AGAM, WEST SUMATRA —–— The word “sad” seemed to find its meaning when Dompet Dhuafa volunteers first set foot in Sikabau. An area in Jorong Kayu Pasak Selatan, Nagari Salareh Aia, Palembayan District, Agam Regency. Not only because of its remote location, but also because of the natural disaster that had just struck it.
The flash flood came without warning, sweeping away the only bridge connecting the village. Since then, Sikabau has been cut off from the outside world. The only way out is to walk for about an hour. Heavy rains had previously triggered landslides at two points, making the journey to Sikabau even more challenging.
“Yes, we are isolated here, we are far from the outside world, so because of yesterday’s flash flood, we are cut off. We can’t go shopping at the market, so it’s difficult for us to earn a living,” said Apriani Dewi, a Galodo survivor.
Amidst this isolation, the community perseveres despite all the limitations. They waited for almost a week, with their kitchen supplies slowly running out and their hopes being tested by time.
“A week after the flash flood, the police and army arrived and built a temporary bridge so we could get in and out,” she continued.
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Finally, volunteers stepped in, and Dompet Dhuafa collaborated with KitaBisa to bring more than just aid. Through the Public Kitchen, they revived the warmth that had faded. Package after package was served, a sign that Sikabau was not alone.
On Tuesday (December 11, 2025), Dompet Dhuafa volunteers worked together to set up the Community Kitchen despite all the limitations. The inaccessible location forced them to walk for kilometers, then continue their journey by motorcycle. Despite the difficult terrain, their enthusiasm to ease the suffering of the survivors strengthened their steps, and the Community Kitchen was finally established.
The public kitchen, a collaboration between Dompet Dhuafa and KitaBisa, was established at SDN 26 Kayu Pasak. Volunteers and local residents worked together to cook and serve food. On the first day, 150 portions of food were served, consisting of a simple menu of vegetables and balado chicken.
A warm plate of rice and simple side dishes is not just about filling hungry stomachs; it also serves as a source of strength. The sense of togetherness and laughter during the cooking process became a source of strength for both survivors and volunteers.
On the second day, Dompet Dhuafa’s Public Kitchen and KitaBisa collaborated with the Free Health Institution (LKC). A special menu was prepared for adults, consisting of sour fish and fried noodles for 231 beneficiaries. In addition, 50 portions of baby and child meals (PMBA) consisting of rice, vegetables, fish, and watermelon were provided. The presence of a nutritionist from the Tantaman Health Center ensured that the food provided met the nutritional needs of the children.
“Today, we from Dompet Dhuafa are at the Sikabau intersection, distributing aid in the form of logistics for public kitchen needs because this area is one of the affected areas and access to this area is cut off due to landslides and flash floods. In addition to logistical assistance for the public kitchen,” said Firdaus, one of the Dompet Dhuafa volunteers.
Surviving without assistance is not easy. Apriani feels deeply how difficult it is to live with such limitations, so the presence of the Dompet Dhuafa and KitaBisa public kitchen is a source of comfort for the survivors, including herself.
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“We are very grateful. We, the residents of Sikabau, are very grateful for the assistance from outside. We are grateful because our road was cut off due to a landslide, so we are very grateful to receive this assistance,” said Apriani.
For her, every bit of help that arrived meant so much. She still clearly remembers the night when the flash flood came. At around ten o’clock at night, Apriani’s family was fast asleep. Suddenly, her husband came in with news that made her heart race.
A landslide had struck the Salawih area. Fear enveloped them, especially when they thought about the safety of their children. Without thinking twice, they immediately fled to her parents’ house at the back of the village.
Now, amid recovery efforts, Apriani hopes that the washed-away connecting bridge can be rebuilt soon, so that life can return to normal. The open road is not only about access in and out, but also about the opportunity to resume activities and rebuild lives that had been put on hold.
The collaboration between Dompet Dhuafa and KitaBisa proves that synergy between institutions can accelerate humanitarian response. Support for affected residents will continue until the recovery phase is optimal and community life gradually returns to normal. Support survivors to rise and recover through digital.dompetdhuafa.org/donasi/bangkitsumatera. (Dompet Dhuafa)
Text and photos: Anndini, DDTV
Editor: Dhika