MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, PADANG – Muhammadiyah is strengthening national solidarity and ukhuwah through a consolidated humanitarian movement to support disaster survivors in Aceh, West Sumatra, and North Sumatra.
In the initial phase, Muhammadiyah’s assistance has focused on emergency response, led by the Muhammadiyah Disaster Management Center (MDMC) under the Disaster Resilience Department, in collaboration with the Council for Public Health (MPKU).
Following early assessments conducted by MDMC, including mapping affected areas and identifying urgent needs, Muhammadiyah deployed health volunteers through its Emergency Medical Team (EMT). Hundreds of volunteers have been sent to disaster sites, accompanied by essential aid such as medicines, ready-to-eat food, tents, blankets, and other basic necessities.
Beyond tangible assistance, Muhammadiyah has also provided intangible support, including psychosocial services. Volunteers from Muhammadiyah-’Aisyiyah Universities (PTMA) have been deployed to assist survivors in coping with trauma, while medical personnel from Muhammadiyah-’Aisyiyah Hospitals (RSMA) across Java and Sumatra have reinforced healthcare services in affected areas.
The volunteers, coordinated by MDMC of the Central Executive Board (PP) of Muhammadiyah, have reached isolated disaster zones in Aceh, West Sumatra, and North Sumatra. They originate from various regions, including East Java, Central Java, Jakarta, Lampung, Bengkulu, and others, reflecting Muhammadiyah’s nationwide mobilization.
During visits to Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra on Tuesday (15/12), Chairman of PP Muhammadiyah Haedar Nashir personally delivered humanitarian assistance totaling Rp 7.5 billion for the three affected provinces. The funds were raised through Lazismu, Muhammadiyah’s official zakat and charity institution, along with donations from Muhammadiyah-affiliated entrepreneur Yendra Fahmi.
Muhammadiyah Stands United for Disaster Survivors
“Muhammadiyah continues to consolidate its movement through MDMC, Lazismu, MPKU, and all available resources, including financial, human, and professional, to respond to disaster emergencies,” Haedar stated.
He acknowledged that disasters often spark differing perspectives and interpretations, whether related to human factors or metaphysical considerations. However, as people of faith, Haedar emphasized the importance of patience, resilience, and unity in responding to calamities.
“At this moment, what matters most is that we stand together to alleviate the suffering of our brothers and sisters. Later, we can reflect and improve the factors that may have contributed to these disasters,” he stressed, calling on all Muhammadiyah members to remain in one unified line of action.
After directly observing the extent of damage in the three provinces, Haedar also urged the strengthening of emergency response capabilities through modern, compatible equipment and a well-prepared disaster management system, so that relief efforts can be more effective and timely.
Importantly, Muhammadiyah’s humanitarian assistance is provided without discrimination. Aid is extended not only to Muhammadiyah members or Muslims, but to all disaster survivors regardless of background.
This inclusive approach is guided by MDMC’s three core principles: global humanitarianism, impartiality and neutrality, and technical professionalism, aligned with international standards set by the World Health Organization (WHO). Muhammadiyah’s disaster response also draws upon Fiqh of Disaster, a framework developed by the Majelis Tarjih and Tajdid of PP Muhammadiyah.
Sustained Assistance Beyond Emergency Response
Muhammadiyah’s commitment does not end with emergency aid. Instead, its disaster response framework emphasizes sustainability and long-term recovery.
According to PP Muhammadiyah Chairman dr. Agus Taufiqurrahman, Muhammadiyah applies a phased approach in disaster management. The first phase is emergency response, which has been underway since 27 November 2025, involving MDMC, Lazismu, MPKU, the Council for Higher Education, Research, and Development (Diktilitbang), MPKS, the Tabligh Council, and LDK.
Following this phase, Muhammadiyah will enter the transition from emergency to recovery, engaging councils such as Primary and Secondary Education (Dikdasmen), Lazismu, Diktilitbang, MPKS, and religious outreach bodies.
The final phase will focus on rehabilitation and reconstruction, carried out through coordinated efforts involving Dikdasmen, Lazismu, the Community Empowerment Council (MPM), Diktilitbang, MPKS, Tabligh Council, LDK, autonomous organizations (Ortom), and LLHPB ‘Aisyiyah.
Through this comprehensive and sustained approach, Muhammadiyah reaffirms its role not only as a provider of emergency aid, but as a long-term partner in rebuilding lives, strengthening resilience, and fostering national solidarity in the face of disaster.
