Aceh's Post-Flood Economy Struggles as Lampoih Saka Mosque Welfare Board Distributes Eid Clothing Aid to Orphans
The economic situation facing communities in Aceh following the major Sumatran floods of 24–27 November 2025 remains extremely difficult. Not only have homes been swept away and agricultural land destroyed in flood-affected areas that have yet to recover after more than three months, but the broader economic foundations of society have also been severely undermined—reportedly more severely than in the aftermath of the Boxing Day tsunami of 24 December 2004.
The situation has become even more acute as communities approach Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan 1447 Hijri / 2026 CE, facing the holiday with severely strained finances.
In response to these hardships, the Badan Kesejahteraan Masjid (Mosque Welfare Board) of Masjid Taqwa Lampoih Saka in Peukan Baro District, Pidie Regency, Aceh Province, distributed aid on Friday 13 March to provide orphans with funds for Eid clothing and packages of essential provisions.
The initiative aims to bring joy and happiness to children who have lost either their father or mother. “This is our effort to dry their tears on Eid morning, to turn them away from emptiness and towards happiness on the day of Eid al-Fitr victory,” said Bukhari Thahir, Chairman of the Mosque Welfare Board.
The dozens of beneficiary children, all having lost one or both parents, come from various villages within the mosque’s area of responsibility, including Dua Paya, Tanjung Hagu, Dayah Bubue, Cot Mulu and Mee Lampoih Saka villages.
“We have not set any quota limit. As long as they are between 7 and 12 years old,” explained Muhammad Nasir Sarong, Secretary of the Mosque Welfare Board.
The Eid clothing assistance was distributed as cash, allowing recipients to purchase items according to their individual needs and preferences. Sarongs and essential provisions such as sugar, syrup and milk were distributed as goods, enabling immediate use.
“God willing, the charitable donations will be sufficient for Eid clothing and holiday spending money. Thank you to all donors from the diaspora abroad and to contributions from the local community. May we have followed in the footsteps of the Prophet on Eid morning,” added Bukhari Thahir, who is also a former Education Officer for Pidie Regency.
Peukan Baro District Head Iswadi, who personally helped distribute the aid following Friday prayers, expressed deep gratitude for the generosity of entrepreneurs working abroad and the local community. He characterised the donations as charity that eases hardship during economic difficulty.
“Thank you to the Welfare Board committee and the Mosque Youth who worked hard to raise these funds. Enjoy Eid, our children. May your prayers lighten our burden on the Day of Judgment,” said District Head Iswadi.