SOUTH TAPANULI —— Dompet Dhuafa, together with the National Zakat Management Partners (MPZ) network, launched the Temporary Housing Program (Rumtara). The program includes the provision of 10 single-unit temporary housing units and the construction of 1 sanitation facility (emergency bathroom) for flood-affected communities in Bandar Tarutung Village, Angkola Sangkunur Subdistrict, South Tapanuli Regency, on Saturday (March 7, 2026).
The inauguration was conducted by Bobby P Manullang, General Manager (GM) of Network Development at Dompet Dhuafa; the Head of the Dompet Dhuafa Waspada Branch, Sulaiman; along with the Angkola Sangkunur Subdistrict Head, Danil Afandi Harahap; and the Bandar Tarutung Village Head, Sulhan Sihombing.
Previously, floods had struck the Sumatra region in late 2025, particularly in South Tapanuli, causing damage to residents’ housing infrastructure. The disaster resulted in many affected families losing their homes and losing access to adequate basic facilities.
This situation required swift action. In line with the outcomes of the 2025 MPZ Dompet Dhuafa National Conference, Dompet Dhuafa has established a joint commitment with the National MPZ network to assist those affected by the Sumatra disaster through the simultaneous “Pray for Sumatra” campaign. The proceeds from this campaign were channeled through Dompet Dhuafa North Sumatra in the form of a temporary housing provision program.
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This program uses a Cash-for-Work (CFW) scheme as an effort to involve the local community, thereby gradually boosting the economy of those affected by the disaster.
Sulaiman, Head of Dompet Dhuafa’s North Sumatra Branch, explained that the purpose of these temporary shelters is to help families affected by the disaster resume their daily activities.
“Alhamdulillah, these Rumtara units were completed just in time for Ramadan. May these temporary shelters be comfortable and a source of blessings. We also pray that this program doesn’t stop here. Hopefully, we’ll be able to distribute more Rumtara units here,” he hoped.
Speaking on behalf of the community, the Village Head of Bandar Tarutung, Sulhan Sihombing, expressed his gratitude for the assistance provided.
“This is very helpful. However, we still need more (temporary housing). Many residents have asked me, ‘When will we get a house?’” he said.
He explained that many residents of Bandar Tarutung Village are still staying with relatives. Some have not even returned to the village yet because they are still traumatized. According to Sulhan, the recent flood was the worst he has ever experienced in the village and destroyed many facilities.
“The water rose quickly. We panicked; our belongings and homes were swept away,” he said.
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Meanwhile, the Head of Angkola Sangkunur Subdistrict, Danil Afandi Harahap, was also present and expressed his appreciation for the collaboration, particularly Dompet Dhuafa’s Rumtara program.
“On behalf of the government, we would like to express our deepest gratitude. This village was one of the hardest-hit areas. We experienced three consecutive floods,” he explained.
Danil hopes this assistance is not the last. Many residents of Bandar Taruntung Village are still without shelter due to the flash floods. “Recently, this village was like an ocean; some of our residents even had to sleep on their roofs,” he said.
Bobby Manullang, General Manager of Network Development at Dompet Dhuafa, urged the community to be grateful for the implementation of the Rumatara program. Bobby explained that this program is an effort by the institutions within the Dompet Dhuafa National MPZ Network that care for our brothers and sisters in Sumatra.
“Alhamdulillah, Dompet Dhuafa’s MPZ has helped bring Rumtara here. Additionally, we should be grateful for this bond of brotherhood. So that we can bridge the kindness of donors to the residents of Bandar Taruntung village,” he concluded.
Bobby also expressed his appreciation to all elements of society who have supported the Rumtara program. “We are happy to help as distributors. Hopefully, this house will be well-maintained,” he hoped.
The inauguration of the National MPZ Rumtara “Pray for Sumatra” serves as a significant milestone in demonstrating the program’s transparency and accountability to donors and stakeholders. The establishment of the Rumtara in Bandar Tarutung Village marks the beginning of a new chapter for families affected by the Sumatra floods, particularly in South Tapanuli, as they work toward a more decent, safe, and dignified life during the recovery period. (Dompet Dhuafa)
Text and photos: Hafiz, Anndini
Editor: Ronna