By Hsin-Na Liu, Arimami Suryo Asmoro 

Battling the Floods: A Community in Need 

In March 2025, relentless rain triggered devastating floods in Indonesia's West Java Province, affecting many areas in Karawang Regency. Villages like Karangligar in Telukjambe Barat District and Sukamakmur in Telukjambe Timur District were hit hard, with homes submerged under 20 to 200 centimeters of water. Hundreds of families lost their homes and belongings, forced to find refuge in temporary shelters. 

Aid and Support: Volunteers in Action 

On March 9, volunteers from Tzu Chi's Cikarang and Karawang teams brought much-needed aid to the affected villages. They distributed 200 packages filled with essentials like blankets, sarongs, towels, soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, second-hand clothing, buckets, scoops, and mats. These items provided immediate relief to families struggling to recover. 

In Karangligar, the damage was extensive. Volunteers saw homes submerged in the rooftops and debris scattered everywhere. Local resident Suparman, who works at a cardboard factory, helped deliver aid vouchers to those in need, steering a rubber boat through the flooded streets. 

"We've been dealing with this flood for nine days now," Suparman shared. "Thankfully, the water rose gradually, giving us time to prepare." His courage and optimism reflected the resilience of the community. 

Gratitude Amid the Struggles 

At the Karangligar Village Office, residents exchanged their vouchers for the aid packages. Ersin, the village chief, expressed his heartfelt thanks: "Thank Allah and Tzu Chi for supporting our villagers. This is the second time Tzu Chi has helped us, and these items are a great relief." 

Among the recipients was Irah, who recounted the chaos of escaping as floodwaters reached neck height. She and her family lost most of their belongings, relying on external help to get by while staying in a shelter. "Soap, sarongs, blankets—they mean so much," she said. "Our home was swept away. We're truly grateful for Tzu Chi's care." 

A Beacon of Hope 

Veriyanto The, the volunteer leading the distribution effort, stressed the importance of the aid: "These items are essential for families staying at the village office. We hope this support helps them overcome these difficult times and return to normal life soon." 

The volunteers also reached Sukamakmur Village, where conditions were severe but the spirit of compassion remained strong.