Ruman Aceh channels Indonesian diaspora donations to disaster victims

Bandar Aceh (ANTARA) - The Pusat Kegiatan Belajar Masyarakat (PKBM) Rumah Baca Aneuk Nanggroe (Ruman) Aceh has channelled donations from the Indonesian diaspora in Switzerland to victims of floods and landslides in Gayo Lues Regency, Aceh Province. Ahmad Arif, founder and patron of Ruman Aceh, who was contacted from Banda Aceh on Thursday, said the donations from the Indonesian diaspora in Switzerland amounted to 191 packages of sembako (basic necessities).

‘The donations we distributed come from the Indonesian diaspora in Switzerland as well as several friends domestically, amounting to Rp46 million in a few days,’ he said. He added that of the 191 basic-food packages, 160 were distributed to survivor families in several villages in Pining sub-district, while 31 packages were for families affected in Blangkejeren sub-district.

‘Also included is a sack of salt containing 10 bundles and a bucket as a container for these essential goods. Eggs were not purchased because their price had jumped from Rp50,000 to Rp65,000 per tray,’ said Ahmad Arif.

In addition to the food parcels, a diaspora member in Switzerland from Sabang provided a special donation to cement the floor of the home of a literacy activist in Pining sub-district. ‘Previously, the house was buried under almost a metre of mud when the flash flood hit the area at the end of November 2025. The house is used by children to read, learn, and recite the Qur’an,’ he said.

Ahmad Arif noted that Pining is a sub-district severely affected by hydrometeorological disasters. Road access remains difficult, causing food supplies to run low and prices to soar.

‘Alhamdulillah, thanks to the diaspora in Switzerland and the friends who have shared happiness and sustenance with the survivors. This aid eases the survivors as they observe Ramadhan and approach Eid al-Fitr,’ said Ahmad Arif.