The project aims to sustainably improve the livelihoods of more than 4,500 people. To achieve this, the water volume of the existing boreholes will be increased through the installation of a solar-powered pump. Photo: Habitat for Humanity Deutschland e.V.

From 2025 to 2028, the Wilo-Foundation is supporting a project by Habitat for Humanity Deutschland e.V. that is being implemented in four villages of the Nglipar subdistrict in Indonesia’s Gunung Kidul region. The aim is to improve access to clean water and to strengthen local communities in adopting sustainable wastewater management solutions.

Improving water and sanitation services

The region is strongly characterized by agriculture and increasingly affected by climate risks. The disposal of untreated wastewater also poses a growing challenge, threatening the quality of groundwater and surface water – with consequences for public health.

The project therefore focuses on rehabilitating and improving the efficiency of communal water systems, as well as constructing rainwater harvesting facilities at schools. Around 720 households and approximately 1,000 children will benefit from these measures. In addition, simple and resource‑efficient methods for greywater treatment are being introduced, and households receive training on the sustainable use of water.

Local fish farming is expected to be carried out using treated greywater in the future. Photo: Habitat for Humanity Deutschland e.V.

Promoting social and economic inclusion

Another key focus of the project is the economic empowerment of women. Eighty women running small businesses receive training, support in obtaining certifications, digital skills workshops, and access to local networks. To ensure long‑term impact, gender working groups are being established, and training on leadership, self‑advocacy, and local planning is offered.

The local water committee monitors the sustainability of the measures. Photo: Habitat for Humanity Deutschland e.V.

The project was developed jointly with local stakeholders — including authorities and community members among others – to ensure a needs‑based and locally adapted implementation. It relies on solutions tailored to local conditions that can be operated independently by the communities over the long term. Water committees, women’s groups, and local initiatives are strengthened to help embed knowledge and responsibility sustainably at the local level.

By promoting resource‑efficient water and wastewater systems, the project also contributes to environmental and groundwater protection and supports communities in better responding to climate‑related risks.