JAKARTA —-— It was not yet half past five in the morning on Friday (26 June 2026). Just as some residents of Bendungan Hilir (Benhil), Tanah Abang, Central Jakarta, were just waking up and getting ready to start their day, a sudden rumbling sound startled those living along the banks of the West Flood Canal.
The home of Mrs Sukiyem (65), where she had lived and earned a living for many years, suddenly collapsed. Erosion, which had been steadily eroding the canal banks, had finally rendered the building’s structure unable to withstand the strain. In a matter of seconds, the walls and roof that had long served as her shelter came crashing down, leaving rubble scattered across the riverbed, mixed with piles of rubbish.
For Mrs Sukiyem, this incident is not merely about losing her home. That little house was her whole life. It was there that she made a living alongside her children and siblings by selling cold drinks on the front porch. Now, that shelter is gone, and her source of income has vanished too.
“I’ve had to stay with relatives for the time being. I haven’t been able to sell anything yet,” said Mrs Sukiyem, her expression conveying deep sadness.
Losing both her home and her livelihood at the same time is undoubtedly a heavy burden for her at her advanced age.
Upon hearing of the distressing circumstances faced by Mrs Sukiyem, Dompet Dhuafa’s Community Service Agency (LPM) took immediate action. Through the Mustahik Services programme, the Dompet Dhuafa team visited Mrs Sukiyem in person on Monday (29 June 2026) to hand over the aid entrusted to them by donors in the form of cash.
This aid is a tangible expression of care, intended at the very least to help Mrs Sukiyem and her family get by and meet their daily needs during this difficult period until they can resume their normal activities.
A look of deep emotion mixed with relief was clearly visible on Mrs Sukiyem’s face as she received the aid. The burden that had been weighing heavily on her began to feel slightly lighter.
“I would like to express my deepest gratitude for the concern shown by Dompet Dhuafa’s Community Empowerment Programme (LPM) towards me and my family. Alhamdulillah, this aid has greatly eased our burden,” said Mrs Sukiyem with deep gratitude.
New hope is beginning to grow as the local Environmental Agency (DLH) works to repair the ruins of her home.
Thank you, Friends, for the care you have shown to Mrs Sukiyem today—a tangible testament to the kindness born of the sincerity of Dompet Dhuafa’s donors. Through the zakat, infak and sedekah you have entrusted to us, we are not only providing material assistance, but also restoring smiles, dignity and hope to those who are being tested by life.
Let us continue to join hands, expand the reach of our support, and become a bridge of kindness for our fellow human beings in need of a helping hand. (Dompet Dhuafa)
Text and photos: LPM
Editor: Dhika