In the heart of Sukatani Village, Rajeg, in Indonesia’s Banten Province, sixty-eight children call the Amanah Assodiqiyah Orphanage their home. While the building’s exterior appears sturdy, the reality inside tells a different story—overcrowded rooms, leaking roofs, and children sleeping on thin mats on the floor. For these children, the promise of a safer, more comfortable living space is no longer a dream, but a hope now within reach.
A Home in Need
Founded in 2016, the Amanah Assodiqiyah Orphanage has become a sanctuary for children of various ages who have nowhere else to turn. However, as the number of residents has grown, the facility has struggled to keep up. With only nine rooms available, many children have no choice but to sleep on the floor, and the roof’s many holes allow rainwater to seep in, making life even more challenging.
Lina Widiastuti, the orphanage’s director, shared her concerns: “The conditions here are very limited. The rooms leak, and there isn’t enough space. Many children can only sleep on the floor. When I learned that volunteers and the military were willing to come and help, I felt so grateful. I hope this kindness will truly help these children and give them a more secure place to live.”
Planning for a Better Future
On April 11, 2025, a team of volunteers and soldiers from the Indonesian Army’s Korem 052/Wijaya Krama unit arrived at the orphanage. Their visit was met with excitement and warm greetings from the children and staff. Beyond the technical inspection, the day was filled with laughter, introductions, and encouragement, as the visitors took time to connect with the children and offer words of support.
The team quickly began a thorough assessment of the building, measuring spaces and identifying urgent needs. Teksan Luis, the volunteer leading the “Support for the Needy” project, explained, “The environment here is very cramped. There are dozens of children, but only nine rooms. Through this site visit, we plan to help build several new rooms to meet their immediate needs.”
“This partnership will further strengthen the relationship between the military and Tzu Chi volunteers. We hope that through these renovations, we can create a more comfortable living space for the children and ease the burden on the orphanage.”—Colonel Hari Purnomo
LEFT: Orphanage director Lina Widiastuti (left) expresses her gratitude for the support, hoping the renovations will provide the children with a safer home. RIGHT: Volunteers and the project team immediately begin measuring and assessing the building to plan the renovations. | Photos: Arimami Suryo Asmoro | Indonesia | 2025/04/11
A Day of Connection and Encouragement
The visit was not only about construction plans. Volunteers and soldiers spent time with the children, sharing stories, exchanging smiles, and offering blessings. The children, in turn, responded with enthusiasm, their faces lighting up with hope for the changes to come.
“We hope that through this renovation project, the children can grow up in a better environment. We will also work to improve air circulation so the rooms are no longer so stuffy.”— Teksan Luis
For the children of Amanah Assodiqiyah Orphanage, the promise of new rooms and a repaired roof means more than just physical comfort—it is a sign that their well-being matters. As plans move forward, the anticipation grows for a home where every child can sleep safely and dream of a brighter future.
Written by Arimami Suryo Asmoro
Source: 實地勘察與規劃 慈軍合作修繕育幼院
