Aceh – Indonesia, Departing from Jakarta, the volunteer team established a main post in Seuneubok Dalam, Bendahara District, in December 2025. Since then, they have continuously stood with the people of Aceh Tamiang through difficult times toward recovery.
“We chose not to simply come, give, and leave. We wanted to truly be present among the community, from the hardest days until hope began to appear,” said Aam Halaludin, Volunteer Coordinator of Sahabat Yatim Indonesia when confirmed by KabarTamiang.com, Monday (9/28/2026).
Aam Halaluddin explained that the first step taken was to ensure residents did not lack food by establishing a community kitchen. The community kitchen opened and operated daily, serving 500 meals distributed across several districts, both to response posts and directly to evacuation tents.
Running consistently until July 2026, the daily portion was slowly adjusted to 200 ready-to-eat packages, while continuing to fulfill the residents’ needs. “Food is the primary need. For months, we ensured there was no day that residents went without proper meals. That has been our promise from the start,” said Aam.
More than just food, logistical aid, clothing, baby supplies, hygiene kits, and basic food packages were distributed to the most affected areas. Some were handed over through posts such as in Lubuk Sidup Village, Sekerak District, but many were also delivered directly to residents’ tents to ensure the aid reached the intended recipients.
As time passed, the approach evolved from giving to fostering independence. An agricultural program in Tualang Cut yielded tangible results, with seven tons of watermelons sold as far as Medan, alongside harvests of chilies, eggplants, and various vegetables. Under the guidance of Mrs. Kumala, residents also learned to farm in their yards using polybags and utilizing narrow spaces to produce their own food.
“We realize that food aid has its limits. Therefore, we taught residents to plant on their own, so that in the future they can meet their food needs right from their own yards,” explained Aam.
Aam added that clean water needs were not overlooked. Water tanks, well drilling, and water filter installations were prepared at two points, namely Seuneubok Dalam and Sungai Liput Village, so that residents could access decent clean water.
In education, emergency tents were erected in Lubuksidup Village in front of Jabal Wali. Children resumed studying and reciting the Quran, visited by public figures like Ricky Harun, Narji, and storyteller Kak Ardi from Jakarta, to keep their spirits up during challenging times. Collaboration with Sekolah Inspirasi was also established, and aid was distributed to 250 orphans across various districts during the past Ramadan.
Entering the recovery phase, the focus shifted to strengthening the local economy. MSME programs were promoted at 15 points, equipping community groups with capital, equipment, and business assistance, including the production and management of a fried chicken business complete with a centralized supply system. Although still in progress, this venture remains operational and has begun generating income for residents.
“We do not just hand over carts and go home. We guide them in managing capital, calculating profits, and supplying raw materials sustainably so that these businesses can truly thrive and support their families,” Aam emphasized.
Furthermore, the restoration of places of worship was carried out gradually. Eleven mosques and prayer rooms spreading as far as Pulau Tiga received maintenance and repair assistance, averaging IDR 7.5 million per location—modest, yet meaningful for the congregants.
Now in September 2026, attention has turned to improving educational facilities, specifically desks and chairs for private schools in need. External volunteers have gradually returned home, but the local team remains behind to maintain the momentum that has been built.
“Our presence may not be grand; what matters is that we can provide something useful for the children and the community here. This is not over yet; we will stay here as long as we are needed,” Aam Halaludin concluded.
More than nine months have passed. From steaming community kitchens every morning to agricultural fields now bearing fruit, Sahabat Yatim has proven that a sincere, patient, and continuous presence can plant hope that grows alongside the community. []