ACEH TAMIANG, ACEH —–— The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has released data showing that 171,379 homes were damaged or destroyed during the flash floods and landslides that occurred in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra. In response, Dompet Dhuafa aims to build 1,000 Temporary Houses (RUMTARA) for disaster survivors in Sumatra on the 35th day after the disaster. The construction of RUMTARA will take place in stages in the three affected provinces, namely Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra. In January 2026, Dompet Dhuafa aims to complete 200 units.
As a recovery measure, on Wednesday (12/31/2025), Dompet Dhuafa inaugurated its first five RUMTARA units in Tamiang Kota, Aceh Tamiang Regency. Following this, construction will gradually continue in Pidie Jaya and other locations in North Sumatra and West Sumatra.
Dompet Dhuafa’s RUMTARA will be built on the former land of each beneficiary’s home, with a building size of 4.8×4.8 meters. Construction will primarily be carried out for disaster survivors who have been living in evacuation camps for more than a month.
“Alhamdulillah, Dompet Dhuafa has today completed several temporary housing units that we have named RUMTARA (Temporary Houses), which we aim to reach a total of 1,000 units within the next year. Therefore, we kindly request the support of all Indonesian citizens, our partners in kindness, and donors to help achieve this target of building 1,000 RUMTARA units. And today, Wednesday (December 31, 2025), we are also officially launching the 1,000 RUMTARA program for Sumatra,” said Ahmad Juwaini, Chairman of the Dompet Dhuafa Republika Foundation, in his statement.
It is hoped that RUMTARA can become a safe and comfortable space for survivors who are preparing to rebuild their lives, especially as they enter the recovery phase.
“Through RUMTARA, Dompet Dhuafa wants to provide more than just physical buildings. We want to bring hope that after a disaster, there is still a future to fight for. And for the prospective beneficiaries, we prioritize the elderly whose houses have been destroyed and cannot be used again, widows and orphans, including honorary teachers,” explained Ahmad.
RUMTARA is Dompet Dhuafa’s recovery program in handling disasters in Sumatra. In addition, Dompet Dhuafa also plans to set up supporting facilities in the RUMTARA area (wells/water, electricity, playgrounds, prayer rooms, etc.). In the health sector, there are plans to reactivate clinics/health facilities, medical posts, nutrition posts, and services for people with disabilities. In the education sector, there are plans to build Ceria Schools, provide educational support/school kits, build emergency schools, renovate schools, and establish emergency learning communities. Economic recovery will also be carried out by improving the business sector, cash for work, and business capital (consensus). In addition, Dompet Dhuafa also continues to prepare clean water needs with water tank trucks, emergency prayer rooms, mosque renovations, and free motorcycle repair services.
Action Report from the Dompet Dhuafa DMC Response Team
Previously, Dompet Dhuafa had been conducting emergency responses since the first day of the disaster until today. When the disaster occurred at the end of November 2025, Dompet Dhuafa was already on site, providing assistance to survivors and searching for victims affected by the disaster. Dompet Dhuafa also rolled out assistance programs using various methods to reach the location, whether by land, sea, or air. One of them was by distributing aid via air, carrying three tons of aid to remote areas in Takengon, Central Aceh, with the help of partners from MK Skin, Dricha, and Melanin Hero who financed the aircraft to deliver the aid.
Additionally, Dompet Dhuafa, together with Food Station, rolled out 60 tons of aid to be distributed by sea to Belawan, Medan, which will later be distributed to evacuation points in North Sumatra, West Sumatra, and Aceh. Furthermore, Dompet Dhuafa also sent 75 tons of aid to Aceh via land routes from donations collected by Dompet Dhuafa branches across Riau Province.
The various programs launched by Dompet Dhuafa are inseparable from the collaboration of partners for good, including companies, brands, communities, individuals, and other organizations. A number of public figures and influencers have also taken part in helping Sumatra recover, such as Ria Ricis, Chiki Fawzi, Benu Boeloe, Marcella Zalianti, and others. Brands such as MAKUKU, Paragon, Purela, and dozens of other brands are also involved. Meanwhile, communities such as Parfi 56, MBloc, YouthRanger, Ngamen Untuk Sumatra with NdarBoy Genk, Is Pusakata, Panji Sakti, Hadad Alwi, and other collaborators are also taking part.
As of December 30, 2025, Dompet Dhuafa has delivered donations from donors and reached 117,386 beneficiaries in three provinces. Through DMC, Dompet Dhuafa has evacuated 226 victims. It has prepared ready-to-eat meals for 11,765 people, provided public kitchen services for 54,608 people, set up warm shelters for 13,570 people, carried out 1,236 clean-up actions, and provided 550 mobile kitchen services. Dompet Dhuafa also opened WiFi stations for 2,184 people, prepared food packages for 5,814 people, distributed clean water to 4,790 people, distributed non-logistical items to 1,928 people, and prepared 49 cheerful parks.
Additionally, in the health program, Dompet Dhuafa opened 24 reflexology services, 501 health production services, psychological first aid services for 1,079 people, mobile health services for 4,378 people, distribution of baby, mother, and elderly needs for 1,899 people, nutrition corners for 2,162 people, and ambulance services. Not only that, it also established laundry services for 901 people, food distribution for 7,208 people, hygiene kits for 2,020 people, school kits for 171 people, kitchen kits for 66 people, family kits for 30 people, and Muslim kits for 225 people. (Dompet Dhuafa)
Editor: Ronna