JAKARTA —-— A warm and family-like atmosphere enveloped Winners Backyard, Pondok Pinang, South Jakarta, on Thursday (01/29/2026). Dompet Dhuafa held a gathering titled “Harmony in Ramadan: Weaving Stories from Sumatra,” a moment to unite the hearts of hundreds of Goodness Warriors to restore the smiles of disaster survivors in Sumatra and, of course, to welcome Ramadan 1447 H with joy.
In her speech, Etika Setiawanti, Director of Resources Mobilization (REMO), emphasized that this year’s Ramadan, Dompet Dhuafa is carrying out a special mission through the theme of the Ramadan for Aceh program.
“Dompet Dhuafa cannot work alone. We are currently building 1,000 Rumtara (Temporary Houses) since December 31, 2025. As of January, the target of the first 120 units has been completed so that survivors will no longer have to live in tents during Ramadan,” explained Etika.
She added that this year’s Ramadan fundraising target of IDR 156 billion will be focused on expanding interventions in the fields of education, health, and economic recovery for those who have lost their jobs.
The talk show session presented in-depth perspectives from three figures who were directly involved in Sumatra. They were Eka Suwandi as the representative of the response team from the Dompet Dhuafa Disaster Management Center; Chiki Fawzi as a Social Activist & Super Volunteer at Dompet Dhuafa; and Sulis Tiqomah as the Chair of Ramadan 1447 H at Dompet Dhuafa.
Chiki Fawzi shared an emotional story about spending the night in a refugee tent in Aceh Tamiang. She also explained her reason for going to the field in such conditions.
“I just felt guilty if I did nothing. We don’t know what small acts of kindness will influence and help them or others to survive,” she said.
“Many of their (the survivors’) stories broke my heart. I slept in a tent in Tamiang. And when people hugged me, even in Jakarta when I met people from Aceh, I received a lot of moral support. We are nothing compared to the sparkle in their eyes and what they feel. There is a huge gap between grassroots understanding and global mindset. This grassroots reality is real life,” he added.
In line with this, Eka Suwandi emphasized that revitalizing housing is not just a physical matter, but also gives hope to families who have been living in tents for months.
“For those who have ever camped overnight in a tent, one or two days is fun. But for them (the survivors), a week, a month, with their families, children, elderly people, and other things, it’s different. Therefore, shelter is important,“ said Eka.
”Revitalizing housing is not just about physical buildings, but their hope to recover more quickly. In their homes, they can plan and build their future,“ he continued.
Meanwhile, Sulis Tiqomah presented a series of Ramadan programs with the tagline ”Berzakat Itu Kalcer” (Giving Zakat is Kalcer). Because zakat is an obligation, which has certainly become a habit and a culture. Highlights of the program include BeROJOL (Help Online Ojek Businesses and Maintain Vehicles), Mudik Kalcer for 1,447 people, and TZF (Distribute Zakat Fitrah), which distributed 10 tons of rice to flood survivors in Sumatra, and many others.
After engaging in deep discussions, the atmosphere became creative and cheerful through the Painting Kindness Workshop session. In this session, participants were invited to express their spirit of caring through colors and images on stationery containers.
Uniquely, the participants’ original handmade works were not taken home, but were sent directly to children who survived the disaster in Sumatra.
Through these writing instruments painted with love, a message was conveyed that they are not alone and that there are still many people who care about their educational future.
Read also: Emergency Schools Continue to Bring Joy and Hope to Children in Aceh After the Disaster
Closing the series of gatherings, renowned speaker Ustaz Maulana gave a short but meaningful sermon. With his characteristic lively and communicative style, Ustaz Maulana reminded the audience of the importance of increasing good deeds at the dawn of the holy month.
He invited all the Warriors of Goodness in attendance to continue to open their eyes and hearts to the conditions of others.
“Our compassion is a reflection of our faith. Let this Ramadan serve as a bridge of kindness that strengthens our brothers and sisters in Sumatra. During Ramadan, the impact of our kindness is multiplied,” he urged, which also served as a sweet conclusion to the event.
Through this synergy, Dompet Dhuafa hopes that the harmony of kindness can restore the lives of survivors, so that they can welcome Ramadan with the same dignity and joy.
Dear friends, you can also play a role in strengthening humanitarian solidarity for flood survivors in Sumatra. Your donations will help provide various necessities and support long-term recovery efforts. Channel your best assistance through PRAY FOR SUMATERA. (Dompet Dhuafa)
Text and photos: Dhika
Editor: Dedi Fadlil