CENTRAL ACEH —-— Following the flash floods that crippled the Sumatra region, humanitarian efforts raced against the clock in extreme terrain. On Wednesday (12/24/2025), the Dompet Dhuafa response team reached one of the most difficult locations in Central Aceh, namely Burlah Village, Ketol District.
Land access to Burlah Village was cut off due to the destruction of the main bridge. A total of 48 households lost their homes, forcing them to evacuate to SDN 15 Ketol (17 households) and the Ketol Village Office (31 households). The only feasible way to deliver aid was via a makeshift bridge made of steel cables spanning the swift currents of the Peusangan River at the Berawang Gajah site. This emergency bridge was constructed through the initiative and contributions of Central Aceh residents.
In this operation, the Dompet Dhuafa team sent 800 kg of logistical aid, which was transported in stages using a cable sling suspension bridge. This risky measure was taken to ensure that the isolated residents of Burlah Village did not fall into a deeper food crisis.
In total, three tons of aid arrived in Takengon, Central Aceh, on Tuesday (12/23/2025) afternoon. The aid was flown by Dompet Dhuafa and its partners from Jakarta and Medan using an ATR aircraft. The aid has been distributed to evacuation points in Central Aceh Regency and Bener Meriah Regency.
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The aid distributed covers urgent needs, including ready-to-eat food (rice, rendang, and sambal teri), medicine, sanitation supplies (water filters to address the clean water crisis), and energy (generators for emergency lighting in areas where electricity is still out).
As of Tuesday (12/30/2025), national data recorded 1,140 deaths due to flooding in Sumatra. In Central Aceh, the use of steel slings is a clear picture of the destruction of infrastructure connecting villages.
“We had to cross the Peusangan-Berawang Gajah River multiple times using this sling system, so the load on the sling bridge could only carry a maximum of 200 kg,” said Shofa Qudus, Head of DMC Dompet Dhuafa.
“Residents are waiting, and food aid is a priority that cannot be delayed,” he added.
Friends, every bit of help you give is very meaningful for the procurement of food, medicine, and the reconstruction of our brothers’ and sisters’ homes in Sumatra and Aceh. Send your best donations through the donation page: SOLIDARITY HELP SUMATRA RISE. (Dompet Dhuafa)
Text and photos: Dhika, Aryo, Dedi Fadlil
Editor: Dedi Fadlil