PEKANBARU —–— “Indonesians are generous” is a reality, not just a slogan. This is evident in the concern shown by people throughout Indonesia for those affected by flash floods on the island of Sumatra. They have shown their concern through donations via Dompet Dhuafa. In collaboration with the congregation of Al-Anshor Mosque in Pekanbaru, humanitarian aid in the form of ready-to-eat rendang packages will be distributed to flood and landslide survivors in Aceh Tamiang Regency on Tuesday (12/23/25).
For this aid effort, Dompet Dhuafa and the Al-Anshor Mosque prepared two cows, which were processed from morning until midnight to produce 700 ready-to-eat beef rendang packages that can be immediately enjoyed by flood survivors in Aceh Tamiang.
The rendang aid is an initiative of the women of the Al-Anshor Mosque congregation, who cooked with enthusiasm and sincerity. This humanitarian action is a manifestation of solidarity and community values in Riau Province, especially Pekanbaru, in helping others amid the disaster that has struck Aceh.
Hendi Mardika, Head of the Riau Branch of Dompet Dhuafa, explained the reason behind the women’s initiative to distribute beef rendang to disaster survivors in Aceh.
Read also: Donations for Disaster Victims and Aid Priorities
“The women of the congregation chose beef rendang as aid because, in addition to having a long shelf life, it is also a source of animal protein that provides energy for survivors,” said Hendi.
Beef rendang is indeed known for its long shelf life. Rendang can last from three months to a year. Rendang tastes even better when reheated regularly. The more it is reheated, the longer it will last. It is no wonder that rendang was chosen as food to be sent to survivors during disasters, as it is practical and has a long shelf life.
One of the administrators of the Al-Anshor Mosque, Ustaz Jos Bendri, hopes that this assistance can slightly ease the burden on disaster survivors in Aceh.
“Hopefully, what we intend and what has been donated by these donors will bring blessings and can be used as well as possible by the people in need,” he added.
Meanwhile, in a separate location, Dian Mulyadi, Deputy Director of Corporate Secretary at Dompet Dhuafa, said that Dompet Dhuafa will continue to make every effort to help disaster survivors in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra.
Previously, Dompet Dhuafa had also sent 75 tons of aid divided into 11 “Aid for Sumatra” humanitarian trucks consisting of rice, water towers, ready-to-eat beef rendang, mineral water, women’s kits, hygiene kits, children’s kits, sleeping equipment (blankets, mattresses, sleeping mats), Muslim kits, dates, honey, and snacks for children at evacuation centers, as well as evacuation and recovery equipment.
May what Dompet Dhuafa has done ease their burden and also bring joy to the donors, knowing that the funds entrusted to Dompet Dhuafa have been distributed quickly and effectively. Friends, let’s continue to support our brothers and sisters in Aceh, West Sumatra, and North Sumatra by donating through [NEED IMMEDIATE HELP] PRAY FOR SUMATERA. (Dompet Dhuafa)
Text and photos: Dian M
Editor: Ronna