Residents of Kawasi Village who have moved into the new settlement say that it has significantly improved their quality of life. The settlement, built by the South Halmahera Regency Government with support from Harita Nickel, now provides much better basic facilities, including electricity and clean water available 24 hours a day.
Yunince, one of the first residents to be relocated, said that the new settlement provides a cleaner and more comfortable environment than her previous home. "When it rains, it doesn't get muddy, and when it's hot, it doesn't get dusty. Here, we have electricity and water 24 hours a day. In my old house, I didn't use air conditioning, but here I have three air conditioners installed," she said.
Nur Eneng Rahmat (33) expressed similar sentiments, noting a significant improvement in comfort and tranquility. "My old house was very noisy because it was close to the main road. After trying to move back there, I realized that my new place is much more comfortable. So I ended up coming back here," she said.
In addition to physical comfort, Kawasi village's new settlement also opens up wider economic opportunities for its residents. Nur Eneng now runs a grocery and vegetable business with a daily turnover of Rp1–2 million. "The village here is more organized. I see my neighbors more often, and religious activities are also active," she added.
The head of the Kawasi Village Consultative Body (BPD), Reinhard Siar, said that the new settlement was designed to provide decent, safe housing equipped with adequate public facilities.
“Electricity and water supply are stable, the environment is more organized, and public facilities are available. The hope is that residents can make good use of these facilities and the local economy will grow," he explained.
The local government's support for the sustainability of this settlement program was also emphasized by the Head of the South Halmahera Public Housing and Settlement Area Agency (Perkim), Ikbal Hi. Mustafa. He ensured that the government would guarantee residents' land rights and prepare various additional programs until 2028.
“Land ownership rights are an important part of improving government services. Together with Harita Nickel, we are committed to providing the best for the residents of Kawasi,” he said.
Ikbal made this statement during the handover of land certificates to Kawasi residents who had moved into the new settlement, which was held jointly with the National Land Agency (BPN) in Kawasi on November 19, 2025.
Various initiatives that were held affirm Harita Nickel's commitment to supporting community welfare and health, which is one of the important aspects of the company's community service and empowerment program (PPM). Harita Nickel also scored 89 on the 2024 Community Satisfaction Index (IKM), with an average Social Return on Investment (SROI) of 2.62.