Access to clean water remained a crucial issue in several areas affected by the disaster in Aceh at the end of November 2025. In response, the Homeland Forum (FTA), a community of Indonesian diaspora in 26 countries, took the initiative to drill wells in affected areas as a continuation of the humanitarian aid provided in the form of food and clothing, which was carried out during the disaster in three provinces (Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra).
The Homeland Forum (FTA) has been involved in the Study & Solutions on Nationalism, providing input to the government and high state institutions, both legislative and judicial, for the improvement of the nation and state, as well as good governance.
Since June, FTA has been drilling wells in five different locations, completing the initial phase in July 2026. The wells were built in Islamic boarding schools (pesantren) and residential areas where residents had difficulty accessing potable water following the disaster.
The Chairman of the FTA Tata Kesantra, who resides in New York, USA, stated, “This initiative arose from the concern of the Indonesian diaspora abroad for the condition of their brothers and sisters back home. When disaster strikes, the first thing to be lost is not only their homes, but also their access to clean water. Water is the source of life, for drinking, cooking, bathing, and worship.”
“Currently, residents and students have had to walk long distances or buy water at high prices just for basic needs. This situation impacts their health, education, and even their families’ finances. Islamic boarding school children have difficulty performing ablutions and maintaining hygiene. Mothers spend hours just looking for water. This cannot continue,” he explained.
“Through fundraising conducted by Indonesian diaspora networks in various countries, FTA has successfully raised funds for the initial phase of building five drilled wells. The locations were strategically chosen to reach more than 500 students and 1,000 surrounding residents,” he continued.
FTA Secretary General Syafril Sjofyan explained, “The construction of this well is also part of FTA’s disaster resilience program. The drilled well is expected to serve as an emergency water source when disaster strikes again. Hopefully, FTA can continue to garner the support of the diaspora, because this clean water provision program is not just short-term assistance. Clean water is an investment in the health and future of generations.”
“We believe that helping one person access clean water is the same as saving a family. This is especially true in Islamic boarding schools (pesantren/dayah), as the rewards for donors will continue to flow,” added the FTA Secretary General.
FTA Coordinator in Aceh, Sayid Jalal, appointed as project leader, explained, “After completing the first phase of drilling clean water wells in strategic locations at five dayah (Islamic boarding schools) affected by the disaster, our FTA team in Aceh is also ready to build drilled wells in other disaster-affected areas, as there are still those in need. Hopefully, the diaspora’s support will continue. We invite all Indonesians, wherever they are, to continue to spread kindness, because water is life,” he concluded.
Testimony from Dayah/Islamic Boarding School Leaders
Ustadz Muhammad Yusuf, Leader of Dayah Bustanus Sa’adah Al Munawarah, Rayeuk Kareng Village, Punteut, Blang Mangat District, Lhokseumawe City, “The need for clean water has been one of the challenges we face. With this drilled well, thank God, the students now have easier access to water for ablution, bathing, washing, cooking, and other daily needs. The benefits are also felt by the community around the dayah.”
A similar sentiment was expressed by Tgk. H. Nazaruddin, S.Ag., MA., Leader of Dayah Al Madinatuddiniyah Syamsudhuha, Cot Murong Village, North Aceh Regency. Tgk. Ahmad Malawi, Leader of Dayah Istiqamatuddin Daruzzahidin, Bidok Village, Ulim District, Pidie Jaya Regency. Tgk. H. Muzakkir, SE. The head of the Darul Ishlah Al Aziziyah Islamic Boarding School, Musa Baroh Village, Pidie Jaya Regency.
H. Muhammad Azzawahiri, Head of the Raudhatul Ulum As Shamady Islamic Boarding School, Tanjong Ulim Village, Pidie Jaya Regency.
The five leaders of the Islamic boarding schools (dayah/pesantren) prayed and hoped, “May Allah SWT always grant good health, long life, abundant prosperity, and repay the kindness of all donors with manifold rewards.”
“May the Homeland Forum continue to be given the strength, trust, and ease to provide more drilled wells for Islamic boarding schools and communities still in need of clean water. This noble endeavor is an investment in the afterlife that will continue to yield rewards as long as the water is used by humans.”
“We believe that every drop of water flowing from this well will bear witness to the sincerity of the donors. As long as this water is used for worship, learning, and fulfilling life’s needs, God willing, the rewards will continue to flow as a continuous charity for all who have contributed.” Appreciation from Students and the Surrounding Community
From Bidok Village, Ulim District, Pidie Jaya Regency, Tgk. Nazar, a student, and Rohamah Nisa, a student at Dayah Istiqamatuddin Daruzzahidin. “Clean water is not only for drinking and bathing, but also an important part of our daily worship. The presence of this drilled well is very helpful for us students,” also stated Sa’diah Hamamah, a traditional Acehnese weaver and flood-affected resident; Ruhamah, a traditional cake entrepreneur; Nazaruddin, a grocery store vendor and Muslim farmer.
From Musa Baroh village, Pidie Jaya Regency, Tgk. Muhammad Fahmi, a student at Dayah Darul Ishlah Al-Aziziyah; and Rohaya Atika, a female student, said, “For us students, clean water is a great blessing. With this drilled well, ablution, studying, and daily activities become easier.” Furthermore, residents of the dayah, Rohana Isnaini, a traditional mulieng cracker artisan; Eva Rahimah, an Acehnese cake shop owner; Fikri Alibasyah, a saltwater fish trader; and Hanafiah Syafei, a cucumber farmer, also stated: “In our business, clean water is a primary need. The presence of this drilled well has greatly helped us maintain cleanliness and product quality.”
From Tanjong Ulim Village, Pidie Jaya Regency, students and residents of the Raudhatul Ulum As Shamady Sofyan Jalil Islamic boarding school, Rahmawati Safariah, a female student, and Mutia Ramadhani, an Acehnese batik artisan.
Elita Ernawati, owner of an agricultural fertilizer shop, Ali Khadafi, a fabric trader, and Hasan Basri, a farmer, said, “Clean water is a necessity for everyone. This drilled well has truly benefited us. Now we no longer have difficulty obtaining water for our daily needs.”
From Cot Murong Village, North Aceh Regency, Tgk. Jalil Habibie, a student, and Nisa Afnidar, a female student at the Al Madinatuddiniyah Syamsudhuha Islamic boarding school, as well as local residents Rahmiati Rahimah, a shoe seller, Aminah, a children’s clothing seller, Sadli Jamal, an Acehnese noodle seller, and Rahim Taleb, a rice seller, expressed similar sentiments.
The students and local residents expressed their prayers for all donors, endowments, and the extended family of the Homeland Forum to always be given health, blessings of sustenance, as well as rewards for charity that will continue to flow as long as this water is used. rel
Daffa Ibrahim
