Indonesia's water and sanitation crisis

With a population of 273 million people, Indonesia is the fourth most populous country in the world and claims Southeast Asia’s largest economy. The capital, Jakarta, continues to expand as an international hub; however, rural communities and residents of informal settlements in urban areas struggle in terms of poor health and infrastructure. For many households, water sources are distant, contaminated or expensive, and household sanitation is unaffordable.

About 18 million Indonesians lack safe water and 20 million lack access to improved sanitation facilities. Fortunately, there is a growing microfinance sector serving low-income households across the country, and they are recognizing that financing for water supply and sanitation is a growing need.

In Indonesia and around the world, people are navigating the COVID-19 pandemic, and millions are striving to endure this crisis with an added challenge. They lack access to life’s most critical resource – water. Now more than ever access to safe water is critical to the health of families in Indonesia.

3.4 M 3.4 million people reached
26 26 partners
679 K 679,000 loans disbursed by our partners
  • Stories of Impact

    Mumina's family still has access to safe water

    When she’s not sewing to support her family's income, Mumina gardens a small vegetable bed, launders clothing, and cares for her children. This life—time to sew, water for clean laundry and fresh food, Mumina’s happiness—it is made possible by access to safe water. Something Mumina has known for a few years now, but at one time, she thought was impossible.

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    Mumina at home
  • Stories of Impact

    To making a house a home

    Mherindalee’s home is important to her. It’s where her family lives, works, plays, and rests. The water flowing from Mherindalee’s kitchen tap means now she has time - time to care for her home, time to play with her children, and time to make her family’s favorite dishes.

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    To making a house a home
  • Stories of Impact

    Sariati's water crisis is over

    For generations, women in Sariati’s family faced an impossible choice when it came to giving their families water - certain death without water, or possible death from consuming unsafe water. For these women in Indonesia and millions of others around the world, collecting water would take up to six hours each day.

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    Sariati

To help us reach more people in need of safe water and sanitation in Indonesia, donate today.

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