholders. These included government representatives, such as the General Director of the Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing of the Republic of Indonesia, academic institutions like the Civil Engineering Department of Indonesia University, as well as organizations like Real Estate Indonesia and various private housing sectors.

During the event, Ms. Dana Kusumastuti, the General Director of the Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing of the Republic of Indonesia, served as the keynote speaker and shared valuable insights. She emphasized the significance of collaborative efforts from various stakeholders to improve access to decent housing for all segments of society, tailored to their specific needs and capabilities. Ms. Dana Kusumastuti stated, ”Through this event, we have gained the awareness necessary to implement the right solutions for housing-related challenges and promote decent housing ownership.

Within each session, the speakers delivered all the presentations expertly to discuss various modern issues and solutions to the national or global housing sector, such as the regulation for housing access, collaboration between multi-parties for affordable housing, mitigation and adaptation to climate change, and housing payment diversification. Habitat Indonesia awarded a plaque and certificate to the speakers as an appreciation for their participation in this event.

Mr. Susanto, the national director of Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, hoped that there would be various innovative ideas birthed to be the solution to housing issues in Indonesia through the movement, “Our hope, at least we could lessen the housing issues in Indonesia by 30% through Indonesia Housing Forum and the development of decent housing could improve significantly.” He said.