Restoring Hope in North Maluku

On the rugged islands of North Maluku, Indonesia, the scars of conflict remain. More than two decades ago, this region was torn apart by violence that destroyed homes, businesses, and communities, leaving deep poverty in its wake. Today, while peace has returned, new dangers have emerged. The rapid rise of social media and online access has brought with it the dark threats of exploitation, pornography, and trafficking.

In the midst of this, Hohidiai—a local word meaning “to restore”—is bringing healing, dignity, and hope. For over twenty years our partner for the J1084N Healthy Futures Indonesia (Hohidiai) Project has stood alongside the most vulnerable, offering free healthcare, education, and protection for children and young people.

This financial year alone, the Hohidiai free clinic has provided medical care for over 4,000 patients. Mobile teams have reached remote villages with treatment for tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS. A new pharmacy has opened on-site, along with a small snack shop and poultry shed that generate income to support the project’s sustainability. Fruit trees are being cultivated, and fencing is underway to secure the grounds and protect staff, families, and young people from the threat of trafficking.

But the heart of Hohidiai is people. The project continues to sponsor children’s schooling, vocational training, and university degrees including medical students who will one day return to serve their communities. Plans are underway to open a registered nursing school that will not only train highly skilled nurses but also nurture compassion, resilience, and love for patients and colleagues.

The team’s prevention work is equally critical. In just six months, more than 1,000 community members, mostly teenagers, have received education on substance abuse, sexual violence, trafficking, and HIV/AIDS. These sessions are equipping young people to protect themselves and stand strong in the face of online and offline exploitation.

For many, the chance to study changes everything. Scholarships through Hohidiai are breaking the cycle of poverty, giving orphans and underprivileged children the chance to complete school, undertake vocational courses, or attend university. Each of the four high school girls pictured here is part of that story: a new generation rising with confidence, education, and hope for the future.

Meilani, a staff member working with children, reflects:

"I am personally grateful to be able to come and serve at Hohidiai. I have seen and felt many things about the services provided here. Hohidiai has made a significant impact in providing free medical services, helping and alleviating the community, especially those with limited access to healthcare... As Hohidiai means ‘to restore’, it does just that.”

This is what makes the J1084N project so powerful. With a free clinic, education, and practical support, lives are being rebuilt. Children are finding safety. Young people are dreaming again. Families are experiencing dignity and hope.

At GDG, we are honoured to partner with projects like Hohidiai, because they remind us what restoration looks like: ordinary people working together to change futures.