Volunteer Action
Tangerang, April 18, 2026 — That morning, sunlight slowly filtered through the gaps of a white tent set up at a decent housing construction site in Mauk, Tangerang Regency, Banten. The air felt warm—not only because of the rising sun, but also due to the energy of dozens of volunteers who were ready to begin their day in a way that was different from their usual routine.
A total of 40 volunteers from Yayasan IES Jakarta came together with a shared purpose: to take part directly in building decent homes alongside Habitat for Humanity Indonesia. For many of them, it was their first time stepping onto a construction site, handling building tools, and contributing tangibly to the process of home construction.
The activity, titled “Building Hearts,” held on Saturday, April 18, 2026, became a space not only for giving but also for learning and experiencing. Before starting, all participants attended a safety briefing and a warm-up session—an important step to ensure that all activities would run safely, especially for volunteers unfamiliar with physical fieldwork.
Afterward, the volunteers were divided into four groups. Two groups were assigned to dig the foundations, while the other two began building the walls of the houses. What seemed like simple tasks became the foundation for meaningful change for four beneficiary families who had long been living in difficult conditions.
These families are part of low-income communities, working primarily as daily laborers with earnings of no more than IDR 1,500,000 per month. With such limited income, they had been forced to live in inadequate housing. However, through continued support from Yayasan IES Jakarta volunteers since 2023, they are now among 56 families given the opportunity to own safer and more decent homes.
Read also: Sowing Second Hopes with IES Jakarta Through Decent Home
Under the midday sun, the atmosphere at the construction site was vibrant. Volunteers worked side by side, helping one another, often accompanied by laughter and lighthearted conversations that eased the intensity of the work. Tasks such as digging soil or installing building materials—once unfamiliar—became deeply meaningful experiences.
One volunteer, Markus, who has participated in this activity for the third time, shared that being directly involved in the field gave him a new perspective on what it means to give.
“For me, this activity is a real example of how we can participate and contribute to others. Through building these homes, I hope the families who receive them can truly improve their quality of life in the future,” he said.
A similar sentiment was expressed by Rajib, another volunteer, who sees the construction of these homes as the beginning of a greater transformation for the beneficiary families.
“I believe this home can be a strong foundation for a better life. With decent housing, these families will have greater opportunities to grow, including providing a better future for their children,” Rajib added.
This activity serves as a reminder that change does not always have to begin with grand actions. In fact, simple efforts carried out together can create a far-reaching impact. Although the activity lasted only until midday, the experience gained by the volunteers extended far beyond the hours they spent on-site.
More than just building houses, the day was about building empathy, broadening perspectives, and experiencing firsthand how a decent home can transform lives.
In the coming weeks, the four beneficiary families will soon move into their new homes—homes that are not only structurally stronger but also bring a sense of safety, comfort, and renewed hope.
May these homes mark the beginning of better lives—places where each family member can rest peacefully, share warmth, and look toward the future with optimism.
Photo: HFHI/Astridinar Vania
Writer: Kevin Herbian
(kh/av)
