When floodwaters rise in Makassar, Indonesia, they don’t just inundate homes and streets. They also wash away livelihoods.
For women like Nurhidayah and Rika, flooding can bring business to a standstill. Roads become impassable, customers disappear and production grinds to a halt. Without a reliable income, even meeting everyday needs becomes uncertain.
But today, thanks to the strength of their community and the support of Act for Peace’s local partners, things are different.
Makassar sits between three major rivers and is increasingly vulnerable to flooding as climate change brings heavier rainfall and rising sea levels. Through the Community Led Early Action & Resilience (CLEAR) Program, delivered by Indonesia partner, Yayasan Cita Wadah Swadaya (YCWS), and local implementing partner, INANTA, women are strengthening their livelihoods so they can better withstand the impacts of disasters.
For the women of the Kesatuan Enterprise Group, resilience has been built one packet of chips at a time.
The group produces and sells traditional chips and fried shallots, but their business is about far more than food. It’s about women supporting one another, sharing skills and creating opportunities that strengthen the whole community.
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Before joining together, each woman worked alone.
“The work is lighter because each person has their own role,” Nurhidayah explains. “Previously, when working alone, everything was done by one person.”
Today, every member contributes. Some prepare ingredients, others cook, package or deliver products. By sharing responsibilities, they can produce more, reach more customers and earn a more reliable income.
“The income is higher when working as a group than when working alone,” says Nurhidayah.
The business has also expanded beyond selling directly to customers. With training in marketing, financial management and online sales through the CLEAR program, the women now supply local shops and are explore new ways to reach customers through digital platforms.
For Rika, joining Kesatuan was her first experience running a business.
“Before joining, I didn’t understand anything about running a business,” she says. “But since joining here, I’ve learned about marketing, finances, expenses and income.”
Those new skills are changing her future.
The income she earns helps pay for everyday essentials and allows her to continue studying at university.
“It helps me pay my tuition fees, since I’m currently studying,” Rika says.
Like many communities in Makassar, the women know flooding is inevitable. What has changed is their ability to cope when it comes.
“When there is flooding, we cannot produce,” Rika explains. “But we still have enough money to get by during the flood.”
That financial stability gives families breathing room during difficult times. It means disasters no longer undo years of hard work overnight.
The impact extends well beyond the women in the group.
Nurhidayah says she is proud the business is creating opportunities for others.
“What makes me most proud is helping many people in the community who don’t have jobs.”
Rika shares that same vision for the future.
“My hope is that I can have my own business and grow it even bigger—a business that can also help people who have never had a business before.”
Their dreams reflect something powerful about locally led change. When communities have the resources, knowledge and opportunity to shape their own future, the benefits extend far beyond one business or one family.
Thanks to supporters like you, local organisations are working alongside communities to strengthen livelihoods before disasters strike, so families are better prepared to face whatever comes next.
Together, they’re not only building stronger businesses. They’re building stronger communities.
Thanks to your incredible generosity, this year’s Tax Appeal raised nearly $300,000; helping families like Rika’s and Nurhidayah’s in disaster-prone communities prepare for, and recover from, catastrophic flooding.
Because of you, families in Indonesia and around the world are safer, their livelihoods are protected, and they have greater confidence that they can recover when crises come.
This is a tangible expression of what we believe; that peace and resilience begin where everyone belongs. Thank you for acting for peace in the world.
Some people feel called to take part in the Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel (EAPPI), an international program that places participants alongside communities living under occupation.
Applications are not currently open, but you can register your interest to be notified when they reopen.