Inclusive Clean Water Access in Timor, Indonesia
Bapak Yolam (47) is a father living in one of Wahana Visi Indonesia’s (WVI) assisted villages in the Timor Tengah Selatan Regency. His daily life involves working in the fields and assisting neighbours who require tractor services to prepare their land for planting. He also lends a hand to fellow villagers whenever they need help transporting materials.
At a very young age, Bapak Yolam was involved in an accident that resulted in the loss of his right hand from the forearm down. This event initially left him unable to work, requiring a long period of rest to recover. However, he never lost his dream of learning and developing his potential. His physical disability did not extinguish his spirit.
A Journey of Learning
In 2022, WVI’s operational office conducted a Toilet Casting Workshop in one of their assisted villages. Bapak Yolam took part in the activity, supporting the Village-Owned Enterprise (BUMDes) in producing "gooseneck" (pour-flush) toilets.
By 2024, his home area had been administratively separated from the parent village. In this new area, many residents still lacked access to healthy sanitation. A similar training session was organised, and Bapak Yolam participated actively once again.
"For me, this is an opportunity to learn more and develop my potential. Together with my friends from the workshop, we have managed to cast 78 toilets to be distributed to the community," said the father of three.
Building for the Future
His contribution extends beyond toilet production to other physical labour within the community. In 2025, the community and WVI collaborated to build a Clean Water Network (JAB) through the WASH Business Process (WASH BP) programme in Bapak Yolam’s village.
This project was built on community contribution. Villagers worked together, donating their labour and preparing meals to support the completion of the network. The most demanding task was the casting of the reservoir, as it required significant manpower to transport materials from the bottom of the hill to the reservoir site at the summit.
Even in this heavy work, Bapak Yolam participated by carrying gravel and sand. Furthermore, he assisted in installing water connections to residents' homes. Today, Bapak Yolam and his family can enjoy clean water directly from their own courtyard.
Strength in Solidarity
“I also encouraged my friends to actively participate in the Clean Water Network project in the village. Admittedly, I faced many obstacles while working, but I am grateful for friends who helped with things I couldn't do myself—such as helping to lift the sand onto my shoulder,” he explained.
Bapak Yolam is a figure of strength and resilience, proving that obstacles can be transformed into opportunities for self-improvement.
"As a father, husband, and head of the family, I continue to seek solutions to my challenges so that my family remains prosperous. I feel happy that despite my disability, I can help and do things that benefit the village community, and above all, provide the very best for my family," Bapak Yolam concluded.
Author: Christi Sirituka (WASH BP Officer at South Central Timor Area Programme)
Editor: Mariana Kurniawati (Communication Executive)
