Ramadan Solidarity: NU Care-Lazisnu Distributes Humanitarian Aid in Sumatra and Central Java
Ramadan Solidarity: NU Care-Lazisnu Distributes Humanitarian Aid in Sumatra and Central Java
The Ramadan 1447 Hijriah period is being utilised by NU Care-Lazisnu to strengthen humanitarian solidarity for communities affected by disasters. Through the Ramadan Solidarity programme, this Nahdlatul Ulama philanthropic institution is distributing various forms of humanitarian assistance across nine disaster-affected districts in Java and Sumatra from 5-13 March 2026.
The nine districts receiving assistance include Aceh Tamiang, Aceh Singkil, Bener Meriah, Aceh Utara, and Bireuen in Aceh; Tapanuli Selatan in North Sumatra; Pasaman Barat in West Sumatra; and Tegal District in Central Java.
In several districts, aid distribution is combined with breaking-of-the-fast gatherings and Nuzulul Qur’an commemorations with communities still recovering from the effects of flooding, landslides, and ground movement disasters.
Through a statement issued today, Executive Director of NU Care-Lazisnu PBNU Riri Khariroh stated that the Ramadan Solidarity programme not only distributes logistics such as basic foodstuffs but also various other essential needs for affected communities, particularly during Ramadan including worship equipment.
“The worship equipment distributed includes mukena (prayer garments), sarongs, and Qur’ans. This assistance is provided so that communities can perform their Ramadan worship more comfortably, including when performing tarawih prayers,” said Riri whilst overseeing aid distribution in Aceh Tamiang.
Besides food parcels and Ramadan worship equipment, NU Care-Lazisnu also distributes school supplies for children including bags, notebooks, writing materials, and colouring books. Cash assistance is also provided to orphans and the poor.
Additionally, to strengthen religious values, NU Care-Lazisnu deploys Islamic preachers to serve at several temporary prayer halls and emergency mosques. Not to be overlooked, to support survivors’ psychological recovery, NU Peduli volunteers conduct psychosocial support and trauma healing for residents at disaster sites.
According to Riri, most disaster-affected communities in these areas still live in dire conditions. Although flash floods, landslides, and ground movements occurred several months ago, many residents are still living in evacuation tents or makeshift homes.
“These conditions deeply concern us. Therefore, NU Peduli, through NU Care-Lazisnu and other NU institutions as well as NU autonomous bodies, is present to ensure communities continue receiving support, especially during Ramadan,” he added.
Beyond providing basic necessities, NU Peduli is also helping construct several emergency facilities for communities, such as temporary mosques, prayer halls, madrasas, and bathing, washing, and sanitation facilities (MCK). Clean water assistance has also become a focus of the programme. NU Care-Lazisnu Programme Director Syarifuddin stated that the organisation is distributing 15 trucks of clean water to five villages in Bireuen District, Aceh with the main distribution point at Pante Lhong Village, Peusangan Subdistrict, Bireuen.
“We are present in Pante Lhong to ensure that the donors’ mandate reaches the right hands. This assistance is a collaborative programme between NU Care-Lazisnu and Shopee Barokah,” said Syarifuddin whilst monitoring the clean water distribution process in Bireuen District.
According to him, clean water distribution was chosen after conducting an assessment of urgent needs in the field, given that many residents are struggling to obtain access to safe drinking water.
He hopes that synergy with various parties can continue to expand so that the reach of humanitarian assistance becomes increasingly broad.
“This Ramadan Solidarity is not only a sharing activity but also an effort to touch the hearts of the wider community so that they increasingly care for our brothers and sisters who are experiencing difficulties due to disasters,” he concluded.
Various distributions were welcomed with joy by residents. Such as the Village Head of Pante Lhong in Bireuen District, Murjal, who directly accompanied the distribution process, stated that this clean water assistance is very relieving for residents who have been affected by drought or difficulty accessing water.
“We are very grateful to NU Care-Lazisnu. The assistance of 15 trucks of water for 5 villages, including our village Pante Lhong, is very meaningful. This is concrete proof that NU is present providing solutions to fundamental problems in our village,” said Murjal.
Similarly stated the Village Secretary of Sinuruik, Talamau Subdistrict, Pasaman Barat District, West Sumatra, Dasril B. According to him, the presence of NU Care-Lazisnu amidst communities facing disaster impacts is not merely ceremonial activity, but provides moral and psychological support for residents facing difficult times.
“On behalf of the Sinuruik Village Government, we express our deepest gratitude to NU Care-Lazisnu PBNU who have travelled far to be present in our area. Your presence has become an oasis for our community’s psyche, proving that we are not alone facing this trial,” said Dasril.
Meanwhile, the Subdistrict Head of Jatinegara Tegal, Central Java, H Mohamad Sugeng, stated that there are 150 households or approximately 470 people affected by ground movement disasters in Padasari Village, so the presence of NU Care-Lazisnu is very meaningful in helping residents.