EAST FLORES, EAST NUSA TENGGARA — The disaster caused by the eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki in East Flores has passed, but the trauma remains, especially for those who lost their homes. Data shows that after the major eruption in early November 2024, the volcano’s activity increased to Level IV (Alert), causing thousands of residents to evacuate and forcing the local government to declare a state of emergency. Even now, several reports indicate that volcanic activity still needs to be monitored, with impacts including damaged homes, disrupted logistics routes, and airport closures due to volcanic ash.
Amid ongoing post-disaster recovery efforts, Dompet Dhuafa, through its Disaster Management Center (DMC), has brought a glimmer of hope in the form of temporary housing called Bale Nyaman (Baleman). The first phase of Baleman for 10 families has just been completed and has been occupied for a week in Konga Village, Titehena, East Flores, as a form of gratitude to the donors of Markets4You.
Read also: Solidarity from Markets4you for Survivors of Mount Lewotobi Amidst the Threat of Danger
Baleman was established specifically for survivors who, for one reason or another, were not registered in the temporary housing assistance scheme. They are affected families who may be registered in other regions, but actually reside and are directly affected in the danger zone (KRB). A total of 20 families are planned to receive Baleman, and 10 units have been completed in this initial phase.
One of the beneficiaries is Mr. Joy and Mrs. Yun. Previously, they lived in a rented house in Boru Village, which is located in a disaster-prone area (KRB). When the eruption occurred, they lost their home and their children were forced to take refuge at their grandmother’s house.
“We stayed with relatives in Larantuka for almost a year,” said Mr. Joy.
As a result, the journey from their residence to their daily activities became very long and time-consuming.
Now, after receiving Baleman, smiles of gratitude spread across their faces.
“I feel so grateful. Baleman has a fairly large space, with two rooms. It really is a ‘home’ where we can live with privacy from our neighbors,” said Mr. Joy.
As a teacher, he can now teach more calmly and without rushing, because the school now feels closer.
A similar story was experienced by Mr. Saiful Saini, a Baleman beneficiary and Mr. Joy’s colleague as a teacher. His rented house was also affected, and when the disaster struck, he admitted that he felt a tense atmosphere.
“It was the first time I had experienced such a disaster. My children and wife were terrified,” he recalled.
Read also: Dompet Dhuafa Quick Response Team Distributes Aid After Mount Lewotobi Eruption
The time spent in the refugee camp made him anxious about the fate of his students, who also needed guidance.
“I felt I had to teach,” he said.
Receiving Baleman was a relief from his fatigue and anxiety, reminding him that there are still many good people who care.
“Alhamdulillah, there are still many good people,” said Mr. Saiful.
This Baleman assistance is a continuation of the generosity of Markets4You donors, a global online trading company with a strong commitment to transparency and business ethics. Previously, Markets4You had also entrusted food packages to eruption survivors through Dompet Dhuafa.
Marlina, representative of the Markets4You Team, expressed their motivation.
“We want to help more quickly. We see that our brothers and sisters there need a lot of help, and quickly,” she said.
She hopes that this assistance can ease the burden on survivors, bless them, and keep their spirits up, especially for children who want to continue their education.
This spirit of togetherness was also acknowledged by Local Heroes and Dompet Dhuafa volunteer Ali, who responded to the Lewotobi eruption. He testified that Dompet Dhuafa has been accompanying residents since 2023, and when the eruption occurred in 2024, the team was on site within less than 24 hours to provide assistance.
“Dompet Dhuafa continues to accompany and assist survivors to this day. We are very grateful,” concluded Mr. Ali.
Read also: Happy Survivors of the Lewotobi Volcano Eruption Receive Qurbani Meat
In addition to Baleman, DMC Dompet Dhuafa has also built an emergency mosque and installed clean water pipes at the Baleman site. This is to ensure that the basic and spiritual needs of the survivors are met, opening a new chapter in their lives in a more comfortable and safer place.
Shofa Qudus, Head of DMC Dompet Dhuafa, said that Dompet Dhuafa is always open to bridging the good intentions of donors who care about humanity. And in the disaster response scheme, DMC has carried out mitigation, emergency evacuation, and recovery phases.
Regarding the assessment criteria for the Baleman beneficiaries, he explained, “Of course, these beneficiaries are those who are in dire need, as determined by several stages of the previous assessment process. In terms of specific criteria, most of the Baleman beneficiaries this time are teachers, who, for Dompet Dhuafa, also have a special role in their service to education.” (Dompet Dhuafa)
Text and photos: Dhika
Editor: Dedi Fadlil