Together, we build homes and hope

With six years to go, the world needs to accelerate its progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals. Currently, only 17% of these goals are likely to be achieved by 2030, according to a meeting of the United Nations General Assembly. To help us get back on track, a recent blog post in the World Economic Forum called for both the public and private sectors to participate.

Such multi-stakeholder participation is characteristic of Habitat for Humanity Indonesia’s Village Improvement Program in Mauk subdistrict, about 50 kilometers west of the capital city Jakarta. The partners include local communities, the provincial and village governments, donors, experts, consultants, and other civil society organizations. In over a decade, more than 25,000 individuals in six villages in Mauk have created better lives through housing.

Junaedi’s story
The year that Habitat began working in Mauk, or 2012, was significant for Junaedi and his wife Melianti. They became homeowners for the first time and welcomed their first child Ghina. They had put off having a child as they were living in overcrowded, unhealthy conditions. Currently, they live in a two-bedroom house in Mauk in Tangerang regency.

For three years, the couple had to share living quarters with seven people in a house belonging to Melianti’s parents. Unsealed and non-plastered, the concrete walls and the floor were susceptible to cracks. It was dusty indoors and abrasive to the touch. During the rainy season, dampness was a problem because of water seeping in through the cracks. They lacked a sanitary toilet without proper plumbing and access to clean, running water.

The opportunity to build their own home came when Junaedi learned about a Habitat for Humanity project from village leaders. After his application to become a future homeowner was accepted, he worked alongside student volunteers from Singapore. He contributed his own labor by assisting the skilled workers and volunteers to build the floor, walls and roof. He also lent a hand in painting and installing siding.

Upon stepping into their newly completed home, Junaedi said, “It felt like a gift from God.” His wife Melianti, who was holding their newborn child, described it as a beautiful start for their family.

Junaedi also received training in basic house maintenance that was conducted by Habitat Indonesia. In 2013, he answered a job ad and joined Habitat Indonesia as a construction assistant, a role that he has held for over a decade.

Contributing to community
“This home is our sanctuary. Without it, I’d still be struggling to save for a better life. Now, I can focus on my family and contribute to the community that helped us,” Junaedi said. He offers guidance to local community members on construction techniques and encourages them to save money and manage their finances for building or improving their own homes.

With a safe, stable home, Junaedi and Melianti could make plans to expand their family. Their second child Jian was born in 2017. Besides saving money for their children’s education, they intend to extend the kitchen and make the living and dining areas more spacious.

“I hope Habitat keeps helping families achieve their dreams of a safe haven and I encourage everyone to support this mission,” Junaedi said.

Besides building better homes, Habitat families in Mauk also increased their access to clean water and proper latrines; constructed community facilities and started home-based micro-enterprises. Local communities have improved their capacity through training in basic construction skills and house maintenance; and enhanced their health and well-being through good hygiene and waste management practices. In addition, Habitat Indonesia raises awareness of the housing need in Indonesia and advocates for policies that increase access to affordable housing. To date, Habitat has worked with more than 200,000 families across Indonesia to build or improve the place they call home.