Flooding has always been a challenge for the LP4Y Training and Development Center (TDC) in Cilincing, North Jakarta. Every rainy season, the center becomes a battlefield against rising water, with Youth and Coaches struggling to save electronic equipment, move furniture, and keep activities going despite the flooding. Even light rain creates stagnant pools of water, as the center continues to sink year after year due to severe land subsidence.
North Jakarta has been sinking at an alarming rate: around 25cm annually in some areas. According to a study by Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB), the Jakarta region has sunk 2.5 meters over the past decade, making it one of the fastest-sinking coastal cities in the world. Prediction: by 2050, nearly 95% of North Jakarta could be underwater.
For LP4Y Jakarta, these statistics aren’t just numbers, they’re a reality that threatens the future of the Youth who come here to learn, grow, and find hope. But 2024 marked a turning point. With the generous support of Mécénat Servier and the collaboration of Servier Indonesia, a renovation project began to make the TDC safer and more resilient against flooding.
A Lesson: Building More Than Walls
Mécénat Servier and Servier Indonesia didn’t just provide funding for the renovation; they brought something even more valuable, their time, energy, and hands-on involvement. RenoFun Week, held from November 19 to November 22, 2024 became a beautiful collaboration between Servier employees, LP4Y Youth, and LP4Y Jakarta Catalysts.
For the Servier team, RenoFun wasn’t just about fixing a building. It was about connecting with the Youth, understanding their struggles, and being part of their journey. Over four days, 77 Servier employees joined the voluntary activities with the Youth to renovate the center. The work was physically demanding such as sanding walls, removing the paint, painting rooms, and assembling tables, and huge cooking for almost 35 people.
Aulia (LP4Y Indonesia Ecosystem developer) remembers well one of the Servier volunteers saying, “When I first arrived at the TDC, I didn’t fully understand what these Youth had been through. But as we worked together, side by side, I saw their dreams and their motivation. It was humbling and inspiring.”
Youth Perspective: A New Challenge and Opportunity Through RenoFun
For the Youth of LP4Y Jakarta, RenoFun Week was more than just a renovation project, it was a completely new challenge. They were given the responsibility of preparing the project and assisting Servier volunteers for four days including coordinating with managers and professionals who were highly experienced in their work.
“At first, I was scared. I didn’t know if I could do it… Working with people who have so much experience felt overwhelming. But they were so kind and encouraging.” — Tika from Responsibility step
Interacting with the Servier team became a priceless learning experience for the Youth. As they worked side by side, the Servier volunteers didn’t just share their skills but also their personal stories about their career journeys, the struggles they faced, and how they overcame them. Beside that, Youth being trusted to manage parts of the project and collaborate with professionals helped them realize their potential.
“As the painting leader, I never thought I could lead or give directions to someone older from Servier. They listened to me and supported me. It made me feel like I could do anything, be more confident and finish the painting project well with my team.” — Baihaqi from Management step
A New Chapter for TDC Cilincing
By the end of the week, the TDC looked completely transformed. The 25cm raised floors now protect the center from any flooding, and the freshly painted walls show a new beginning. For Servier, LP4Y, and the Youth, RenoFun wasn’t just about fixing walls and floors, it was about building confidence, connections, and resilience. It showed that when people come together with the same goal, they can face any challenge head-on. Thanks to Mécénat Servier, Servier Indonesia, and LP4Y Indonesia, TDC Cilincing is now stronger and safer. It's a secure space where the Youth can focus on growing and chasing their dreams.
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