We're building dozens of ferrocement tanks in the remote region of East Sumba, each capable of holding over 5,300 litres of clean water. Local families participate in their construction, ensuring long-term sustainability. Access to clean water prevents disease and transforms daily lives. Join us as we develop solutions.

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The Laindatang and Hambarita Water Connections Project

This program aims to provide access to clean water and healthy sanitation facilities to an entire region that does not have access to them at all as part of several phases of work that began in July 2022.

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Latest from the Field

Seeking 30 Android Phones to Equip Rural Kawan Sehat Health Workers

13.11.2025 - We urgently seek a manufacturer willing to donate 30 simple Android phones for our Kawan Sehat health workers. These devices are vital for using our medical app and caring for 1,000 patients monthly. Contact us if you can help.

One School Electrified—Over 100 Still Waiting for Light

07.11.2025 - Electrifying one school may seem small, yet it changes everything. In East Sumba, over 100 schools and villages still live without power. Together, we can bring light, opportunity, and hope to many more.

Solar Electrification Brings Power to SDN Mbajik School in East Sumba

07.11.2025 - Fair Future has powered SDN Mbajik School with solar energy—16 panels, a 14kW battery, and a hybrid inverter now supply electricity to 80 students and teachers. A first step toward sustainable energy and better education.

Fair Future Donates CHF 19,248.96 to Fund 2025/26 Primary Medical Care

07.10.2025 - Fair Future has donated CHF 19,248.96 (IDR 400M) to support the 2025/26 Primary Medical Care program. This vital funding ensures continued medical care, medicines, and support for remote Indonesian communities.

Connecting the Roof to Laindatang’s 115m³ Reservoir for First Rain

01.10.2025 - Today, we connect the roof to the 115m³ reservoir in Laindatang. After two months of drying, the structure is ready. Soon, the next rain will begin filling it. A big step toward sustainable clean water for the village.

Fair Future Allocates CHF 1,500 for Essential Medicines

30.09.2025 - We allocated nearly CHF 1,500 to purchase essential medicines, covering about two months of needs. These supplies are crucial for treating patients in remote communities with limited access to healthcare.

Final Report on the Construction of Eight Ferrocement Tanks in Hambarita

13.09.2025 - The final report on Hambarita’s eight ferrocement reservoirs is now online. These 4,400–5,300L tanks provide vital clean water for 151 residents. Read the full document and see how this project strengthens resilience

Explore Fair Future’s Interactive Map of East Sumba Projects

05.09.25 — Discover our detailed East Sumba map, showing schools, villages, and communities without electricity or clean water. Learn where Fair Future works daily to bring healthcare, water, and light to remote populations.

2024 Accounts Approved: 16 Years of Transparency and Excellence

19.05.25 - Our 2024 accounts are officially approved by our certified Swiss auditor, without remarks, for the 16th year. Please read the full audit report on our documentation page. Accountability is our commitment.

Breaking Menstrual Taboos: Dignity and Health for Every Girl

13.05.25 - Menstruation is not shameful—it’s natural. Yet in ultra-rural Indonesia, girls lack access to hygiene, education, and support. Fair Future works to restore dignity and health. Please read our full article to understand and act.

Laindatang 23/25

The Laindatang 23-25 category of Fair Future Foundation documents a transformative three-year journey in ultra-rural Indonesia. From 2023 to 2025, we focus on improving clean water access, healthcare, and education in the village of Laindatang. These articles capture our progress, the challenges we face, and the meaningful impact we achieve in partnership with local communities. Discover how long-term commitment leads to sustainable change and resilient communities.

Transforming Lives in Laindatang village with the Water Connections Project

A bold step towards sanitation and clean water for Laindatang

by Alex | Sep 4, 2023 | Health preservation, Laindatang 23/25, Water Connections

Laindatang in East Sumba, no clean water and no sanitation facilities. Fair Future changes this reality and brings about a remarkable transformation. A monumental journey that promises to revolutionize the future of this ultra-rural community. They don’t just build buildings, they create hope and opportunity. Their unwavering commitment is to strengthening the health and well-being of families who have faced isolation and hardship for too long.

Bringing Sanitation to an Underserved Village in East Sumba

by Alex | Sep 1, 2023 | Laindatang 23/25, Picture of the day, Water Connections

The image illustrates our ongoing project: the excavation of a septic tank. This is the very first step towards the installation of the first-ever sanitation infrastructure in the village's history. Our goal is to reinforce the health and well-being of the families in this community. In closely associating ourselves with the villagers, a core principle in our approach, we work hand in hand to provide them vital access to water and sanitation facilities, despite their isolation in the eastern part of Sumba.

For several months now, our organizations – Fair Future and Kawan Baik – have favored constructing lightweight steel facilities. This decision is based on hygiene, maintenance, and construction efficiency grounds. The entire structure (in this case, two toilet – shower stalls) is constructed at the Fair Future Foundation’s base camp in Waingapu, called Rumah Kambera. We then transport the dismantled structure to the site of installation. It takes about a week for our team to operationalize an installation like this, followed by one to two weeks dedicated to finishing and aesthetic touch-ups.

In this underprivileged environment, families lack access to basic services, needs such as access to water or electricity are non-existent. During the dry season, when rainwater tanks are almost empty, they must travel miles to collect just a few litres of often unsuitable water. See the related #waterconnections posts here.

In the village of Laindatang, inhabitants have never had the privilege of a working shower or toilet. The enthusiasm and joy are palpable as they witness the construction of these new facilities, bringing them a simple feeling of happiness.

This installation will also contribute to reducing infectious diseases caused by the absence of adequate sanitation facilities in the village. This will likely lead to an increase in the quality of life for the villagers, a reduction in the time spent gathering water, and promote overall community health and well-being. This initiative is more than just building sanitation facilities. It symbolizes the start of a new chapter for Laindatang, signifying change and development towards a healthier community.

Thus, the work of Fair Future and Kawan Baik extends beyond physical construction, promoting progress, health, and hope for the future.

#ZeroMalaria, to eradicate malaria in Laindatang

by Alex | Aug 31, 2023 | Emergencies, Kawan Against Malaria, Laindatang 23/25

Fair Future Foundation, in collaboration with Kawan Baik Indonesia and Sumba Volunteer, is working to combat malaria in the highly affected region of East Sumba, Indonesia. Through their program, they aim to provide screening, prevention, and treatment to the remote village of Laindatang. The mission seeks to save lives and target vulnerable groups, such as children and pregnant women. Join them in their fight against malaria and help make a difference in East Sumba.

The access to the village is a hope for a better life

by Alex | Aug 31, 2023 | Environment, Laindatang 23/25, Water Connections

Discover the remarkable progress in our ongoing construction and repair efforts on the road to Laindatatang village in East Sumba. The Fair Future Foundation has been at the forefront, meticulously coordinating and overseeing this significant project for months. We’re thrilled to share that material trucks and tanker trucks can now effortlessly reach the village.

Awesome! The first loaded truck arrives at Laindatang

by Alex | Jul 9, 2023 | Laindatang 23/25, Picture of the day, Water Connections

This new "Picture of the Day" shows you the truck climbing the steep slope that leads to the village of Laindatang, which is ultra isolated, where a hundred families live without electricity, water, and very little food. This first truck transports construction materials and healthy sanitary facilities, which our teams have manufactured at the Rumah Kambera base camp.

We're excited to announce a significant milestone in our mission to create a positive impact! Despite facing difficult conditions and encountering broken promises, our unwavering dedication to improving the lives of impoverished villagers has prevailed. After days of arduous road repairs, we are proud to share that a truck laden with essential construction materials has finally reached the remote village of Laindatang. This remarkable achievement, made possible through the unwavering support and resilience of the villagers, marks a crucial step in providing vital resources and support to a community lacking necessities.

The road to the village presented numerous challenges, with its treacherous slopes and slippery terrain. Our team, armed with determination and their bare hands, overcame these obstacles with unwavering resolve. Though we encountered setbacks, including a failed attempt and broken bolts, our determination never wavered.

Two months ago, we were promised assistance by the department responsible for road infrastructure, but regrettably, their support never materialized. Nevertheless, we refused to be deterred from our mission of bringing essential resources and support to the impoverished villagers, who live in extreme poverty, deprived of electricity, clean water, and sanitation facilities – Ref: Water Connections Program here.

Yesterday, as the truck conquered the treacherous slopes, an overwhelming sense of joy and accomplishment washed over us. It was a moment that infused hope and happiness into the previously isolated village of Laindatang. I was moved to tears, knowing that I had dedicated nearly a year of my life to bringing this project to fruition.

The #WaterConnections project in Laindatang has started!

by Alex | Jun 23, 2023 | Laindatang 23/25, Picture of the day, Water Connections

In this new "Picture of the Day", we witness the difficulties faced by young children in East Sumba as they search for clean water. These children must travel quite a distance from their homes to reach the kullups (small stone basins dug directly into the rocky terrain by villagers to collect and hold rainwater in rural areas). Unfortunately, it is unlikely to rain for the next nine months, and the children must walk over ten kilometres to obtain just a few litres of water to sustain themselves; kullups are dry now.

Presently, families in Laindatang endure arduous journeys, spanning miles and lasting over 10 hours, to obtain meagre quantities of drinking water. With a daily allocation of fewer than 2 litres per person, individuals must make profound sacrifices as this limited supply must accommodate drinking, eating, personal hygiene, and sanitation needs.

Malaria ravages the village, exacerbating the adverse effects of infectious diseases, particularly among children under five. The urgency of the health crisis necessitates immediate intervention. In collaboration with Kawan Baik and local authorities, Fair Future is committed to launching a comprehensive Water Connections project, addressing the pressing need for clean water in the village with utmost urgency.

Commencing at the end of June 2023, Fair Future embarks on an extraordinary #waterconnections project in Laindatang. This initiative heralds a transformative change and instils immense pride within our organization.

Laindatang residents rely on rainwater collection during the rainy season to meet their clean water requirements. However, limited knowledge and resources impede this method, significantly contaminating water reservoirs. During the dry season, their options are limited to accessing water from the Kulub—an artificial pool nestled within a rock formation—or purchasing tank water from a select few companies.

Regrettably, accessing water becomes increasingly challenging throughout the year, with only a handful of companies willing to deliver to the village. Transport obstacles frequently result in spilt water, further diminishing the already scarce supply upon arrival in Laindatang.

For the villagers, access to clean water is a matter of survival. They currently store rainwater in unclean, contaminated, and hazardous tanks. Though this remaining water sustains them for drinking, eating, and survival, it will be depleted within weeks as the dry season commences. Tragically, this water is tainted, infected, and carries life-threatening diseases such as Malaria, Cholera, Dengue, Typhoid fever, Hepatitis A, and Guinea worm disease. Additionally, prevalent diarrheal diseases like E. coli and rotavirus, caused by contaminated water, pose a severe risk, particularly to children, leading to dehydration and even death.

You have the power to help us realize this vital project, which is indispensable for hundreds of families. If you desire, your generous donation dedicated to the #waterconnections project in the village of Laindatang would be warmly welcomed. We extend our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to all those willing to contribute. With your support, we can bring love, hope, and clean water to the deserving community of Laindatang.

To access information about our implementation, you can download and read the presentation in PDF format by clicking this link.

Water and sanitation are crucial in the fight against malaria

by Alex | Jun 5, 2023 | Kawan Against Malaria, Laindatang 23/25, Picture of the day

Check out the latest addition to our "Photo of the Day" collection featuring our colleague Kawean Essi. In the village of Mbinudita (East Sumba), Kawan Essi teaches a hundred villagers of all ages, including children, about the importance of clean and safe water and how it can lead to a healthier life. The "Water Connections" program is a practical approach to fight against various infectious diseases, such as malaria.

In the fight against malaria, it's essential to acknowledge the progress made. However, we must also recognize the crucial role of hygiene, clean water, and sanitation in eliminating this disease. This is why the Water Connections program exists – to provide access to these necessities.

At Fair Future, we understand that improving these fundamental aspects of daily life can significantly prevent malaria transmission and ultimately save lives. Addressing issues such as hygiene, water, and sanitation is crucial in the fight against malaria because they directly impact mosquito breeding, access to clean water, hygiene practices, and vector management.

We prioritize these issues in all our activities, particularly in implementing the "Malaria Prevention Initiative Sumba Timur 2023" program, which we aim to start as soon as possible as part of the PMC, Primary Medical Care program.

Together, we can dramatically reduce malaria transmission and improve the health and well-being of affected communities. We must prioritize these efforts to save lives, prevent unnecessary suffering, and move towards a significant decrease in malaria cases, especially here in Sumba, where we currently are.

Kullup is a hole in the rock to collect rainwater

by Alex | May 10, 2023 | Laindatang 23/25, Picture of the day, Water Connections

This new "Picture of the Day" shows you kids from the village of Laidatang, who fetch water far from home in the "Kullup" of the village. Elthon, responsible for documentation (with the black t-shirt), and Alex, from the medical staff, are also present in this photo. With the kids and one or two adults accompanying us, we walk more than an hour to reach this place in the middle of a high hill. You must descend a steep path to access these hand-dug holes in the rock. In 30 minutes, we will have to go up the hill and walk back. But this time, loaded with several jerrycans filled to the brim.

The Fair Future and Kawan Baik teams spend two days with the families of the ultra-rural and isolated village of Laindatang to get to know them even better. In this village, we have the project to create a #WaterConnections project. I let you read here the articles related to this project and here to see what your want to do to save their lives,

In Laindatang, families only have access to rainwater. It's for everything: eating, drinking, cooking, bathing, washing clothes, drinking water, caring for children, sick people or watering animals. Therefore, one of the ways for women and young girls to have water at home to live on is to walk several kilometres to find the "Kullup".

Kullup, what is it? These are small stone basins, directly dug into the rock by the villagers, used to collect and store rainwater in rural areas. When it rains, the water seeps into the ground at the top of the hill and then is filtered through the earth and the basements. It flows drop by drop in these stone basins, the "Kullup". Then the villagers come to fill their jerrycans with five or ten litres.

The "Kuluk" are an essential water source for the local communities. But the quality of stored water can be affected by bacterial contamination, chemicals, animal waste or debris. Therefore, regularly cleaning these small holes in the rock is essential to maintain water quality. It is important to note that the "kuluk" is only a temporary solution to the water crisis in areas with limited access to drinking water. Indeed, the "kuluks" cannot fill up correctly without rain. They dry out about ten days after the last rains and remain dry for almost nine months. To find water, young girls, women and children, sometimes under five, will have to walk even further and longer.

Our two organizations work with local communities to implement longer-term solutions, such as constructing water supply networks using deep boreholes and sealed and healthy rainwater cisterns. The Water Connections program offers innovative and sustainable solutions. It includes promoting water conservation practices with “Kawan Sehat” and self-sustaining access to Primary Medical Care through the PMC program.

Access to clean water is vital for human health

by Alex | May 8, 2023 | Empowerment, Laindatang 23/25, Picture of the day

This "Picture of the Day" shows young children's struggles in East Sumba. The jerry cans are heavy and sometimes more prominent than the children themselves. With limited access to drinking water sources, the kids who live there (here in these images in the villages of Kabanda, Mahu, Laindatang, and Tana Mbanas) are forced to walk long distances to fetch water. Water in rivers or wells which are also contaminated. It takes up a lot of their time and puts them at risk of injury or illness by carrying heavy loads of water. Lack of access to clean water also contributes to poor hygiene and sanitation practices, further compounding the health problems of those East Sumba communities where Kawan Baik and Fair Future work so hard. Together, we are taking action to improve access to clean water sources, in these areas where no roads lead, to ensure the health and well-being of young children and their families. In addition to the physical hardship of fetching water, and as explained in this post, children in rural areas of East Sumba are often deprived of education and other opportunities because of this task. It is widespread (like in this picture of the day) that they miss school or other activities to help collect water, which affects their academic progress and social development.

Here people mainly only have access to contaminated water. This leads to many diseases, including gastrointestinal infections, skin diseases, parasitic diseases and other infectious diseases such as Malaria, Dengue Fever, Cholera, typhoid fever, hepatitis A or diarrhoea. Children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to illnesses caused by contaminated water, a significant cause of infant mortality here.

In conclusion, ensuring access to clean water through a program like the #waterconnections project is our top priority that cannot be overlooked. Access to clean water is essential to sustaining life and maintaining good health for everyone here. Water plays a vital role in preventing the spread of the diseases mentioned above, ensuring people can lead healthier lives. Whether for drinking, cooking or cleaning, clean water is essential for everyday life. Without access, communities in the ultra-rural areas of East Sumba suffer from a lack of sanitation and hygiene, leading to various health problems.

Therefore, we must do everything we can to ensure that clean water is available to everyone who needs it.

Giving life to the village of Laindatang

by Alex | Apr 12, 2023 | Food Shortages, Laindatang 23/25, Nutrition and Food, Water shortages

The current priority in this village is to give them clean, safe water and sanitation. Here, families must walk for miles, sometimes more than 10 hours, to bring a few litres of clean water home. People here have less than 2 litres per day and a person to drink, eat, go to the toilets, and wash. So you have to make sacrifices. Malaria is taking its toll here, just like infectious diseases that considerably weaken families' health, especially those of children under five. This is a critical situation for us on a health level. Still, on a social level, Fair Future and Kawan Baik, in collaboration with the local authorities, wish to start a simple Water Connections project in this village as soon as possible.

What does a kitchen look like without food or water

by Alex | Apr 1, 2023 | Food Shortages, Laindatang 23/25, Nutrition and Food, Picture of the day, Water Connections

This new "Picture of the Day" shows you what the kitchen of an East Sumba family is like. A kitchen like there are tens of thousands here. One of the elements we always see is the presence of five-litre jerry cans. They are the ones that serve as a container for the water that the girls and women have to fetch from afar. We also notice the absence of food, including no rice, only corn. Rice is expensive, and nobody can buy it here in Laindatang, East Sumba: No electricity, running water, and sink.

Just a hearth that will be used once a day only to prepare corn porridge mixed with vegetables and roots that the women have been looking for in the forest. Salt and red peppers. That will be all for the day and the whole family, including dogs and cats.

Families here live without clean or potable water, yet access to potable water is crucial for survival and maintaining good health. Without clean water, families in the areas where Fair Future and Kawan Baik work are forced to drink contaminated water, which leads to waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid fever and dysentery.

This has an immense impact on daily life and livelihoods. Women and children must walk long distances to fetch water, which takes up much time and interferes with other activities such as work or education.

Kids here have to fetch water from the age of five!

by Alex | Mar 8, 2023 | Child Health, Laindatang 23/25, Picture of the day

This "Picture of the Day" shows you a five-year-old girl who, twice a day, descends the hill, steep and stony, without shoes to fetch water. She runs to go to the source, 500m away. Sometimes she falls, hurts herself, and comes back up with difficulty carrying a 5-litre jerrycan of not-so-clean water, which she and her friends have been looking for at the source.

In this village, like in many others here, people can only wash once a month, are all sick and don't have enough to eat and drink. Without access to this clean water, families – especially children – suffer from severe malnutrition, chronic respiratory and joint diseases and other illnesses linked to the consumption of dirty water and the absence of sanitation facilities. The fight against malaria, dengue fever and infectious diarrhoea also requires access to clean water and healthy water tanks. And to water that does not stagnate but circulates between the installations.

As we have already said, East Sumba is the poorest province in Southeast Asia, the region with the highest child malnutrition and associated mortality. Fait Future, therefore, wishes to act for these hundreds of people and give them access to clean and healthy water for their health.

The Zero Malaria Spot Radio

Interactive East Sumba map