ACEH TAMIANG —-— At the end of 2025, Dompet Dhuafa began its recovery efforts through the RUMTARA (Temporary Housing) Program for survivors of flash floods and landslides in Sumatra. An ambitious target of 1,000 RUMTARA units has been set to be built across the three most severely affected provinces: Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra.
Today, Wednesday (12/31/2025), coinciding with the New Year’s Eve countdown to 2026, Dompet Dhuafa inaugurated the first five RUMTARA units in Tamiang Kota, Aceh Tamiang Regency. Following this, construction will gradually continue in Pidie Jaya and other locations in North Sumatra and West Sumatra.
These RUMTARA units will be built on the former land of each beneficiary’s home, with a building size of 4.8 x 4.8 meters. Construction will primarily target disaster survivors who have been living in evacuation centers for over a month.
Read also: Huntara Dompet Dhuafa Helps Cianjur Earthquake Survivors Enjoy a Comfortable Ramadan
The construction sites were determined collaboratively with the Provincial Government to ensure that the aid reached its intended targets. As a first step, construction began in the last week of December 2025.
“Alhamdulillah, Dompet Dhuafa has today completed several temporary housing units, which we have named RUMTARA (Temporary Houses), with a target of 1,000 units to be completed within the next year. Therefore, we ask for the support of all Indonesian people, our partners in kindness, and donors to help us achieve our target of building 1,000 RUMTARA units. And today, Wednesday (12/31/2025), we are also officially launching the 1,000 RUMTARA program for Sumatra,” said Ahmad Juwaini, Chairman of the Dompet Dhuafa Republika Foundation, in his statement.
Yes, the massive floods that hit the Sumatra region have left deep sorrow for thousands of families. The once sturdy walls of their homes now lie in ruins, forcing many residents to spend cold nights in shelters filled with anxiety. The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) recorded that 171,379 homes were damaged or destroyed in this incident.
For the survivors, what they need now is not just emergency logistical aid, but a place to call home. RUMTARA serves as a safe space to rest, embrace family, and rebuild lives that were once swept away by the flood.
“Through RUMTARA, Dompet Dhuafa aims to offer more than just physical structures. We want to bring hope that, even after a disaster, there is still a future worth fighting for. For potential beneficiaries, we prioritize the elderly whose homes are destroyed and unusable, widows, orphans, and honorary teachers/imams,” explained Ahmad.
Read also: Dompet Dhuafa Launches Laundry Corner, Offering Free Clothing Washing After Sumatra Floods
While most people celebrate the new year with joy and make new resolutions, our brothers and sisters in Sumatra must start their lives from scratch. One RUMTARA unit for one family is a small but meaningful step to help them get back on their feet.
Let’s be part of this act of kindness. Your support and helping hand are greatly needed in this long recovery process. Let’s help them return to a decent home. Friends, channel your compassion through BUILD RUMTARA FOR SUMATRA FLOOD SURVIVORS. (Dompet Dhuafa)
Text and photos: Dhika
Editor: Dedi Fadlil