Fireworks brighten hearts of disaster survivors in Gayo Lues
Gayo Lues — Indonesian Army soldiers from the Disaster Wave Task Force (Gulbencal) of Yonif TP 855/Raksaka Dharma entertained flood-affected residents in Tetingi Village, Pantan Cuaca District, Gayo Lues Regency, Aceh, by setting off fireworks as a form of moral support for the local community.
Commander of the Tetingi Village Task Force, First Lieutenant Al Ziz, stated that the activity marked a temporary farewell to the community following approximately three months of disaster response duties in the village. “We want the community to remain spirited despite hardship and to continue strengthening solidarity to rebuild together,” he said.
The farewell between soldiers and residents unfolded warmly in Tetingi Village. The fireworks, set off jointly with local youth, symbolised the soldiers’ encouragement and support for the community to remain optimistic in reconstructing their lives following the disaster.
A total of 26 Indonesian Army soldiers involved in the task force directly participated in various post-disaster recovery efforts in the highland village separated by the Tripe River. During their service, the soldiers assisted in rehabilitation and reconstruction processes, including cleaning school buildings of timber and mud debris, preparing evacuation posts, and constructing an emergency mosque for residents.
The soldiers are scheduled for a six-day leave period for Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijriah/2026. After their leave concludes, they are planned to return to duty in Tetingi Village until 23 March 2026 to continue providing support to disaster-affected residents.
According to village government records, Tetingi Village is home to 133 households with a total population of 418 people, all of whom were affected by the flash flood that struck the area on 26 November 2025. The disaster caused damage to residents’ homes and several public facilities including the village office, requiring a recovery process involving various parties, including the government and armed forces.