In an era when many teenagers are absorbed by social media and academic pressures, one student from Surabaya European School is making strides to tackle Indonesia’s pressing hygiene crisis.
Kharisa Putri Tamphanuwat, founder of “Soap for Indonesia,” has already impacted thousands of lives through her innovative approach to addressing sanitation issues in underprivileged communities.
The statistics highlight the scale of Indonesia’s hygiene challenges. According to the Indonesian Basic Health Survey (Riskesdas), approximately 65.6 million Indonesians lack access to public handwashing facilities with soap, while a staggering 192 million people struggle to access clean water.
“These numbers shocked me when I first learned about them,” Kharisa shares. “But what really motivated me to act was seeing the reality behind these statistics during our initial community visits. Each number represents a real person, a real family struggling with basic hygiene needs.”
Since its inception in Surabaya, Soap for Indonesia has made remarkable progress. In their first donation drive, Kharisa and her team reached three areas around Surabaya, donating over 2,000 soap bars to more than 700 people. The experience left a lasting impression on the young founder.
“During our first donation trip to a slum area, what struck me most wasn’t just the living conditions, but the children’s resilience and gratitude,” Kharisa recalls. “Their appreciation for simple human interaction, beyond just receiving donations, really touched my heart and shaped our organisation’s approach. They told us that, compared to other charities who simply drop off supplies, they appreciated how we took the time to interact and get to know them.”
The organisation’s reach extends beyond Surabaya. Their most recent donation drive in Jakarta, conducted in partnership with Boxes O’ Hope, distributed 5,300 soap bars across multiple communities including Meruya, Kalideres, and Kedoya. The reach expanded to Semarang, with 450 soaps donated to Panti Werda “Pengayoman”.
What sets this initiative apart is its comprehensive approach. Each donation package includes not only soap bars but also educational pamphlets on proper hygiene practices. “We’re not just providing temporary solutions,” Kharisa explains. “We believe that lasting change comes through education and community engagement. Every time we visit a community, we make sure to explain proper handwashing techniques and why hygiene is so crucial for health.”
As part of Crimson Education Indonesia’s Student Incubator Programme, Kharisa has found valuable support for her project. “The programme has helped me understand how to scale our impact,” she notes. “It’s not just about the number of soap bars we distribute, but about creating activities that truly impact communities.”
The organisation has garnered support from notable partners, including Wings Indonesia and Kids for SDGs. “Working with established organisations has taught me so much about effective community outreach,” Kharisa reflects. “Each partner brings unique insights that help us improve our approach.”
The impact of ‘Soap for Indonesia’ goes beyond mere numbers. “When we do our door-to-door distributions, we see firsthand the extreme living conditions many families endure,” Kharisa shares. “But we also witness incredible strength and community spirit. We hope that many families, including children, develop consistent handwashing habits, which means fewer sick days from school.”
As Indonesia continues to grapple with sanitation challenges, Kharisa’s story serves as a powerful reminder that age is no barrier to creating meaningful social impact. With over 7,750 soap bars distributed and counting, this high school student’s vision has evolved into a movement that’s changing lives, one soap bar at a time.
“My goal isn’t just to distribute soap,” Kharisa states firmly. “It’s to create a ripple effect of positive change in these communities. When we empower people with both resources and knowledge, we’re investing in their future health and wellbeing.”
The initiative’s success highlights how young Indonesians are increasingly stepping up to address social challenges, proving that solutions to complex problems often start with simple ideas driven by passionate young people.
For more information about Soap for Indonesia or to contribute to their cause, interested parties can reach out through their social media channels @soapforindonesia.