Malalo Diaspora in West Sumatra Targets Injection of Rp1 Billion in Disaster-Affected Areas
Tanah Datar (ANTARA) - The Malalo Family Association (IKMAL) is targeting its diaspora members to inject funds from their personal pockets amounting to more than Rp1 billion into two nagari in South Batipuah District, Tanah Datar Regency, West Sumatra, which were severely impacted by a hydrometeorological disaster.
Secretary General of the IKMAL Central Executive Board, Erwin Fauzan, met in Nagari Padang Laweh Malalo on Sunday, stated that this 14th Pulang Basamo event in 2026 carries the theme “sakik diubek, tangih dibujuak”, which depicts the hope that everything can proceed “smoothly” for relatives in the village afflicted by calamity.
In line with the theme, 22 IK MAL branches—mostly from the Bengkulu branch—are targeting an economic circulation of more than Rp1 billion in the form of direct shopping, zakat mal, and alms-giving in the village.
“With our collective arrival, all together from afar, we shop in the village. We use all our money, we spend it in our hometown, whether in the form of shopping, THR (Holiday Allowance), alms, infak, zakat. So the community’s economy will circulate with our target of billions of rupiah that can enter from the diaspora for the village,” he said.
In agreement, the Supervisor who is also the Chairman of the IK MAL Bengkulu branch for 2016-2019, Herman Lusah, said that this Pulang Basamo agenda is held every three years. This year, the number of returnees departing from Bengkulu to their hometown consists of around 100 cars and 2 large-sized buses.
This number is down about 25 percent compared to the last Pulang Basamo period from Bengkulu due to the sluggish economic conditions, in addition to some diaspora already returning to the village shortly after the disaster occurred in November 2025.
“As we all know, because of the economic situation. Bengkulu usually can reach seven buses, hundreds of private cars, now there are some even if not crowded, but still returning,” Herman said.
In addition to wanting to stimulate the village residents’ economy, this year’s joint return also aims to exchange opinions with nephews and nieces, as well as the local regent, to expedite recovery in the disaster-affected areas. The series of homecoming events has also been made simpler.
“Besides giving advice, perhaps also complaining. The mamak might be creative in finding solutions for the nephews and nieces, perhaps in the form of loans or assistance,” he added.
South Batipuah District, Tanah Datar Regency, became a disaster-affected area with considerable damage in West Sumatra.
In Nagari Guguak Malalo, 144 buildings were damaged with total losses reaching Rp17.2 billion. Meanwhile, in Nagari Padang Laweh Malalo, 20 buildings were affected with losses of Rp4.5 billion.