Following a major disaster that severely impacted communities across Sumatra, Dompet Dhuafa launched a large-scale, multi-phase humanitarian response to address urgent lifesaving needs while laying out the groundwork for long-term recovery.
Designed to address urgent lifesaving needs while laying the groundwork for long-term recovery, this integrated mission has reached more than 154,800 beneficiaries across Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra as of January 21, 2026.
Phase 1: Rapid and Integrated Emergency Response
The initial emergency phase focused on meeting critical needs; food, clean water, medical services, shelter, and psychosocial support, through coordinated interventions tailored to the conditions in each affected province.
Aceh Province: Sustaining Life and Restoring Safety
Aceh recorded the highest number of beneficiaries, reaching 74,051 individuals. Emergency efforts prioritized food security and safe communal spaces through the establishment of 33,844 Public Kitchen services, ensuring consistent access to hot meals. This was reinforced by the distribution of 8,290 Food Logistics packages and 5,230 Ready-to-Eat Meals.
To protect displaced communities from harsh weather conditions, 5,662 Warming Post services were set up as temporary safe spaces. Health and psychosocial needs were addressed through 3,168 Health Service actions and 2,406 Psychological First Aid (PFA) sessions, helping survivors cope with both physical injuries and emotional trauma.
These interventions were carried out by 67 dedicated personnel, supported by 10 operational vehicles, ensuring timely and wide-reaching assistance.
North Sumatra Province: Strengthening Water and Food Security
In North Sumatra, assistance reached 51,747 beneficiaries, with a strong emphasis on access to clean water alongside food and hygiene support. A total of 6,444 Clean Water Distribution actions were implemented to reduce reliance on unsafe water sources.
Nutritional needs were met through 11,808 Public Kitchen services and 8,114 Ready-to-Eat Meals, while health and dignity were supported by the distribution of 1,409 Hygiene Kits and 3,698 Non-Food Logistics packages, including blankets, tents, and essential tools.
Targeted support for vulnerable groups included 996 Nutrition Corner consultations and 699 Mother and Child Need fulfillments, ensuring focused care for women and children. The response was delivered by 96 field personnel, assisted by 5 support vehicles.
West Sumatra Province: Integrated Health and Community Support
Emergency operations in West Sumatra reached 29,023 beneficiaries, combining food assistance with strong health and community-based interventions. The backbone of the response consisted of 16,936 Public Kitchen services, complemented by 1,102 Health Service actions and 629 PFA sessions.
Community recovery efforts also included 893 Clean-up Actions, helping residents restore safe living environments, and 5,167 Warming Post services that functioned as vital communal hubs. These activities were coordinated by 94 personnel, supported by 7 operational vehicles.
Cross-Cutting Innovations
Across all affected regions, Dompet Dhuafa introduced adaptive initiatives to address evolving needs. These included 2,242 Pos Wifi & Charger services, enabling communication and access to information, and 2,711 Nutrition Corner services to monitor and improve community nutritional status.
These innovations reflect Dompet Dhuafa’s humanitarian approach, one that prioritizes not only survival, but also dignity, connectivity, and long-term well-being.
Phase 2: Strategic Recovery and Infrastructure Rehabilitation
As emergency conditions stabilized, Dompet Dhuafa transitioned into the recovery phase, reaching 3,149 beneficiaries in targeted areas of Aceh Tamiang and Pidie Jaya (Aceh), as well as Central Tapanuli (North Sumatra).
A flagship component of this phase is the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) program, which plays a critical role in reducing long-term health risks and restoring community resilience. Achievements to date include:
- 1,191 Bore Wells drilled to access sustainable groundwater sources
- 800 Piped Water Systems (Pipanisasi) installed to deliver clean water directly to households
- 968 Clean Water Facilities established for communal use
In parallel, the Shelter and Education program supports the return to normalcy by providing:
- 190 Temporary Housing Units (Rumtara) for displaced families
- Emergency Schools to ensure the continuity of children’s education during the recovery period
These initiatives form the foundation for safer living conditions, improved public health, and the gradual restoration of daily life.
A Shared Effort to Spread Kindness
Dompet Dhuafa’s humanitarian response in Sumatra reflects a collective spirit of compassion and solidarity. This mission would not be possible without the trust and generosity of donors who continue to stand with affected communities during their most difficult moments.
Every contribution, big or small, has helped provide food, clean water, shelter, healthcare, and hope for families striving to rebuild their lives. Dompet Dhuafa extends its deepest gratitude to all donors and supporters and invites the wider public to continue spreading kindness by supporting ongoing recovery efforts toward stronger and more resilient communities.
