Volunteer Action
Tangerang, July 22, 2026 – What happens when hundreds of university students from South Korea travel to Indonesia—not for a vacation, but to spend their time building decent homes for families in need?
That was exactly the scene in Rajeg District, Tangerang Regency, where the spirit of collaboration transcended national borders and language barriers, proving that compassion has the power to unite people from all walks of life.
Over six days, from 13–18 July 2026, 120 volunteers—comprised of university students from South Korea and the University of Indonesia—worked side by side to build eight decent homes for eight families. From laying foundations and tying reinforcing steel to constructing walls, every stage of the building process was completed together under the guidance of Habitat for Humanity’s construction team.
The activity, titled “Happy Move,” was part of the Global Village program, a collaboration between Habitat for Humanity Korea and Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, supported by Hyundai Motor Group. Neither the scorching sun nor the physically demanding work diminished the volunteers’ enthusiasm. Instead, every bucket of mixed cement, every brick laid, and every shared laugh with local residents became part of an unforgettable experience.
For Lee, one of the volunteers from South Korea, the experience marked both his first visit to Indonesia and a valuable opportunity to connect with local communities. “This is my first time visiting Indonesia, and I’m very happy to be here. The local community welcomed us with such warmth and kindness. Their hospitality inspired us even more to contribute and share kindness together,” said Lee.
The same spirit was shared by Sekar, a student from the University of Indonesia who joined the program as a volunteer. For her, witnessing the living conditions of local families firsthand reinforced the reality that many households still need support to secure a safe place to live. “After seeing the neighborhood and the condition of the homes here, I truly believe these families deserve this support. Most of them face economic hardship, making it difficult to improve their homes on their own,” she said.
Read also: Photo: 30 BOSCH Volunteers Build Clean Water Access for 40 Homes in Bekasi
The eight beneficiary families in this program belong to the first and second income deciles, representing some of the country’s most economically vulnerable households. Most work as daily wage laborers, earning generally no more than IDR 100,000 per day. Under these circumstances, the dream of owning a decent home is often postponed, as meeting daily necessities remains their highest priority.
For the volunteers, every task they carried out was about far more than constructing walls or laying foundations—it was about creating new hope for the families they were serving. “We hope that what we’re doing here will help improve the quality of life of these families by providing them with a decent home,” said Sekar.
Lee shared the same hope for the future of the families. “We hope that once these homes are completed, each family can begin a new chapter in their lives with a greater sense of security and renewed hope,” he said.
That hope was deeply felt by Suheni, one of the beneficiary homeowners, who struggled to hold back her emotions as she watched her dream home take shape. “I don’t even know what to say. I’m truly overwhelmed with emotion. Thank you so much for helping my family,” Suheni said.
The celebration culminated in a house key handover ceremony held on 17 July 2026. Symbolically, Won Sung Hong, Head of the Corporate Affairs Team at Hyundai Motor Company Asia Pacific, presented the keys to the eight beneficiary families. The event was further enlivened by cultural performances showcasing both Indonesian and South Korean traditions, celebrating the friendship and cultural exchange between the two countries.
The spirit of giving extended beyond the construction site. On the final day of the program, 18 July 2026, the volunteers visited students at MI Nurul Iman, where they shared joyful learning experiences through a variety of educational activities, including making handicrafts, teaching proper handwashing techniques, and playing traditional games together.
Through Global Village Program, homebuilding becomes more than a construction project. It creates opportunities for volunteers from different countries to learn from one another, work together, and build meaningful relationships with local communities. With every home completed, new cross-cultural friendships are formed, the spirit of volunteerism grows stronger, and hope is renewed that collective compassion can help create a better future for more families.
Photo & Writer: Kevin Herbian
(kh/av)
