ACEH TAMIANG, ACEH —-— For most people, Ramadan is a time to return to the warmth of home. However, for survivors of hydrometeorological disasters in Aceh Tamiang, “home” is now nothing more than a sheet of tarpaulin that can no longer withstand the fury of the weather.
When it rains, the cold air pierces the bones, while the surroundings once again become muddy, soggy, and damp. And during the dry season, the dried mud turns into thick dust that makes it hard to breathe. The scorching summer sun also beats down on their heads, making the act of fasting feel far more “challenging.”
Amid these conditions—far from being restored—the holy month of Ramadan 1447 Hijri still arrives. For the displaced, this year’s Ramadan is observed with extraordinary sincerity, though the bitterness cannot be hidden.
One such sign of grief is visible on the face of M. Shaleh (73). In his twilight years, he must accept the bitter reality that his possessions are gone without a trace.
“My house is gone, swept away. It feels so different from last year,” he said with a bitter tone.
It wasn’t just his home; his livelihood as a cattle farmer was also destroyed. His cows were swept away by the floodwaters. Now, he can only endure living in a sweltering tent, while trying to piece back together the hope that was once shattered.
In another account, Ariyani (52) said, “Right now, I’m staying in someone else’s house—and even that’s only half-standing. We’re sharing it with four other families.”
They can’t even imagine the joy of Eid al-Fitr. Without the sturdy walls of a home, the thought of celebrating Eid under a refugee tent feels bleak and suffocating.
However, despite these limitations, a glimmer of hope emerged. On Saturday (February 21, 2026), during the first week of Ramadan 1447 AH, the Dompet Dhuafa team remained in Aceh Tamiang to distribute aid in the form of Ramadan care packages.
These aid packages were designed to meet basic needs while strengthening the spirituality of the survivors. The Ramadan care packages contained basic food items, dates for suhoor and iftar, as well as new prayer items.
The arrival of this aid brought a special warmth. Shaleh, Aryani, and other beneficiaries could not hide their happiness. Wide smiles spread across their faces and those of the other women as they embraced the Ramadan care packages. For them, this aid is not merely food; it is a message that they are not alone in this struggle.
Read also: Your Donations Have Arrived! Family Kits Have Been Distributed in Rusip Village, Bener Meriah, Aceh
Ahmad Yamin, the DMC Disaster Response Coordinator in Aceh Tamiang, stated that this aid is not merely a logistics package, but a message that they are not alone in facing this disaster.
“Through these Ramadan care packages, we want to ensure that the kitchens in the evacuation camps remain active during suhoor and iftar. And to bring the spirit and sweetness of Ramadan into the tents. So that the survivors can also perform their worship in a more dignified and comfortable manner,” said Ahmad Yamin.
Although the future remains shrouded in dust and uncertainty, this gift of hope serves as fuel for them to remain steadfast in their worship, seek blessings during this holy month, and hope that tomorrow will be better than today. The Ramadan care packages we provide mean the world to them there. Let’s continue to support them through digital.dompetdhuafa.org/donasi/prayforsumatera. (Dompet Dhuafa)
Text and photos: Dhika
Editor: Dedi Fadlil