Jakarta 4^th May, 2008: Nearly two hours distance from Central Jakarta to Sukakarya Sub-District, Bekasi does not weaken the excitement of Habitat volunteers to go for house building in Kendayakan village. More than 40 employees from The Ritz Carlton Jakarta, JW Marriott Hotel, Krispy Kreme and popular artist Bella Saphira join in together to help a construction work. The Ritz Carlton Jakarta had also taken their service by inviting the guests to volunteer with Habitat.  

During the construction of Udin and Suhamdi houses, the volunteers help to demolish the houses, transfer materials and paint roof tiles, among other work. Udin and Suhamdi are the first home partners among six members on their saving group whose houses to be built by Habitat.  They started to join “Save and Build program” in November 2007. “Save and Build” program is Habitat microfinance scheme which the home partners form savings groups to save one-third of the house cost and when that amount is reached, Habitat and its partners contribute the remaining two-thirds of the house cost and construction will then begin. Sukakarya Sub-District is the location where the volunteer work. This is one of the biggest sites under a responsibility of Jakarta Affiliate. The Affiliate has served more that 636 families for “Save and Build” program for Jakarta and surroundings.

Bella Saphira, popular Indonesian artist and one of the today’s volunteers shared her motivation to be part of Habitat volunteers, “I have heard slightly about Habitat before. About a month ago, I attended one occasion and on that occasion, the speaker shared about Habitat. Since the moment I have heard about Habitat and the vision, I know that I need to contribute my time and efforts”.