Jakarta

SOS Children’s Villages supports individual children, young people and families so that they can thrive (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Indonesia).

Jakarta is the capital of Indonesia and is located on the northwest coast of the island of Java. Around 10 million people live in this city, making it the largest city in Southeast Asia. Jakarta offers many business opportunities, and has a higher standard of living than the rest of Indonesia, thus attracting many migrants. However, the city is struggling with the illegal use of groundwater and is slowly sinking year after year. In addition, about 65,000 people in Jakarta are suffering from HIV/AIDS. Children are particularly affected by the difficult living conditions resulting from the lowering of the groundwater level as well as the infection with HIV/AIDS.

Since 1984, SOS Children’s Villages has been supporting children, young people and families and advocating for their rights in Jakarta.

65,000
People in Jakarta live with HIV

Children vulnerable for HIV/AIDS

HIV/AIDS is still a major issue in Indonesia. An approximate 540,000 people live with HIV in the country, and more specifically 19,000 children. Specifically in Jakarta, 65,000 people live with HIV. 3000 people die annually due to AIDS, which is 10% of all AIDS-related deaths in Indonesia. The country’s national strategy aims to end AIDS by 2030. Not only do people suffer from the illness, they can also suffer from social stigma and discrimination. Especially children, having lost one or two parents due to AIDS, can be confronted with stigmatization, need to fend for themselves, grow up alone or care for siblings.

15cm
The amount that Jakarta is sinking every year

Jakarta is sinking

Jakarta is one of the fastest-sinking cities in the world. If nothing changes, the city could be submerged by 2050. Not only is the city built on swampy land, it is also located next to the sea and thirteen rivers run through it. Every year, the city is, on average, sinking 1-15 centimeters. The main cause is that 60% of Jakarta’s population uses groundwater, often illegally, which makes the land around it sink and creates floods. One of the solutions is that a new capital has been chosen, Nusantara, 2,000 kilometers north of Jakarta. This will hopefully reduce the burden on Jakarta. Nonetheless, children are very vulnerable for the constant threat of flooding and sinking in the capital.

Your support makes a difference for children in Jakarta

SOS Children’s Villages works with local partners and communities to offer a wide range of support that is adapted to the local context. We always work in the best interest of the children, young people and families.
140
Families
Can stay together
80
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
20
Young people
Are supported on their way to independence
Children playing together. Siblings grow up with each other, and often form bonds that last a lifetime (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Indonesia).

How your support helps in Jakarta

Strengthening vulnerable families and communities
When parents face hardships, they can sometimes struggle to give children the care they need. SOS Children’s Villages works with local partners and communities. Each family needs different support so that they can stay together. This support can include workshops on parenting and children’s rights. We also run training so that parents can get the skills they need to get a job or start their own businesses. Likewise, we ensure that children can get medical help and go to school.
Caring for children who cannot live with their families
Some children cannot stay with their families, even with additional support. When this happens, they can find a new home in SOS Children’s Villages. Here the children can build safe and lasting relationships. All the children in our care have access to education and healthcare. Wherever possible, we work closely with the children’s family of origin. If children can return to live with their families, we help them adapt to this change.
Supporting young people to become independent
To help young people become confident and independent, our local team works closely with each young person to develop a plan for their future. We support young people and also help them prepare for the labour market and increase their employment prospects. For example, young people can attend workshops and trainings run by SOS Children’s Villages. They also improve their skills through taking part in different projects with local mentors and businesses.