EN-ID Blog
Ranta, a resident of Baturaden Village in Karawang Regency, never imagined that today she would enjoy clean water flowing directly into her home. For over 40 years, clean water was a dream that felt far from reality.
“The water pressure is strong, sir. And it’s clean too,” Ranta said joyfully when met at her home.
However, their happiness came after a long and difficult journey. For years, Ranta and hundreds of families in her village were forced to use water from the Citarum River, which was already polluted. This water was used for washing clothes, bathing, sanitation, and even cleaning food for consumption. Unfortunately, the water they relied on became a health hazard. “Skin diseases were common. From itching, tinea versicolor, scabies, to ringworm,” Ranta recalled.
Lukman, a resident of Cicinde Utara Village, shared a similar struggle. As a traditional fish producer, clean water was essential for his business. “My production of pindang fish decreased because it was hard to get clean water, especially during the dry season. Even though we had water from wells, it wasn’t always good; it was often dirty,” Lukman explained.
In Cicinde Utara Village, more than 90 families who depend on pindang fish production faced the same issue. The lack of clean water affected not only their daily lives but also their livelihoods.
Beyond household and economic impacts, the lack of clean water also posed challenges in the education sector. At SDN Wanajaya 1, a public elementary school in Karawang Regency, teacher Estika Mulia often worried about the water used by her students. “We rely on irrigation water from the Cibeet River. But the water is often dirty, especially during the rainy season when it carries runoff from Bogor. I worry about the children getting sick,” she said with concern.
Concrete Steps Toward Change
Seeing this dire situation, Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, in collaboration with Amazon Web Services (AWS), took real action. Through the AWS Water Positive program, they constructed nine clean water access points across four villages in Karawang Regency.
In Baturaden Village, Habitat Indonesia and AWS built four water filtration points utilizing the irrigation flow from the Citarum River. Meanwhile, in Wanajaya Village, one filtration point from the Cibeet River’s irrigation flow was established. Additionally, Cicinde Utara and Lemahmukti Villages now have four drilled wells, ensuring a clean water supply for their residents.
Read also: A Drop of Water, A Million Hopes: Efforts to Build Clean Water Access for Hundreds of Residents
The Karawang Regency Health Office tested all these clean water facilities, ensuring that the water flowing into residents’ homes met quality standards for safe use and consumption.
“On behalf of the government, I would like to express my gratitude to AWS and Habitat for their outstanding support in addressing clean water scarcity in Karawang. We hope that what has been built can be well maintained and provide significant benefits to the community, ultimately improving their quality of life,” said Ridwan Salam, Head of BAPPEDA Karawang Regency, during the inauguration of the AWS Water Positive Project in Baturaden Village (18/2).
A New Life Begins with Clean Water
Today, thousands of residents are feeling the positive impact of this initiative. Their lives have transformed in areas ranging from health to the economy and education.
“We no longer suffer from skin diseases as frequently. My wife now confidently uses the clean water for cooking. My children and grandchildren no longer use dirty river water,” Ranta expressed with gratitude.
Lukman also shared the joy, as his business saw a boost in production. “Our pindang fish production has increased. Now, we can sell more, and our income has risen. This change has really helped my family,” he said.
At SDN Wanajaya 1, clean water has made a significant difference for the students as well. “Now we can teach the children proper handwashing practices. The clean water flows every day, so we no longer worry,” Estika said with a relieved smile.
More Than Just Construction
In addition to providing access to clean water, Habitat Indonesia and AWS also facilitated technical training for local community committees to manage the clean water treatment facilities.
Through small steps and significant collaboration, life in Baturaden, Cicinde, Wanajaya, and Lemahmukti Villages has changed. From the stories of Ranta, Lukman, and Estika, clean water is not just about physical needs—it is about hope and a better future for the entire community.
(kh/av)
