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Indonesia

Where We Work

Indonesia

Indonesia’s vulnerability to natural disasters and the impacts of climate change pose a constant risk to its inhabitants. Millions remain below the poverty line, regional income disparities are high and exploitation of natural resources is intensifying.

The impact of your support in Indonesia

Tarsini leading her savings and loans group

Indonesia

Population: 273.8 million people

Program snapshot: Laz Harfa Economic & Health Development Project

With the support of our local partner, Laz Harfa, this project aims to help vulnerable families increase their income and become economically resilient.
It will also help families stay healthy through initiatives such as improved access to safe drinking water and latrines.

Improved health for vulnerable groups such as women, children and people living with disabilities.

Farmers have a reliable and sufficient income to meet their family’s needs.

Increasing public awareness about hygiene and sanitation.

Women and persons with disabilities have sufficient business income for education and health needs.

Tarsini’s story

Tarsini is a rice farmer who was struggling to make a living in a rural village in Indonesia. With her husband in irregular work and a weak local economy, the couple’s financial future was uncertain and they were forced to take out loans to cover their daily living expenses. This made them vulnerable to high interest and debt - and they experienced periods of extreme poverty. 

Tarsini joined a savings and loans group, facilitated by Caritas Australia and its local partner, Laz Harfa. Here, she participated in financial literacy, accounting and entrepreneurial skills training - invaluable skills in gaining financial stability and independence.  

The impact on Tarsini and her family has been profound. Today, Tarsini is debt-free. She runs her own thriving business and is also teaching financial management to other women in her community. 

“Through the microfinance group we can increase our sense of dignity, improve our wellbeing and people can live in better ways. My past had been painful, therefore I am determined to be useful for others so that no one will experience what I faced.”

Tarsini

Tarsini's Story

Tarsini from Indonesia experienced extreme poverty and crushing debts. With help from people like you, she was able to turn things around and transform her life. She now uses her newfound skills to help others.