Disaster Survivors in Hutanabolon Welcome Baznas Emergency Mosque Aid

Jakarta (ANTARA) - A disaster survivor in Hutanabolon, Tukka District, Central Tapanuli Regency, North Sumatra Province, Melur Tambunan, has warmly welcomed the provision of an emergency mosque from the National Zakat Agency (Baznas) ahead of Ramadan.

Melur Tambunan (38) could not conceal her gratitude upon seeing the semi-permanent emergency mosque structure at her place of residence, after months of only being able to prostrate in prayer in the cramped confines of evacuation tents.

“On behalf of the Muslims living in this temporary shelter, I express my deepest thanks to the Baznas team for erecting an emergency mosque for us,” said Melur in a statement in Jakarta on Tuesday.

Melur recounted that since flash floods struck her settlement in November 2025, she and dozens of other residents had been forced to survive in emergency tents that were far from adequate.

These conditions made daily activities, including worship, an immense challenge for the displaced residents. In one small tent, eight households comprising 30 people were living in severely overcrowded conditions.

She explained that prayer times were frequently missed because there was simply no empty space to lay out a prayer mat.

“Sometimes we would prepare to pray but, given the circumstances, it wouldn’t happen. There are so many people in one tent — sometimes we’ve already performed ablution, but our neighbours are lying down resting. It wouldn’t be right to ask them to move, since the tent is the only shelter available, there’s nowhere else. So we just show understanding and say we’ll pray later. In the end, we often miss the prayer time,” Melur explained.

Melur said it was this pressing situation that drove residents to coordinate with Baznas, particularly with the holy month of Ramadan drawing near.

In response to these appeals, the Baznas team moved swiftly to construct an emergency mosque facility. The building was designed with a semi-permanent concept so that it could be easily assembled and disassembled whilst remaining sturdy for use.

“We thought that when fasting begins, we want our worship to be focused and devoted. Then the Baznas team said they would make it happen. And now it’s already built. Praise be to God, everyone sheltering here is grateful that there is now an emergency mosque,” she said.

“May the benefactors’ sustenance be eased and may they be granted good health by God. May God repay them manifold,” said Melur Tambunan.