Living in Tanjung Baru Village, South Sumatra, Emi is a mother of four who has long struggled to maintain a safe roof over her head. While two of her children live nearby and another works away from home, their own financial constraints mean they cannot provide much support. Emi lives with her eldest daughter, surviving on income from odd jobs that barely covers their daily necessities.
For years, repairs to their aging home were a luxury they could not afford. The house was built with wooden planks that had become weathered and brittle, with layers of paint peeling away after years of exposure to the elements. Inside, the floor was nothing more than rough, cracked cement. The kitchen and bathroom areas were makeshift structures, shielded only by old, rusted corrugated iron sheets that were riddled with holes.
A new foundation for stability
The path to a safer home began when a local village head introduced Emi’s situation to Tzu Chi volunteers from the Sinar Mas Harmony volunteer group in South Sumatra. Recognizing the urgent need for a habitable living space, volunteers conducted a site assessment and quickly coordinated a renovation plan.
Work began on January 8, 2026. Over the following weeks, volunteers did more than just oversee the project; they integrated themselves into the labor. They assisted in transporting building materials, painting walls, installing door frames, and mixing sand and cement alongside the construction team.
LEFT: Wooden planks used for the original walls were weathered and no longer suitable for living. RIGHT: The previous kitchen and bathroom were only partially covered by old iron sheets. | Photos: Isya Anshori
By February 13, the transformation was complete. The fragile wooden planks were replaced with sturdy brick walls, and the crumbling roof was upgraded to a light steel frame. What was once a dilapidated shack had been turned into a bright, secure home.
LEFT: Volunteers help mix sand and cement for the construction. RIGHT: After a month and a half of renovations, the house has been completely transformed. | Photos: Isya Anshori
The power of the first step
On February 14, 2026, a handover ceremony was held to officially present the keys to Emi. Agus Suharto, the leader of the South Sumatra Concerted Efforts group, attended alongside the village head to celebrate the milestone.
We came here today to hand over this completed house to Emi and her family. We hope that in this more comfortable environment, her life will continue to improve. This is our first time implementing a home renovation project for the underprivileged in this area, so it carries a very deep meaning for us. We hope to extend this love to more places and help more families in the future.— Agus Suharto, Tzu Chi volunteer
LEFT: During the handover on February 14, 2026, volunteer Agus Suharto (third left) joins the local village head (second left). RIGHT: During visits, volunteers helped with tasks such as painting. | Photos: Isya Anshori
Finding peace in a safe home
For Emi, the sight of the finished house was overwhelming. The constant worry about rain leaking through the iron sheets or the stability of the wooden walls had finally been lifted.
I really never expected to receive such help. I am so grateful for everyone’s efforts; the house is much more comfortable than before. I'm grateful to everyone who helped me succeed, and I hope you can continue to help more people in need. — Emi, Homeowner and Beneficiary
The renovation of a single house does more than improve physical living conditions; it provides a sense of security and dignity to a family. As the first project of its kind for the local South Sumatra volunteers, it marks the beginning of a commitment to ensuring that more residents in Tanjung Baru Village can look forward to a future in a safe and stable home.
Written by Isya Anshori
