SOUTHEAST SULAWESI — Three days after the fire that engulfed the settlements around the Puuwatu Landfill in Kendari City, Southeast Sulawesi, on Friday (2/14/2025), the Dompet Dhuafa Disaster Management Center (DMC) continued to provide various assistance services to the survivors. With a high spirit of humanity, DMC volunteers from Dompet Dhuafa work hand in hand to ensure that every victim gets the assistance they need, from food to psychosocial support.
The Dompet Dhuafa Volunteer (DDV) team from Southeast Sulawesi has been providing Warm Post services at evacuation sites since Saturday (15/02/2025). This post provides food and warm drinks for survivors and volunteers who work tirelessly in the field. In addition, Pos Hangat is also the main point for the Dompet Dhuafa Free Health Service (LKC) health team, which provides medical services to affected victims.
“Pos Hangat not only functions as a place for food distribution and health services, but also as a point of receiving assistance from donors who want to help others,” said Hasfil, person in charge of the DMC action of Dompet Dhuafa at the location.
Read also: Dompet Dhuafa’s Logistics Assistance and Public Kitchen Services for Kendal Flood Survivors
In a situation full of limitations, the volunteers worked tirelessly. They not only ensured that basic necessities were available, but also paid special attention to vulnerable groups, especially children and the elderly who lost their homes due to these severe fires. The fires that burned down 26 houses around the Puuwatu landfill have caused many children to lose their learning equipment, including uniforms, books, and other school supplies. They were also forced to stop learning activities.
Realizing this, the DMC Dompet Dhuafa team immediately provided Psychological First Aid (PFA) services for the child survivors. This program aims to restore the children’s cheerfulness by presenting various educational and recreational activities. DDV Southeast Sulawesi volunteers collaborated with the Social Service Office (Dinsos), the Kendari Teaching Movement (GKM), and the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) Volunteer Corps (KSR) of Kendari Regency to organize this program.
“After the fire, there were no school supplies left. Everything was burned down, causing school activities to come to a standstill. Therefore, we are present with the PFA program to ensure that children continue to receive the emotional and mental support they need,” added Hasfil.
Read also: DMC helps mitigate forest and land fires in West Kalimantan
In the implementation of this action, the children received assistance through educational classes, medical classes, and various play activities designed to restore their spirit and cheerfulness. The volunteers, with great patience and dedication, tried to bring smiles to the faces of these children, which were previously filled with sadness due to the loss of their homes and environment.
“Hopefully our presence among them can be an antidote to grief and help them recover from this event,” added Hasfil with high hopes.
Not only providing assistance to children, the DMC Dompet Dhuafa volunteer team is also actively helping to distribute assistance from the Social Agency and supporting the operation of public kitchens around refugee posts. Each volunteer works wholeheartedly, ensuring that no victim is neglected.
Read also: Darling Rides Fast to Assist Lampung Flood Survivors
The efforts of Dompet Dhuafa volunteers are proof that care and solidarity are still deeply rooted in society. With various services that continue to be provided, DMC Dompet Dhuafa hopes that the survivors can face this difficult time with more strength and empowerment. The assistance and care from various parties is clear proof that in the midst of calamities, there are always hands ready to strengthen and warm the hearts of those affected. (Dompet Dhuafa)
Text and photos: Riza Muthohar, DMC Dompet Dhuafa
Editor: Dhika