Fainta grew up facing water scarcity and later spent over 20 years working in hydrogeology and corporate water stewardship. In 2023, realizing these approaches were not keeping pace with Indonesia’s worsening water crisis, she left her senior role and traveled across Java and Bali to document the condition of springs and rivers—an experience that led her to found Jaga Semesta.

Indonesia is projected to face a severe water crisis by 2040, with Java at the highest risk. Forest loss, climate change, and increasing runoff are reducing groundwater recharge, while water-scarce areas continue to expand and droughts intensify across the island.

Through Jaga Semesta, Fainta works with local communities to restore springs, plant endemic trees, and recharge aquifers. What began as a solo journey has grown into a nationwide movement with 10 chapters, helping communities secure sustainable access to water for people and nature.