EN-ID Blog
In a quiet corner of a village in Gresik Regency, a mother named Suparlik (52) lives with her only daughter. Since her husband passed away three years ago, life has moved at a slower pace. Every day, she struggles to make ends meet—working as a farm laborer, selling getuk (a traditional Indonesian cassava cake) door-to-door, and running a small food stall in front of her aging parents’ house.
For Suparlik, every rupiah she earns isn’t just money—it’s an expression of love for her daughter, who is still in high school, and a simple hope to keep life going.
But behind her determination, there’s a reality not many people see. Her fragile house was full of discomfort. A termite-eaten kitchen, a toilet without a door, and bamboo walls that were close to collapse made every night filled with fear.
“At night, I’m the most scared,” she said quietly. “I’m so afraid someone might peek in. I hold off going to the kitchen or bathroom until the morning. I’ve cried over it.”
Her living conditions weren’t just physically draining—they also slowly chipped away at her spirit. She often delayed her morning activities, waiting for daylight before she dared to move. Many times, she opened her food stall late in the day.
Amid all this, her biggest concern remained her daughter’s future. “She wants to continue school, to go to college,” Suparlik said softly, her eyes welling with tears. “But I don’t know how I’ll ever afford it.”
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That hope finally came in mid-2024, when Habitat for Humanity Indonesia, along with donors and volunteers, arrived in Sooko Village, Wringinanom District. They rebuilt uninhabitable homes—including Suparlik’s. The kitchen and bathroom that once brought fear were transformed into safe, clean spaces.
“I’m so happy and grateful. I never thought I could have a kitchen this good. Alhamdulillah, I’m not dreaming,” Suparlik said emotionally. “I’m deeply thankful to Habitat and the donors. I have nothing to repay this.”
Since then, Suparlik’s days have changed. She wakes up early without fear, starts selling getuk at 3 a.m., and opens her stall earlier than before. Her income has started to increase.
“Alhamdulillah, by 8 a.m., my goods are sold out, and I can open my stall earlier. Little by little, this has improved my income,” she said.
With this change, Suparlik is reigniting the dream she once put aside—saving for her daughter’s college education. A dream that once seemed distant now feels within reach.
Suparlik’s story reflects the truth that a decent home is more than just a place to live—it’s a foundation of hope, a starting point for change, and a space to grow stronger. Habitat for Humanity Indonesia believes every family deserves a safe, healthy, and dignified home.
Through shelter, peace grows. From peace comes courage. And with courage, the future can be rebuilt. Help us pave the way for more families like Suparlik’s. Build a decent home, and build hope through www.habitatindonesia.org/donate.
(kh/av)
