Mirage to Oasis
The year 2023 became the hottest year ever recorded, with global temperatures surpassing the previous record set in 2016. Driven in part by a strong El Niño event, prolonged drought affected communities across Indonesia, leaving many regions struggling with severe water shortages.
One of those communities was Dusun Cimandala in Bogor Regency, West Java. More than 500 households suddenly found themselves facing a reality in which clean water—once part of everyday life—became increasingly scarce. Wells dried up, rivers became unreliable, and many residents were forced to queue for hours each day just to collect enough water for their families.
Madi, the local neighborhood chief, described the situation simply:
"Some of our residents have to queue with hundreds of neighbors just to collect water from a drying well. Others are forced to rely on the remaining dirty river water for drinking, cooking, and bathing."
For seven months, from November 2023 to May 2024, I documented the community's journey as they worked alongside Habitat for Humanity Indonesia to build a sustainable clean water system. Together, residents dammed four natural springs, constructed a reservoir in the Paniisan Mountains, and laid pipelines across rugged terrain to deliver clean water to more than 500 households.
Over time, the construction site became more than a place where infrastructure was built. It became a place where neighbors worked side by side, carrying materials across forests and steep hillsides in pursuit of a shared goal.
More than a story about infrastructure, this project is a story of perseverance, solidarity, and hope. Every length of pipe carried through the forest, every trench dug into the hillside, and every drop of clean water flowing today reflects the determination of a community that chose to build its future together.
Disclaimer: These photos have been approved by all parties involved. The project is fully supported by Habitat for Humanity Indonesia Foundation.