The heartfelt voices of Hutanabolon youth

If everything could be repaired quickly, residents could return to their fields for planting, and the economy in Hutanabolon would start turning again. Central Tapanuli, North Sumatra (ANTARA) - Amid the still distressing conditions following the flash floods that struck Hutanabolon ward, Tukka subdistrict, Central Tapanuli, North Sumatra, there are voices from the youth whose aspirations need to be heard to regain a decent life as before. After performing Eid al-Fitr prayers at Al Huda Mosque in Tanahubolon, a group of youths were chatting animatedly on the mosque’s terrace, occasionally sharing stories of their past activities before the disaster that devoured nearly half of the settlement. From their stories, before the flash floods, life in the village was bustling and full of joy, especially during the arrival of Ramadan. Particularly when the night of takbir arrived. Various religious activities to liven up the holy month for Muslims were carried out routinely, such as Quran recitations and joint takbir processions using decorated pickup trucks adorned with Islamic ornaments. Currently, that enthusiasm has diminished. This is because many of their friends have had to evacuate to other places due to homes that are no longer habitable. One of their fundamental desires is attention to the Tukka River embankment, which often breaches. From the depths of their hearts, they convey their wish for the embankment to be thoroughly repaired soon. Their desire for the Tukka River embankment to be comprehensively repaired is not without reason. They are worried about the arrival of follow-up floods when rain falls. Such concerns continue to linger in their minds. “Follow-up floods have attacked our village several times. It’s natural that we are worried,” said a junior high school student, Adrian, to ANTARA in front of his friends. For that reason, this group of Hutanabolon village teenagers wants quick attention from the government regarding post-disaster improvements so they can soon regain a decent life as before.