In December 2025, a sudden and devastating flash flood swept through the Aceh region of Indonesia. Overnight, many families lost their homes, forcing them to squeeze into temporary shelters or move from place to place seeking rented accommodation. After more than half a year of waiting, the affected residents are finally settling into secure living spaces. On June 4, 2026, a permanent housing handover ceremony was held in Meunasah Bujok village, North Aceh, where the first 40 families officially moved in, turning a new page in their recovery journey.
Rebuilding after the floods
Before stepping into her new home, Malawati could not hold back her tears. She and her 34-year-old son, Mustafa Ruddin, had lived in adjacent houses, both of which were destroyed when the floods struck. For nearly eight months following the disaster, the family endured life in a cramped, sweltering, and leaky temporary shelter.
During the housing draw, both mother and son successfully secured new units. Mustafa vividly remembers the terrifying night of the disaster. Despite sustaining a leg injury, he fought the fierce currents to rescue his three children, one of whom was nearly swept away.
Previously, in the temporary shelter, the space was very small, hot, and stuffy, and the roof would leak. Now that we have our own house, I hope my mother can live a happier life and no longer suffer. — Mustafa, Resident
Malawati expressed immense gratitude. After her house was washed away, she believed she would never have the means to rebuild, let alone receive an entirely new and complete home.
I am very happy that people have been caring for us and came from so far away to see our situation. I am truly grateful. — Malawati, Resident
Fully furnished spaces for a fresh start
To help survivors in Sumatra secure a safe place to live, 2,500 permanent houses are being constructed across the region. This includes 1,000 units in Aceh province, 1,000 in North Sumatra, and 500 in West Sumatra. Within Aceh, the homes are evenly distributed, with 500 in Aceh Tamiang and 500 in North Aceh.
Construction has been proceeding intensively. In Meunasah Bujok, 100 units have already been completed and are being handed over in phases. Each 36-square-meter home is thoughtfully designed with two bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen, and a bathroom. To ensure families can move in comfortably right away, the houses are equipped with basic furniture, including mattresses, wardrobes, sofas, and dining sets.
For Yusnidar, another resident, the memory of floodwaters reaching her chest remains vivid. The rushing water tore through the village, sending residents fleeing in panic. Her original home was very basic and did not even have a mattress; after the flood, she lost nearly all her belongings.
Stepping into her new living space, Yusnidar immediately pressed her hands together in prayer.
I am so happy I want to cry—not from sadness, but from pure joy. I never imagined I would be able to live in such a nice house with so much furniture. — Yusnidar, Resident
Sixty-three-year-old Muliawati also found a renewed sense of hope. Her wooden house had tilted under the impact of the floodwaters before collapsing entirely. With no savings to rebuild, her only option was to wait in a temporary shelter.
The moment she drew her permanent house number, the heavy anxiety she had carried for months finally lifted. Standing at the door of her new home, Muliawati was filled with relief, knowing she once again had a safe place to settle down.
Working together for community recovery
The successful completion of the permanent housing village required strong community and government collaboration. During the handover ceremony, Timmy Jawira (饒松峰), a volunteer from the Medan emergency relief team, expressed appreciation to the North Aceh county government for their essential support. The local government provided crucial infrastructure, including roads, electricity, and clean water, to facilitate a smooth move-in process for the residents.
North Aceh Regent Ismail A. Jalil attended the ceremony to witness the joy of the residents receiving their new homes. He thanked the volunteers for delivering humanitarian care to the disaster survivors, regardless of religion or ethnicity, noting that this practical assistance has allowed families to rebuild their lives with dignity.
Written by Liani Oei (李秀美), Anand Yahya
Edited by Yu-Chen Pan (潘俞臻)
