The Ideal Integration: A Story of Clean Water and Empowered Parenting in Klongkong Village
20 April 2026
Dusun Klongkong, a small hamlet in Bilelando Village, Central Lombok, carries a history rooted in resilience. Twenty-four years ago, its residents were forced to relocate from their ancestral lands after severe coastal erosion devastated their homes. However, their new settlement brought a different set of hardships, the most pressing of which was a dire lack of access to clean water. For years, families struggled under the financial burden of purchasing water from tanker trucks, spending approximately IDR 210,000 (18,07 AUD) per month, a significant cost for the community. Even when water was available, storing it safely was a constant challenge, as open containers were frequently exposed to dust and hygiene risks.
Recognizing that a child’s development is deeply intertwined with their environment, Plan Indonesia identified that this water crisis was compounded by gaps in parenting knowledge and the limited capacity of local volunteers (cadres) to support families with young children. To address these challenges holistically, the project implemented an “ideal integration” combining clean water facilities with parenting education. Both are considered “sensitive interventions” which, according to the Ministry of Health, contribute to 70% of the efforts needed to prevent stunting. By strengthening the capacity of local volunteers, this integrated approach ensured that the community received support that was both practical and educational.
BKB EMAS (Eliminating Stunting through Toddler Family Development) module is central to this transformation, which focuses on fostering Clean and Healthy Living Behaviors (PHBS) for pregnant women and children under two. With the integration of these programs, volunteers can now teach parenting lessons that are directly applicable to the community’s life. Families no longer just learn about hygiene in theory; they practice it daily because clean water is now readily available at their doorsteps. Plan Indonesia facilitated water connections for approximately 400 households, utilizing sources from the local government and generous private donors.
Sustainability has been woven into the heart of the community’s new water system. The residents have formed and trained a Water Management Agency (BP SPAM) and established a monthly fee system to ensure the facilities are well-maintained for years to come. Beyond the infrastructure, there is a renewed focus on health and safety; ongoing socializations emphasize the importance of boiling water to eliminate bacteria like E-Coli, ensuring that every drop consumed is safe. Today, Dusun Klongkong is more than just a relocated settlement; it is a community where clean water and empowered parenting work hand-in-hand to ensure that the next generation grows up healthy, strong, and full of promise.
