NORTH SUMATRA —— Dompet Dhuafa, through its Disaster Management Center (DMC) and Waspada Branch (North Sumatra Branch), distributed solar-powered lamps to evacuation sites in Hutanabolon Village and Sipange Village, Tukka District, Central Tapanuli, on Monday (12/08/2025). This distribution was carried out as an effort to provide alternative lighting for residents who are still living in total power outages after the disaster.
These solar lights are a major help for survivors during the night. Not only do they provide a sense of security, but this lighting also facilitates the activities of volunteers who work late into the night, especially in emergency response and service to refugees.
“We need lights. That’s what illuminates us. That’s our hope—the lights,” said Mrs. Nasrina Jebua, a beneficiary who has directly experienced the benefits of the lighting.
“So it’s bright, in case there’s a landslide (or flood), we can run,” she added.
In practice, these solar lights not only illuminate family tents, but are also installed in public facilities that were previously pitch black. This helps create a safer space and supports nighttime activities for hundreds of survivors, including children and the elderly.
Although some residents have begun cleaning their homes and surroundings, overall recovery efforts are still slow and uneven. The energy crisis, lack of access to information, and limited means of communication are major challenges faced by communities in the affected areas.
“These lights are a much-needed alternative when everything is dark,” said Taqi Falsafati, DMC Dompet Dhuafa Field PIC.
He emphasized that lighting is an essential component in emergency situations, especially when the potential for subsequent landslides still looms.
Read also: Dompet Dhuafa Sends 60 Tons of Humanitarian Aid to Disaster Survivors in Sumatra
The lack of electricity and internet networks, which have not yet been fully restored, has made it difficult for families in evacuation centers to obtain important information or communicate with relatives outside the area. Meanwhile, a number of evacuation centers have also reported other urgent needs that are still lacking, such as ready-to-eat meals, clean water, hygiene kits, school kits, basic necessities, generators, and water jerry cans to strengthen emergency services.
With road access still limited and the threat of further disasters not yet completely gone, solar lights have become a priority need. In addition to providing lighting, these lamps also serve as a nighttime activity for hundreds of survivors who are still struggling in the darkness of the post-disaster situation. Hopefully, this support will continue to flow until conditions are fully restored and the community can get back on their feet and resume their lives. Dompet Dhuafa’s disaster response in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra will continue. The community can help strengthen these efforts by donating through digital.dompetdhuafa.org/donasi/prayforsumatera. (Dompet Dhuafa)
Text and photos: Riza Muthohar
Editor: Dhika