Human Initiative Launches DREAM Program for Refugee Empowerment, Supported by Citi Foundation

Jakarta (December 17) – Human Initiative has launched the Decent Work and Settlement for Refugee Assistance Program (DREAM), a collaborative effort aimed at addressing homelessness among refugees and paving the way for their economic independence. Supported by Citi Foundation, this program targets 220 refugees, providing them with access to skills training and employment opportunities, with a focus on equipping adults with applicable skills in accordance with the regulations of their host countries.

The launch event in Jakarta was attended by Tomy Hendrajati, President of Human Initiative; Puni Ayu Anjungsari, Director & Country Head of Public Affairs at Citi Indonesia; Nelwan Harahap, Director of Victim and Refugee Facilitation at BNPB’s Emergency Deputy Office; Police Commissioner Popon Ardianto Sunggoro, Head of Extraordinary Crime Handling at the Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs; as well as refugee representatives who shared their stories and aspirations as program beneficiaries.

Driving Goodness to Uphold Human Dignity

In his speech, Tomy Hendrajati, President of Human Initiative, emphasized the importance of cross-sector collaboration in addressing global refugee challenges. “The DREAM program is a tangible example of multi-stakeholder collaboration in supporting refugees. By providing Housing Allowance and skills enhancement training, we hope to make a positive impact, allowing refugees to live with dignity.”

Meanwhile, Puni Ayu Anjungsari, Director & Country Head of Public Affairs at Citi Indonesia, expressed her pride in contributing to this impactful initiative. “Through the DREAM program, we are honored to play a direct role in an initiative that delivers real social impact by providing relevant skills training for refugees. We hope our contribution helps promote economic equity, creating a more inclusive and prosperous future for communities worldwide.”

Nelwan Harahap, Director of Victim and Refugee Facilitation at BNPB’s Emergency Deputy Office, praised the collaboration initiated by Human Initiative and Citi Foundation. “Through the DREAM program, we are not only providing skills training and housing allowances for refugees but also encouraging them to become productive individuals. At BNPB, we believe that refugee management must be holistic and integrated, with a long-term development approach.”

One of the program beneficiaries, Mohammad Ilyas, shared his perspective: “As a refugee, I don’t just seek shelter—I want to build a meaningful life. This program gives me new hope to work, learn, and become part of a larger community.”

DREAM: Uniting Hope, Creating a Future

The DREAM program goes beyond merely helping refugees survive; it empowers them to become self-sufficient individuals through skills training and facilitates their access to decent job opportunities in their host countries.

With a total of 35 refugees participating in the launch event, the DREAM program also serves as an inspiration for local communities and strategic partners to support refugees in building a more inclusive and empowered world.

Human Initiative, Citi Indonesia, and Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs aspire for DREAM to become a model for collaboration that can be replicated in various regions, both in Indonesia and beyond.