Indonesia - SSSGC Indonesia Sets Up 20 Public Kitchens, Assisting Over 5,000 Flood Victims in Sumatra and Aceh

Sumatra, December 5, 2025 — The floods and landslides that struck Aceh, North Sumatra and West Sumatra have claimed a devastating number of lives. According to the latest reports, the death toll has reached 836 people, while an estimated 509 to 518 individuals remain missing and thousands more have been injured or displaced from their homes.

The damage to infrastructure is severe. Thousands of houses have been destroyed, public facilities and bridges have collapsed and major distribution routes have been cut off, making it extremely difficult for aid and logistics to reach affected areas.

In response to this humanitarian crisis, SSSGC Indonesia, through SSSGC Medan (Sai Avatar Centre) as the field executor, has taken swift action by establishing 20 public kitchens across the affected regions, especially in North Sumatra. Each kitchen serves up to 200 people and provides essential meals such as rice, eggs, noodles, drinking water, vegetables, tempeh and tofu to help communities survive under these harsh conditions.

As the situation continues to unfold, additional public kitchens have been opened in Aceh and the number of locations is increasing each day. More people are receiving assistance, particularly in areas that were previously isolated with limited access to help. These kitchens have become a lifeline for families who have lost their homes or are still waiting for broader support.

Internal sources report that the urgent need for food and clean water remains the top priority, as many regions are still cut off from logistical access. Beyond providing meals, the field team supports victims on-site, ensuring safe and fair distribution while coordinating with local religious leaders, including the Deputy Chairman of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) of Medan City.

With many victims still unidentified and families mourning their loved ones, this assistance is not only about survival but also about preserving humanity, dignity and solidarity.

SSSGC Indonesia extends its deepest gratitude to all donors, sevadals and field volunteers who have worked tirelessly since day one. Their support enables the public kitchens, which continue to grow in number, to operate daily and reach thousands of people. The dedication of the sevadals in cooking, distributing food, transporting logistics and comforting victims embodies the true spirit of selfless service.

We call upon the wider community to unite in support of our brothers and sisters in Sumatra and Aceh who are grieving and struggling. In a disaster such as this, every plate of rice and every cup of clean water becomes a symbol of hope.