Indonesia's Baznas serves 142,079 disaster victims in Sumatra

Head of Baznas’ Distribution and Utilisation Division Saidah Sakwan noted in a statement cited in Jakarta on Wednesday that as of early February, 142,079 people have reaped direct benefits from Baznas assistance.

She explained that the figure is the accumulation of disaster victims covered by the Baznas relief initiative from the emergency response period through the ongoing recovery and rehabilitation stage, with further expansions projected.

Under the initiative, she said, the state philanthropic agency set up emergency public kitchens in affected areas, installed clean water infrastructure, and provided medical and psychosocial services in collaboration with local governments and partners.

Sakwan added that Baznas also devised a programme to help victims regain access to schools and houses of worship while constructing permanent housing units for those displaced across the three affected provinces.

“Our efforts include revitalising disaster-hit mosques, re-equipping them with the equipment necessary for worship. We have also distributed 30 thousand school uniforms along with shoes, bags, and books to enable children to resume studies,” she stated.

The official further reported that her side had raised Rp80 billion (around US$4.7 million) in public donations to support post-disaster recovery efforts, including the construction of new homes for victims.

She invited the public to continue contributing to the government’s ongoing disaster handling efforts through alms and other Islamic philanthropic funds.

Reports indicate that Baznas relief reached 40 sub-districts in 11 districts and cities across Aceh, with 26 public kitchens established, 2,488 family logistical packages delivered, and 684 residents receiving medical treatment, complemented by emergency prayer rooms and toilets.

In North Sumatra, the agency provided ready-to-eat meals and health services to 1,769 residents, set up emergency prayer rooms and toilets, restored access to clean water, and distributed medicines in 32 sub-districts across nine cities and districts.

Meanwhile, disaster victims in 44 sub-districts across 11 regions in West Sumatra received 16,945 portions of ready-to-eat meals daily, 3,500 family logistical packages, and medical and psychosocial services.