TAMIANG, ACEH —-— The head of Dompet Dhuafa, Ahmad Juwaini, arrived in Tamiang, Aceh, on Friday (12/12/2025) afternoon. He and his staff brought supplies from Banda Aceh and Medan. Before heading to Tamiang, he and his team distributed dozens of tons of aid consisting of thousands of food packages, hygiene kits, and blankets in Pidie Jaya and Bireuen Regencies.
On the way from Bireuen to Tamiang, the team had to cross the Peusangan River using local boats because the main bridge, which is a vital transportation access point, was cut off due to flash floods. Despite the risks, the journey continued to ensure that the aid reached the survivors.
“We want to make sure that our brothers and sisters in Tamiang do not feel alone in facing this ordeal,” added Ahmad during the long journey.
The head of Dompet Dhuafa, Ahmad Juwaini, arrived in Tamiang, Aceh, on Friday (12/12/2025) afternoon. Hardened mud and piles of wood from the forest still cover most of the residents’ settlements. Many houses were washed away by the current, while others were submerged and buried in mud, rendering them uninhabitable.
This situation forced thousands of residents to evacuate to places deemed safer. They survived with limited food, clean water, and other basic necessities. Even now, hundreds of residents are still reported missing, adding to the tragedy that has enveloped Tamiang.
In the first week of the flash floods, the Dompet Dhuafa Disaster Management Center (DMC) team reached the affected areas. The journey was made using tactical vehicles from the Dompet Dhuafa DMC branch and headquarters in South Tangerang. The vehicles carried trained rescuers, professional equipment, emergency response supplies, and basic necessities.
“Access was extremely limited when Dompet Dhuafa attempted to reach the disaster-affected areas. Many roads were cut off and bridges were washed away. But we ensured that the team had to get in because the residents urgently needed assistance,” said Ahmad.
From the outset, the Dompet Dhuafa team has carried out various interventions, ranging from distributing food supplies to public kitchens, providing hot meals, establishing communication networks, providing health services, to offering psychological first aid to survivors experiencing stress and trauma.
At the location, residents and volunteers took turns transporting supplies using traditional boats and crossing slings. This process was carried out throughout the day so that aid could be immediately distributed to affected areas that were more difficult to reach.
A major disaster like this leaves deep wounds. In addition to losing their possessions, many residents lost their livelihoods. Dompet Dhuafa is committed to continuing to accompany the survivors, not only in the emergency response phase but also in the recovery phase until independence is rebuilt.
“We hope that the affected communities can recover quickly and get back on their feet. Hopefully, all parties will continue to work together to help our brothers and sisters who are currently in need,” he continued.
Dear friends, you can also play a role in strengthening the humanitarian response for the survivors of the flash floods in Aceh. Your donations will help provide food, medicine, health services, and long-term recovery. Send your best assistance through digital.dompetdhuafa.org/donasi/prayforsumatera. (Dompet Dhuafa)
Text and photos: Riza Muthohar
Editor: Dhika