Stories of Change
Sabu Raijua, June 12, 2026 – Mornings on Sabu Island often begin with dust. During the dry season, strong winds carry dried leaf fragments from the deteriorating roof of Joni’s house. The floor has to be swept repeatedly every day, yet dust still enters through the gaps in the fragile plywood walls.
A few months ago, Joni’s youngest child, only three months old, fell ill with acute respiratory infection (ARI). Inside the small house, the air felt stuffy due to the lack of windows for proper ventilation. When strong winds blew, dust from the roof continued to fall into the house. “When the wind is strong at night, we are afraid the children will struggle to breathe,” Joni said.
Joni’s story reflects the situation faced by many families on Sabu Island, East Nusa Tenggara. The region recently experienced an extreme drought lasting 128 days without rain, more than twice the national extreme drought threshold according to BMKG in 2025. The prolonged dry season has made communities increasingly vulnerable to health issues and poor housing conditions.
The condition of Joni’s house before it was rebuilt into a decent home in Sabu Raijua, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. Photo: HFHI Team
In East Nusa Tenggara alone, the incidence of acute respiratory infections (ARI) reaches 36.3%. Poorly ventilated houses, deteriorating roofs, and inadequate sanitation are among the factors increasing the risk of respiratory illnesses, especially for children and the elderly.
In Sabu Liae District, where Joni lives, 23,809 families are still living in inadequate housing. Many homes are built with makeshift materials and are unable to provide safe protection from extreme heat, dust, and unpredictable weather conditions.
Amid these challenges, Joni continues his work as a mentor at a local church’s Children Development Center (PPA). With an income of around IDR 1 million (approximately USD 56.58) per month, he and his wife strive to meet the needs of their three children. When most of their income is spent on daily necessities and medical expenses when their children fall sick, improving their home becomes something out of reach.
“The roof often leaked and there was so much dust. But at that time, we didn’t know where to start,” he said.
A portrait of Joni’s family in front of their home after it was rebuilt into a decent house in Sabu Raijua, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. Photo: HFHI Team
When the housing improvement program reached his area, Joni decided to fully participate. He completed the required documents and began collecting river stones on his own for the foundation of his new house. For Joni, the house is not just a new building. It is an opportunity for his children to grow up healthier.
Today, their home has stronger walls, a safer roof, and ventilation that allows better airflow. Dust no longer fills the house every day. “I feel relieved now that the children rarely cough. We also sleep more peacefully,” Joni said.
The change is clearly felt in their daily lives. Money that was previously often spent on medicine is now set aside for the children’s education and nutrition. Joni is also no longer haunted by worry every time the dry season comes or when strong winds blow.
For many families on Sabu Island, a decent home is more than just shelter. A healthy home helps children stay healthy, enables parents to maintain their livelihoods, and gives families the chance to think about their future with greater peace of mind. In regions increasingly vulnerable to extreme weather, a safe home is also the first line of protection for families facing the impacts of climate change.
For Joni, that change began with one simple thing: a home where his children can breathe more easily.
Writer: Astridinar Vania
(av/kh)
