The morning sun gently bathed Hapesong Baru village in Batang Toru, South Tapanuli regency, bringing fresh air and long-awaited good news. Rows of neat new houses stood proudly, and smiles gradually blossomed on the faces of the disaster survivors. This was not just an ordinary day; it marked a brand-new starting point after a period of immense hardship.
Rebuilding lives together
On March 27, 2026, after enduring the severe impact of floods and landslides, 120 families finally received the keys to safe and comfortable permanent homes. While the pain brought by the disaster has not entirely dissipated, hope is quietly sprouting alongside the completion of these houses.
Early in the morning, residents arrived at the venue. Some dressed neatly, walking hand in hand with their families to witness this important moment. Tzu Chi volunteers interacted with the residents, asking about their recent lives amid a relaxed and joyful atmosphere.
To meet the needs of those affected by the Sumatra floods, Tzu Chi Indonesia is slated to build 2,500 permanent homes across the region. The remaining construction is actively progressing to ensure all families can resettle as soon as possible.
LEFT: Minister Maruarar Sirait (third left), Minister Tito Karnavian (second left), and Regent Gus Irawan Pasaribu (first left) attended the handover of the first batch of homes. RIGHT: Volunteers received a warm welcome while visiting the beneficiaries' newly completed homes in the village. | Photos: Fikhri Fathoni
This housing handover ceremony was a joint effort between Tzu Chi and the government. Maruarar Sirait, Minister of Housing and Settlement Areas of Indonesia; Tito Karnavian, Minister of Home Affairs of Indonesia; and Gus Irawan Pasaribu, Regent of South Tapanuli, attended to witness the milestone.
The project demonstrates the tangible results of cross-departmental cooperation. The National Land Agency provided the land, the state electricity company supplied power, the local government built road infrastructure, and the water company established the water supply. Tzu Chi took responsibility for constructing the houses and providing the interior furnishings.
This is the result of everyone's joint efforts and cooperation. It is a very good model of collaboration.— Maruarar Sirait, Minister of Housing and Settlement Areas of Indonesia
A foundation of blessings
Mujianto (鄭祥南), head of Tzu Chi North Sumatra, shared his hope that these residences will bring good fortune to the beneficiaries. He emphasized that these structures are not just living spaces but homes built from the collective care of many people.
Because of such great love, many donors have been praying for this assistance to be completed as quickly as possible so that the affected residents can settle down soon. Therefore, these houses can be said to be homes full of blessings, carrying the prayers of many people.— Mujianto, Head of Tzu Chi North Sumatra
LEFT: Following severe floods and landslides, 120 families received the keys to their safe permanent homes on March 27, 2026. RIGHT: Tuti Harahap beams with joy as she prepares to move into her secure and comfortable new home. | Photos: Fikhri Fathoni
Joy replaces sorrow
Beneficiary Tuti Harahap stood in front of her new home, gazing at the solid walls. The house she once thought she could never have again was now a reality. Her thoughts drifted back to the moment her previous home was buried by a landslide. That fear and unease had lingered, but now, those emotions are slowly being replaced by gratitude.
The house is great, I like it very much, and I am very happy to live here. Our previous home was built with wooden boards. Now the house is big and clean, with tiled floors. If we only relied on ourselves, we might not be able to build such a house in our lifetime. Thank you, Tzu Chi!
—Tuti Harahap, Resident
Not far away, Mayasari, could not hide her joy. To her, the assistance was not just about the physical building; the inclusion of furniture made the house feel complete.
I am truly very, very happy. I am deeply touched. Although it is across different religions, Tzu Chi is still willing to help us. From the mattress and sofa to the dining table, everything is great.— Mayasari, Resident
The residents' joy was palpable. Laughter rang clearer, conversations flowed easily, and their steps felt more grounded. They are no longer just trying to get by; they are stepping back into the rhythm of daily life. The permanent housing project rebuilt their physical homes and restored their hope. Life in Hapesong Baru had once collapsed, but through the convergence of love and collaboration, the community is rising again, moving forward with enduring optimism.
Written by Fikhri Fathoni
