EN-ID Blog
Gresik, July 5, 2025 – The hope of owning a safe and decent home is no longer just a dream for 100 families in Gresik Regency. Through the collaboration between Habitat for Humanity Indonesia and PT Arthawenasakti Gemilang, 100 decent housing units have been successfully built across two areas: Benjeng and Wringinanom Subdistricts.
This milestone was symbolically marked at the closing ceremony of PT Arthawenasakti Gemilang’s third year of CSR programs, held at the Sooko Village Office in Wringinanom (5 July). The event was attended by Arief Widyastono, Senior Production Head of Plant A2 Malang at PT Arthawenasakti Gemilang; Soetrisno, Head of Sooko Village; representatives from Habitat for Humanity Indonesia; and hundreds of local residents and program beneficiaries.
According to the latest data from the Gresik Regency Office of Housing and Settlements (2023), there are still 6,608 uninhabitable homes in the region. Nationally, the housing ownership backlog is estimated to reach 15 million units by 2025, according to Deputy Minister of Public Works and Housing Fahri Hamzah, citing data from BPS (Statistics Indonesia).
Recognizing this challenge, Habitat Indonesia and PT Arthawenasakti Gemilang have continued to strengthen their synergy to address the issue of substandard housing. In its third year (2024–2025), the program introduced several key interventions that go beyond physical construction to include capacity building and community empowerment.
The interventions carried out include:
- Construction of 100 new decent homes in Benjeng and Wringinanom Subdistricts
- Healthy home and basic construction training for 100 beneficiary families
- Skills training and certification for 30 local construction workers to enhance job opportunities
- Disaster risk management training to help residents prepare for natural hazards
- A joint workshop with the Gresik government to improve coordination and sustainability
- A multi-stakeholder learning workshop to evaluate impact and share strategies
- Case studies and impact assessments for program effectiveness
- A disaster vulnerability study to inform risk-based interventions
- Employee volunteering involving 100 PT Arthawenasakti Gemilang staff directly building homes with the community
These efforts are designed to ensure that the program does not merely focus on physical structures but also supports self-reliance, economic resilience, and improved wellbeing among the beneficiaries.
Read also: The Collaborative Action of Arthawena Volunteers in Building Decent Homes
The partnership between PT Arthawenasakti Gemilang and Habitat for Humanity Indonesia began in 2017. In its first phase (2017–2020), the program successfully delivered 90 decent homes, 30 clean water access points, and 225 household toilets for underserved communities.
The collaboration continued into its second phase (2023–2024), resulting in the construction of an additional 80 homes and six water access facilities in Kesambenkulon and Sooko Villages, Gresik Regency.
To date, by the third year, the program has delivered a total of 270 decent homes and 36 clean water facilities—making it one of the most impactful and sustainable CSR initiatives in the region.
Arief Widyastono of PT Arthawenasakti Gemilang expressed his gratitude, saying, “We are here as part of our company’s CSR commitment. We believe that even the smallest act of kindness, when done together, can create a significant impact. We hope these homes bring better lives to the families, and we look forward to continuing our collaboration with Habitat Indonesia into the future.”
Meanwhile, Village Head Soetrisno conveyed his heartfelt appreciation: “On behalf of the families in this village, I extend our deepest thanks to PT Arthawenasakti Gemilang. This support has led our community toward a more dignified life.”
Sumarni, one of the beneficiaries, shared how the program has transformed her life. “I am so grateful. Now I have a proper house—no more leaks, no more muddy floors, and no more embarrassment of having to use relatives’ toilets. This home has truly restored my family’s dignity.”
This program stands as tangible proof that partnerships between the private sector and social organizations can offer sustainable solutions to fundamental community challenges. A home is not merely a building—it is a foundation of hope, dignity, and a more secure future for families across Indonesia.
Through long-term commitment and collaborative efforts, more Indonesian families can finally access their basic right: to live in a safe and decent home.
(kh/av)
