Aceh – Indonesia, The commitment of South Aceh Police Chief Adjunct Senior Commissioner T. Ricki Fadlianshah to help renovate the home of a widow of a former Free Aceh Movement (GAM) combatant in Krueng Batu Village, North Kluet District, has finally been realized.
The house owned by Mailida (42), which was previously in a distressing condition and frequently affected by floods, has now been completely renovated. The residence was officially inaugurated by the South Aceh Police Chief on Thursday, October 8, 2026.
The inauguration was accompanied by a Thanksgiving ceremony and the distribution of alms to orphans in the local village. The event was attended by South Aceh Regional House of Representatives (DPRK) Member Syarkawi BA, police officials, village officers, community leaders, and local residents.
Mailida is the widow of the late Dusamat, a former GAM combatant who passed away in 2003. Since her husband’s death, Mailida has raised her three children alone under limited economic conditions.
The family’s living conditions came to the Police Chief’s attention during a visit to Mailida’s home some time ago. At that time, he directly observed the dwelling, which clearly needed repairs, especially since the house was regularly hit by floods.
That visit marked the beginning of a commitment to help repair Mailida’s home. In addition to a place to live, the Police Chief also provided a small kiosk, which Mailida is expected to use to run a small business and supplement her family income.
This initiative is part of an effort to ensure that the beneficiary family receives not only a more decent place to live, but also an opportunity to build economic independence.
The South Aceh Police Chief stated that caring for the community is part of efforts to make the Indonesian National Police (Polri) present amidst the social issues faced by residents.
“For us, ‘Polri together with the community’ is not just a slogan. Polri must be present alongside the community, see their condition firsthand, hear their difficulties, and try to provide solutions within our capacity,” said AKBP T. Ricki Fadlianshah after the inauguration.
According to him, the assistance is expected to provide immediate benefits while serving as a stepping stone for Mailida’s family to build a more independent life.
“We want the public to feel that the police are close and alongside them. When there are residents in need, we try to be present and help. We renovated this house so the family can live more comfortably, while we provided the kiosk so Mrs. Mailida has an opportunity to do business and help meet her children’s needs,” he said.
The Police Chief emphasized that the assistance is expected not to end with home repairs, but to serve as a foundation for the recipient family to develop a business.
“We do not want this assistance to stop today. Once the home is livable, we hope there will be an ongoing business. Therefore, we will continue to monitor this family’s condition. Hopefully, this small kiosk can grow into a business that supports their economy,” he said.
He also called on various elements of society to strengthen empathy and mutual cooperation in assisting residents in need.
“Polri cannot work alone. The spirit of Polri together with the community must be realized through mutual cooperation. If the government, police, DPRK, village officials, community leaders, and residents care together, God willing, there will be even more people we can help,” said the Police Chief.
For Mailida, the completion of the home renovation brought immense joy. She expressed her gratitude because the house, which previously flooded frequently, is now much more decent and comfortable to live in with her three children.
“I am very grateful to the Police Chief. Previously, our house was in poor condition, especially during rains and floods. Now the house is nice and comfortable to live in. I am deeply thankful,” Mailida said.
She also expressed her gratitude for the kiosk provided to support her family’s livelihood.
“Not only was the house renovated, but I was also given a kiosk to start a business. This is immensely helpful for me and my children. God willing, I will take good care of it and make the best use of it,” she said.
Meanwhile, South Aceh DPRK Member Syarkawi BA appreciated the Police Chief’s care for Mailida’s family. According to him, the home renovation paired with business facilities offers broader benefits for the recipient.
“We ought to extend our appreciation to the Police Chief, who personally inspected the community’s condition and followed it up with concrete action. This house is now fit for habitation, and there is even a kiosk that can be used for business,” Syarkawi said.
He encouraged the spirit of togetherness among the government, police, legislature, village officials, and the public to be continuously strengthened in helping residents in need.
“When the government, police, legislature, and community move together, surely many social issues can be addressed,” he said.
In addition to inaugurating the renovated home, the South Aceh Police Chief also handed out assistance to orphans in Krueng Batu Village as part of the Thanksgiving event series.
The aid is expected not merely to resolve housing problems, but also to pave the way for Mailida and her family to continue their lives under more decent conditions while gradually achieving economic independence.