Flood survivors in Agam maintain economic momentum from temporary shelters
Flood survivors from the hydrometeorological disaster in Agam Regency, West Sumatra, are working to keep the economy vibrant even while living in the temporary shelter (huntara) Kayu Pasak, Nagari Salareh Aia, Palembayan Subdistrict.
Amid limitations, several survivors on Wednesday continued their previous economic pursuits. Some residents accepted simple catering orders, while others carried on with sewing work inside the huntara.
One survivor, Fina (29), who has been living in the huntara, said she is still receiving food orders for iftar gatherings in the shelter and personal orders from the surrounding community.
“For the iftar in the huntara, it’s already twice. But for residents outside, I’ve received many orders. From MBG employees for iftar, and from local residents, there are manual orders where they pick up from here,” said Fina, who previously ran a business at the disaster site.
Pricing at Rp17,000-Rp20,000 per meal, Fina received an order for 350 chicken pecel packages for today’s iftar. However, due to limited space and manpower, she could only commit to 200 packages.
She also mentioned no issues in obtaining raw materials because local market activities have resumed. Nevertheless, for packaging needs, she must travel about 45 minutes to Lubuk Basung.
Besides catering, sewing activities have also started up again. One resident was seen using a sewing machine that was successfully salvaged during the disaster to accept orders for clothing repairs and production.
Jurspartima, another survivor, said she began sewing activities about two weeks ago after her machine was repaired from mud damage.
Even working in a confined space, she is racing against time to complete school uniform orders by Wednesday night so her sewing services can be accepted before Eid.
“I’ve received an order for 10 gross of scout uniforms. Sewing fee Rp90,000 per gross, materials and cutting from the boss, just need to assemble,” she said.
Jurspartima admitted that she was previously offered to sew gamis dresses, but since her machine had just been repaired, she declined the offer.
“I didn’t take the gamis anymore because time wouldn’t allow it; gamis must be finished in three days. Scout uniforms can take 10 days,” she added.
Currently, 117 households are still residing in the Kayu Pasak huntara. Although some residents frequently go back and forth to their partially habitable homes, activities in the Kayu Pasak huntara remain bustling both day and night.