ACEH TAMIANG, ACEH —-— Dompet Dhuafa, through its Program Implementation Partner (MPP) Indonesia Berdaya, distributed humanitarian aid following the hydrometeorological disaster in Sumatra in Manyak Payed, Aceh Tamiang, on Wednesday (April 8, 2026). The symbolic handover of the aid was conducted to support the economic recovery of 31 fishermen who are members of the Maju Bersama fish farming group (POKDAKAN). The beneficiary fishermen received 7 boats, 800 crab traps, 15 belanak nets along with ambe, and working capital.
The handover ceremony was witnessed in person by the Regent’s Expert Staff for Economy, Finance, and Development of Aceh Tamiang Regency, Yunus SP; the Secretary of the Food, Marine Affairs, and Fisheries Agency, Sjoekrie Haroen; the Manyak Payed Subdistrict Head; the Ujung Tanjung Village Head; stakeholders; and community leaders.
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Anna Rahmawati, Director of Dompet Dhuafa’s Empowerment Program and Chairperson of the Indonesia Berdaya Board, explained that this assistance reflects Dompet Dhuafa’s commitment to restoring the livelihoods of fishing community survivors, so they can return to fishing to meet their daily needs.
“May this assistance, sourced from zakat funds, be utilized to the fullest by the beneficiary fishermen. All of this is a trust from Dompet Dhuafa’s donors who hope that the disaster-affected communities in Sumatra can recover, rise again, and become empowered as soon as possible,” said Anna.
Yunus SP, the Regent’s Expert Staff for Economy, Finance, and Development of Aceh Tamiang Regency, expressed his gratitude to Dompet Dhuafa. This assistance is greatly helping the Aceh Tamiang government with post-disaster recovery, particularly in the economic sector.
“During the recent flood disaster, Aceh Tamiang was the hardest hit. Government operations came to a standstill. The Police, the Military Command, and the Prosecutor’s Office were all affected. Dompet Dhuafa became one of our key supporters during these difficult times. This assistance has truly helped the community to quickly get back on their feet and resume their lives,” said Yunus.
With deep gratitude, Zainal Abidin, a beneficiary and Chairman of POKDAKAN Maju Bersama, expressed his heartfelt thanks to Dompet Dhuafa. This assistance was eagerly awaited by the affected fishermen of Manyak Payed, reigniting hope and a renewed spirit that had previously been crushed when all their fishing equipment was swept away by the flood.
“When the fishermen first heard that Dompet Dhuafa would be helping us, it felt like a dream. Now we can go fishing again. We have hope to continue living with our families. Alhamdulillah, our livelihood has returned. A thousand thanks may not be enough to repay the kindness of the donors through Dompet Dhuafa; we are truly grateful,” said Bidin.
Read also: Psychosocial Recovery After the Disaster in Sumatra: Restoring Hope for Survivors
After ensuring that the community’s basic needs are met, Indonesia Berdaya, as the implementing partner of Dompet Dhuafa’s economic program, is here to restore the livelihood cycle so that they can rise up and become empowered. Every assistance we provide utilizes Zakat funds and has been tailored to the community’s needs following an assessment to ensure it is targeted effectively.
Through Indonesia Berdaya, Dompet Dhuafa also opens opportunities for all community members with an entrepreneurial spirit who fall under the Zakat recipient categories to apply for assistance via the channel provided on the website www.indonesiaberdaya.org, ensuring that the funds entrusted to us by donors are effectively delivered. (Dompet Dhuafa)
Text and photos: Harja Pradika, IB
Editor: Dhika