Sinergi Foundation Delivers 50 Growth Homes, New Hope for Aceh Disaster Survivors
Sinergi Foundation has demonstrated its commitment to supporting Sumatera disaster survivors. Through the Kampung Bangkit programme, Sinergi Foundation has successfully completed construction of 50 growth homes in Aceh Tamiang.
The homes were completed on Sunday, 15 February 2026, followed shortly thereafter by a handover ceremony to residents. The transfer process was marked by emotional scenes as residents moved from deteriorating temporary shelters into stronger, more comfortable dwellings. The atmosphere shifted from the usual bustle of activity to solemnity as some residents were overwhelmed with tears upon receiving their house keys.
One beneficiary, Fitriyani, described the difficulty of spending two months in hot tents with serious security risks. “When my family first entered this house, we cried. It felt like we couldn’t believe we could have a comfortable and cool home again,” Fitriyani said. “In the tent we were often afraid. There was even a snake that got into our shelter. Now we don’t have to experience that anymore. Thank you to the donors and Sinergi Foundation.”
Another beneficiary, Jamaludin, who was the first to move into a Growth Home on 5 January, expressed similar sentiments. “Thank goodness, I can finally sleep soundly after a month of evacuation when my old house was swept away by flash floods,” he said.
The Kampung Bangkit programme was initiated by Sinergi Foundation in December 2025 as a post-disaster recovery initiative. Based on assessment by volunteer teams, the programme was implemented in Baling Karang Village, Sekerak District, Aceh Tamiang Regency, identified as one of the most severely affected areas. The building project employed a raised-house design as a flood mitigation measure for the future. Accordingly, Sinergi Foundation not only constructed housing units but also installed clean water piping systems to support daily needs in the area.
Haidar Junda Rabbani, Head of Programme for Zakat Distribution and Empowerment at Sinergi Foundation, explained that construction did not employ external contractors. Instead, the organisation applied a community mutual assistance scheme that empowered local residents.
“Residents were mobilised to help one another build homes for their neighbours. We provided carpentry tools and quality building materials, while residents provided labour and timber for support structures,” Haidar said. This approach proved effective, accelerating the construction process and providing temporary livelihoods for residents who lost employment due to the disaster.
Beyond housing, Sinergi Foundation also addressed the clean water crisis through a piping project. Volunteers and residents conducted excavation and cleaning work at the water source, and installed a dual tank system for filtration. Now, potable water flows to residents’ homes and public facilities, replacing the murky, muddy water previously used for sanitation purposes.
Haidar noted that “Growth Homes” were deliberately designed so residents could develop their dwellings independently in the future. This means beneficiaries can expand their homes over time if needed.
“The materials we used are suitable for a permanent home. We hope this house serves as a starting point for survivors to feel safe and rebuild better lives,” Haidar said.
Haidar acknowledged that the programme’s success depended on support from donors and good partnerships. “Thank you for the trust placed in Sinergi Foundation. May all the goodness given become enduring charity that continues to flow and bring blessings to all,” he concluded.