ACEH TAMIANG, ACEH—- — Delivering humanitarian aid to Kampung Sekumur, Sekerak District, Aceh Tamiang Regency, was quite a challenging journey. On Monday (12/15/2025), Dompet Dhuafa and its volunteers traveled by land and river to ensure that the aid reached the residents affected by the floods.
From Dompet Dhuafa’s command post in Langsa, the volunteer team departed carrying various types of aid. These included staple foods, instant food and drinks to warm the body, hygiene kits, psychological first aid (PFA) services, and health services. The overland journey from Langsa to Kuala Simpang took about two hours. After that, the real challenge had only just begun.
Upon arrival in Kuala Simpang, all logistics were transferred to wooden boats. Kampung Sekumur is located upstream, so the boats had to fight the current for approximately three hours. Along the river, the volunteers were treated to views of damaged and wild nature. Occasionally, crocodiles could be seen basking on the riverbanks, adding to the vigilance during the trip.
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When the boat finally docked at Kampung Sekumur, the residents gave them a warm welcome. They flocked to the boat and voluntarily helped unload and transport the aid. In the midst of the process, a 63-year-old man approached the volunteers. His name was Mukhtar.
In an unusual way, Mukhtar expressed his gratitude. He hummed, stringing together sentences that described the current condition of Kampung Sekumur, interspersed with expressions of gratitude and apologies to Allah, as well as thanks to Dompet Dhuafa. The fatigue of the long journey seemed to disappear upon hearing him.
Mukhtar is known for his willingness to help. He admitted that his house was affected by the flood, but it did not wash away. This made him feel deeply grateful. It was this gratitude that drove him to assist others as much as he could, including helping to transport the aid supplies that arrived.
From the boat drop-off point, aid still had to be carried to the location where the survivors were staying. The distance was not too far, but the damaged access made the journey feel longer. Volunteers needed about 30 minutes to pass through the thick muddy road filled with debris and wood material.
The impact of the flooding in Kampung Sekumur was severe. A number of houses were washed away by the muddy water mixed with logs from upstream. Until now, the residents of Sekumur have been forced to use the remains of the debris as temporary shelter so they can rest and avoid the heat and rain.
Read also: Aid Posts and Public Kitchens Set Up for Flood Survivors in Pidie, Aceh
Upon arrival at the location, Safrudin (41) and the volunteer mothers from the Dompet Dhuafa public kitchen welcomed the team with great joy. The children also looked enthusiastic. The presence of the volunteers brought renewed spirit and hope amid the limitations they faced.
A green tent bearing the Dompet Dhuafa Riau logo stood tall in the former settlement of Kampung Sekumur. Previously, on Thursday (12/11/2025), some volunteers from the Dompet Dhuafa Disaster Management Center (DMC) had already helped residents clean the mosque of mud and wood in this village. Finally, the only mosque in the village can be used for worship again.
Not only that, Dompet Dhuafa also distributed logistical aid, cleaning equipment, and set up public kitchens and warm posts. In every disaster response action in Aceh, Dompet Dhuafa Riau volunteers are always present.
Friends! We can be part of their hope. That is, by extending our care by channeling the best donations through Dompet Dhuafa to help survivors get back on their feet and rebuild their lives after the flood. Come on! Channel your donations through digital.dompetdhuafa.org/donasi/bangkitsumatera. (Dompet Dhuafa)
Text and photos: Riza Muthohar, Dhika
Editor: Dhika