The front view of Marpatih’s house before and after the house renovation was carried out by the team from YMI and IKA ITS

Surabaya, ITS News — Demonstrating its concern for the community, the Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology (ITS), through the Manarul Ilmi Foundation (YMI) and the Central Executive Board of the ITS Alumni Association (PP IKA), renovated an uninhabitable house (rutilahu) in Surabaya. This initiative, targeting low-income communities (MBR), was initiated in collaboration with the Surabaya City Government.

Ika Putri Rahma Daniya, Operations Coordinator of YMI ITS, emphasized that this is the third house ITS has successfully built through the Rutilahu Renovation Program. She explained that the community has the right to decent housing and good sanitation. However, many people in Surabaya still lack decent and healthy housing. “This is what motivated YMI and IKA ITS to distribute the funds,” she said.

YMI ITS Operational Coordinator drh Ika Putri Rahma Daniya (left) while reviewing the results of house renovation in Gang III, Keputih Subdistrict, Surabaya

Ika added that this program demonstrates the ITS academic community’s and alumni’s genuine concern for residents around campus who need more decent housing. The development not only targets physical improvements but also improves the community’s quality of life. After reviewing and inaugurating the results of the housing renovation, YMI hopes the houses will be well-maintained and maintained so that they truly benefit the recipient families’ quality of life.

Marpatih, a recipient of the housing renovation program, expressed her gratitude for the program that helped repair her house in Gang III, Keputih Village, Surabaya. The 70-year-old woman explained that her house was previously in poor condition, with a roof that was nearly collapsing and cracked walls. “With the assistance from the Surabaya City Government and ITS, my house is now safer and more suitable for my family,” she said gratefully.

Marpatih (left) expressed his happiness and appreciation for YMI and IKA ITS who renovated his house to make it habitable.

Representing the Surabaya City Government, Keputih Village Secretary Anang Purwanto explained that the construction process is entirely the government’s responsibility. For two weeks, the implementation team has ensured that every stage of construction meets standards, ensuring that the 36-square-meter house can provide a safe and decent home for the beneficiary family.

Anang also appreciated the steps taken by YMI and PP IKA ITS in implementing this house renovation program. He hopes the initiative can be expanded and help more residents in Keputih Village and its surroundings, so that its benefits can reach a wider community. “This collaboration can be continued to address the problem of housing shortages in Surabaya,” he said.

Secretary of Keputih Village, Anang Purwanto (left) delivered a speech at the inauguration of the results of the renovation of an uninhabitable house belonging to one of his residents by YMI and IKA ITS.

This home renovation program supports ITS’s efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), point 3 on a healthy and prosperous life, and point 6 on clean water and proper sanitation. Furthermore, the collaboration also supports point 17 on partnerships to achieve the goals. (ITS Public Relations)

Reporter: A Rifda Yuni Artika
Translator : Devinka Mutianeira