ACEH TAMIANG —-— This Ramadan is different from previous years. Flood survivors in Aceh Tamiang have been forced to stay in evacuation tents under limited conditions. One of them is Samiran (50), a wood porter in Bukit Batu Village.
“This year’s Ramadan is still being spent in the evacuation camp. I’m grateful to still be in good health. Although, to be honest, this Ramadan isn’t as joyful as in previous years,” he said.
For more than three months now, Samiran has been living in an evacuation tent with her two children in Melati Hamlet, Benua Raja Village, Rantau Subdistrict, after a flash flood struck her home on November 25, 2025.
The flood destroyed his home, leaving only rubble that is no longer livable. Since then, he has been forced to survive in a tent, even through this Ramadan.
Samiran said there are many moments that cannot be repeated this Ramadan. He misses gathering with his family during iftar. That is no longer happening now. The flash flood disaster changed everything, leaving everyone preoccupied with their own struggles.
“During previous Ramadans, family members would sometimes come from all over, even if just for a day. We would gather to catch up with one another. But now, everyone is in the same boat. This flood has affected almost all of Aceh Tamiang. Every area has been hit. We’re all facing this disaster together,” said Samiran.
There are about seven tents around Samiran’s tent. Their homes were destroyed by the flood, and there is still no certainty regarding temporary housing. During Ramadan, amidst unpredictable weather—facing both heat and rain—they endure it all inside their small tents.
“It’s not as comfortable as our own homes. Even though our homes weren’t great, they were still cozy. Everything was there. When it rains heavily, we get cold. When it’s hot, there’s a lot of dust. At night, there are so many mosquitoes. It’s hard to sleep,” said Samiran.
“It’s hard during the rainy season. It’s hard during the dry season, too. How can I put it? When I reflect on it, tears well up in my eyes because I’m so sad. But perhaps it’s His will. As Muslims, all we can do is be devout,” he added.
Working as a wood porter is a new experience for him since the flash flood disaster last November. Previously, Samiran supported his two children with his income as a farm laborer at a coffee plantation in Takengon.
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That day, Samiran only worked a half-day. At his age, carrying wood while fasting is no easy task. He gave his daily wages to his daughter, Satika, so she could buy groceries. Inside the tent, Satika boiled water and cooked rice and side dishes for their iftar meal.
Currently, Samiran is just waiting for a call to work in the rubber plantation to carry logs. With that wage, he ensures that the stove in the tent keeps smoking. With such a meager wage, he continued, there is nothing he can set aside for savings. He can only provide for his family’s daily needs during this Ramadan for iftar and suhoor.
It should be noted that as of February 24, 2026, 26,095 people were still recorded as being displaced in evacuation tents following the flash floods and landslides in North Sumatra, West Sumatra, and Aceh. Some of the displaced people are in the Aceh region.
In addition to destroying their homes, the flash floods have left residents without a source of livelihood. To date, the household economies of the survivors have not fully recovered. They still require logistical assistance from various parties.
There, Dompet Dhuafa distributed aid in the form of Ramadan 1447 Hijri gift packages. In addition to basic necessities, the packages also included items for worship and the holiday season to support survivors as they continue to rise and persevere.
“This Ramadan, our hope is that all of us affected by the disaster can see our economy return to normal. That is what we hope for. So that we can smile again like we used to,” said Samiran.
Friends of Dompet Dhuafa, during this holy month of Ramadan, the disaster survivors in Sumatra have not yet fully recovered. They still need logistical aid to sustain their lives. During this Ramadan, let’s help them maintain their spirit in performing various acts of worship throughout the month through IFTAAR DONATIONS FOR SUMATRA FLOOD SURVIVORS. (Dompet Dhuafa)
Text: M Afriza Adha, DMC, Moh Reynaldi Risahondua
Photo: M Afriza Adha, DMC
Editor: Dhika