Volunteers from CIGNA International, PT Asuransi CIGNA, and Habitat for Humanity Indonesia collaborated to build houses for villagers in Babakan Madang, Sentul

Jakarta, February 24th 2011 – Around 30 volunteers from CIGNA International, PT Asuransi CIGNA, and Habitat for Humanity Indonesia (HFHI) collaborated to build houses for less-fortunate villagers in Babakan Madang, Sentul, West Java since February 22nd, 2011. The 3-day activity is part of CIGNA International’s corporate social responsibilty (CSR) commitment named CIGNA “Be the Difference – Basic Essentials”, which focuses in improving people’s health, well-being, and security in countries where CIGNA operates.

CIGNA “Be the Difference – Basic Essentials” is CIGNA’s reponse to the problem of clean water access, sanitation, and proper housing in Indonesia. Statistics from Asian Development Bank showed that more 100 million Indonesians don’t have access to clean water, which 70% of them are still relying on potentially contaminated water resources. Proper housing is also a significant issue that has yet to be resolved. Approximately 800.000 – 1 million new houses are needed to fulfill the society’s housing demand which was estimated to reach 11.7 million in 2009.

Complication also occurs in sanitation issue. According to the Central Bureau of Statistics’s report in 2007, only 67% of Indonesian living in urban area have access to proper sanitation system. The number dropped to 37% in rural areas. World Bank also reported that bad sanitation in Indonesia is the cause of 120 million cases of disease (diarreha is the most common illness) and 50.000 premature death annually.

“The problem of clean water, sanitation, and proper housing needs intensive care followed by active supports from various parties. As a global company that’s focused on helping the people we serve to improve their health, well-being, and sense of security; CIGNA has the responsibilities and intention to improve the communities in which we operate,” said Jason Sadler, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Global, CIGNA International Health, Life & Accident, who joined the house hand-over event in Babakan Madang, Sentul.

“The house-building project in Babakan Madang, as part of “Be the Difference – Basic Essentials” program, is CIGNA’s long term commitment in providing active and direct contribution to build a sustainable community,” Jason continued.

In conducting “Be the Difference – Basic Essentials” program, CIGNA donated USD 8,431 as the result of fund raising activities by CIGNA employees. The project in Babakan Madang was executed by employees of PT Asuransi CIGNA and CIGNA International employees from Korea, Thailand, PRC, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Taiwan and Spain.

Christine Setyabudhi, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) PT Asuransi CIGNA explained, “CIGNA “Be the Difference – Basic Essentials” is a sustainable and people centered program. CIGNA’s contribution the community is not limited to funds. CIGNA employees also actively participated in fund raising activities and the house building process.” “In 2009, PT Asuransi CIGNA has also donated funds and participated in the house building project during the earthquake disaster relief in Pangalengan, West Java,” Christine continued.

In the project execution, CIGNA collaborated with HFHI, who has assisted families in 13 provinces in Indonesia to get proper housing. “Aside from building houses alongside with volunteers from CIGNA, HFHI also empowered the community in the area with skills in utilizing sanitation facility so the they can live in a healthier environment,” said James Tumbuan, National Director Habitat for Humanity Indonesia.

CIGNA “Be the Difference – Basic Essentials” program was globally implemented since 2009. In 2010, employees from CIGNA International worked together to build houses in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Every year, CIGNA employees around the globe raised funds through various activities, in which the results will be donated to build basic facilities in impoverished regions.