ACEH —-— Amidst the severe damage left behind by flash floods in Bireuen, Aceh, volunteers are at the forefront of ensuring that aid continues to flow. The Teupin Mane Bridge at Kilometer 10, Juli District, which was previously a vital link between Bireuen and Bener Meriah and Central Aceh, now only has a broken iron frame left.
Every day, dozens of volunteers stand guard nonstop at the site of the completely severed bridge. They not only manage the flow of logistics, but also serve as a lifeline for thousands of residents who are isolated without adequate food supplies. The sling cables installed across the iron frame are the main hope for distributing rice, instant noodles, mineral water, and other basic necessities. Everything is done manually, by hand, many times a day.
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One of the volunteers, Muhammad Yusuf, has been at the location since the day after the flood occurred until today, Wednesday (12/10/2025). Every day, he and other volunteers pull the sling repeatedly, hundreds of times, to ensure that the aid reaches the other side.
“We do this wholeheartedly. As long as we can still help, we will continue to be here,” said Yusuf during his break while waiting for the signal to pull the sling.
The volunteers do not charge any fees. Residents who want to transport aid or evacuate only give what they can. This spirit of mutual cooperation is the mainstay of aid distribution, while official access is still closed and heavy equipment has difficulty reaching the location.
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Not only for logistics, this emergency route also became a lifeline for residents who needed immediate medical care. Yusuf said that several volunteers from Beunyet Village, Juli Subdistrict, transported toddlers, pregnant women, and adults to Bireuen Regional General Hospital and RSUZA Banda Aceh. All of this was done with limited equipment and at great risk.
Meanwhile, efforts to repair bridges and main roads are still awaiting stable weather and the availability of heavy equipment. Until now, volunteers continue to stand guard, working in shifts, ensuring that no aid or evacuation is hindered.
Thousands of residents still need food, clean water, medicine, and recovery support. Friends can help ease their burden by donating through digital.dompetdhuafa.org/donasi/prayforsumatera. (Dompet Dhuafa)
Text and photos: Riza Muthohar
Editor: Dhika