TAMIANG, ACEH — I came to Aceh as a reporter. My job was to report on the humanitarian efforts of my friends at Dompet Dhuafa through the Aceh Branch and Disaster Management Center (DMC), along with volunteers, about what really happened after flash floods hit Sumatra, especially Aceh.
My journey began on Wednesday, December 3, 2025. From Jakarta to Banda Aceh. Once again, I had to leave my wife and child behind. Upon arriving in Banda Aceh, without much delay, I and the Dompet Dhuafa team immediately headed to several disaster sites, namely Pidie Regency, Pidie Jaya, and Bireuen. In these three areas, Dompet Dhuafa Aceh’s intervention posts had been established as a source of hope for residents who had lost so much.
The following days were filled with non-stop actions. Setting up Dompet Dhuafa posts, Warm Posts, Community Kitchens, health services, psychosocial services, and even providing internet access. Beyond being a logistical force, this assistance also served as a presence to ensure survivors did not feel alone
Our initial plan was to continue our journey to Langsa and Tamiang. While some of the other volunteers prepared to walk to Takengon, as vehicle access was still closed, the reality on the ground was different. We were stuck in Bireuen. The impact of the disaster there was so widespread that we couldn’t just leave the humanitarian work behind.
The DMC Dompet Dhuafa team then reinforced its ranks. Additional volunteers from the local network were deployed, followed by additional DMC personnel from Jakarta. Finally, after the Dompet Dhuafa Post in Bireuen was deemed strong enough, the initial plan was resumed.
On Friday, December 12, 2025, I, along with several Dompet Dhuafa personnel, continued our journey to Langsa and Tamiang. Meanwhile, another team moved to Takengon to open a new route and set up an aid post.
The journey to Langsa turned out to be no easy feat. From Bireuen, we had to cross the river by alternative means because the main bridge was completely destroyed. After successfully crossing, we traveled six hours by car, passing through roads that were not entirely friendly.
In the afternoon, we arrived at the Dompet Dhuafa Langsa Post. There, I mingled with the women volunteers in the public kitchen. One of them was Mrs. Sulastri (43). Her hands were deftly preparing 500 portions of food, without much talk, without complaint, only with an unbreakable spirit.
At 10 p.m., the DMC Dompet Dhuafa volunteer team headed to Aceh Tamiang. The food prepared by Mrs. Sulastri and the other female volunteers that night had to be distributed immediately.
I never imagined that on my eleventh night in Aceh, I would encounter such a dark, tense, and sad atmosphere. I only encountered this kind of atmosphere in Tamiang.
For two hours, we drove through the streets of Tamiang. On the left and right, cars were still parked in front of houses, covered in thick mud. There was minimal lighting. Electricity had not yet been restored. Rain fell lightly, as if adding to the gloom.
Amidst the chaos, children, mothers, and even the elderly stood on the side of the road. Waiting. Hoping. Asking for food from anyone who passed by. One by one, the Dompet Dhuafa volunteer team distributed food from the public kitchen, directly to those waiting in the dark.
And this is how the routine unfolds every night. The women volunteers cook tirelessly in the community kitchen. Meanwhile, the young male volunteers patrol the streets of Tamiang, ensuring no one goes hungry that night.
My heart breaks seeing the condition of Aceh Tamiang, especially at night. This area still desperately needs food, electricity, clean water, and communication signals. The conditions in the evacuation camps are also concerning.
My eyes began to fill with tears at around 11:00 p.m. Along the way, residents ranging from children to the elderly waited for help in the darkness and rain.
“Please help us with food,” said a resident in a soft voice, approaching us.
Read also: Free Health Services for Aceh Flash Flood Refugees
Those words stuck in my heart. I thought to myself, no matter how powerful Dompet Dhuafa is, it would not be enough to bear all the pain experienced by our brothers and sisters in Tamiang.
Dompet Dhuafa cannot do this alone. We need collaboration. Support from all parties. The government, institutions, communities, and grassroots organizations.
The darkness that envelops Aceh Tamiang has not completely disappeared. Thousands of our brothers and sisters are still struggling just to eat, get clean water, electricity, and proper shelter. Amidst these limitations, volunteers continue to persevere, but they cannot do it alone.
I invite all of us to join hands and ignite hope for the survivors of the Aceh flash floods. Every donation entrusted to us is energy for public kitchens, health services, food distribution, and the recovery of those affected.
Friends! Let us bring light into the darkness of Tamiang. Channel your compassion through digital.dompetdhuafa.org/donasi/bangkitsumatera. (Dompet Dhuafa)
Text and photos: Riza Muthohar
Editor: Dhika