Indonesia

Indonesia Girl Water

Our Solutions

Our work in the arid parts of Bali & Sumba makes transformational change across these key areas:

Safe Water

We build rainwater tanks, harvest springs, and provide water filtration systems.

Sanitation

We build toilets at schools.

Hygiene

We educate communities on basic hygiene practices.

Menstrual Health

We educate schoolgirls about menstrual management, hygiene, breaking stigma, building sisterhood and reusable pad-making.

Historical Context

In every country Surge works, we pay close attention to the remnants of the colonial past and take steps to ensure that our work is an active part of decolonization.

The 17,000+ islands in the Indonesian archipelago boast significant natural, cultural, ethnic, religious and linguistic diversity. Indonesia has been subjected to colonial control through most of its history, mostly by the Dutch since the 16th century through 1942, and then by the Japanese until 1945. Indonesia wasn’t free of foreign control until it fought its way to independence in 1949 from the Dutch. Domestic political violence followed as did economic
instability, social unrest, corruption, and terrorism.

In spite of this history, Indonesia is a growing country of talented, hard-working people with vibrant ideas about how to address the challenges they face.

The Issue Addressed

In a country of 275 million people, over 30 million people lack access to safe water and more than 70 million people lack access to improved sanitation. Our work is focused in Sumba Tengah, Sumba and in the arid villages of Bali, including Seraya Timur in Karangasem.

In these communities, in the dry season many streams and springs dry up so villagers must travel several kilometers, multiple times a day, to fetch water from scarce water supplies in wells, open springs and rivers. In some situations, purchasing water is the only choice, which places an economic burden on many families and contributes to pollution and plastic waste.

We work hand in hand with community-based organizations and local leaders to help deliver their solutions to secure safe water and support menstrual health and hygiene.

Our Work

Latest updates in 'Indonesia'

Ketut Rostin

I used to walk quite far to collect water before, now we can fill our tank and have it right at home. Everything is different and easier for us and our 3 children. I can wash clothes, feed the cows and even make carpets to sell

Ketut Rostin
Holur Kombata School

We are grateful for the help that has arrived in this school. Paying attention to the school’s hygiene was difficult, because water is far away. Now, the school’s hygiene is fulfilled. We, as villagers and as school committees, are very proud of this gift.

Mr. Ohal
Pak Wayan Sari

Since the creation of the new system, life has improved. Before, the water was inside the forest. Life was hard and we had to go to the forest often because the small tank we had was not enough. We went to the forest together and queued to get water. Often, we stayed there until 3am before heading back with the buckets. In total, it took us 3 hours – 1.5 hours up and 1.5 hours down. With the new system now, it’s much easier and we don’t have to carry water long distances.

Pak Wayan Sari

Testimonials

Stories that Connect Us

Every story of change inspires us. It reminds us that no matter our background, we’re all connected by a shared humanity – we’re mothers, fathers, daughters & sons – and we all need access to life’s basic needs to survive and thrive. Each person and community featured has owned their transformation and they continue to motivate us to work hand in hand with them to help create a happier world!

Our Field Partners in Indonesia

Surge is led by a highly committed, experienced, global team – dedicated to our mission

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I Made Chakra Widia

Founder, Tri Hita Karana, Indonesia

Lorensius Gatot Widyartoak

Lorensius Gatot Widyartoak

Founder, YLRA, Indonesia

Monica Anitya Delmuti

Monica Anitya Delmuti

Program Manager, YLRA, Indonesia