MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, ACEH – Muhammadiyah volunteers has launched a coordinated initiative to restart formal education in Aceh Tamiang following devastating flash floods that damaged schools and disrupted learning across the region. The effort marks a critical step in the post-disaster recovery process. It is a sign that Muhammadiyah is placing education at the center of social and psychological healing for affected communities.
The reopening program began on Monday (05/01) with activities centered at Muhammadiyah Junior High School of Kualasimpang. At the same time, early childhood education services resumed at the ‘Aisyiyah Bustanul Athfal Kindergarten in Rantau. Importantly, the initiative reflects close coordination among the Muhammadiyah Disaster Management Center (MDMC), various Muhammadiyah and ‘Aisyiyah institutions, local government authorities, teachers, and volunteers from multiple regions.
According to dr. Agus Taufiqurrahman, Chairperson of Muhammadiyah Central Board, the organization remains firmly committed to sustaining education even in disaster affected areas. Education, he emphasized, plays a vital role in restoring normalcy. It is most important for children who face emotional distress after emergencies.
“Schools are not only places for learning,” dr. Agus said during the launch. “They are spaces where hope and a sense of future are rebuilt. Therefore, bringing students back to school after a disaster is an inseparable part of Muhammadiyah’s humanitarian mission.”
Education as Part of Long-Term Recovery
Moreover, dr. Agus expressed deep appreciation for Muhammadiyah volunteers who responded swiftly under the banner of One Muhammadiyah One Response (OMOR). This approach, he noted, unites diverse elements of the organization into a single, coordinated humanitarian effort. Volunteers from MDMC, ‘Aisyiyah, educational institutions, universities, and local communities worked side by side to ensure that learning could safely resume.
“What we see in Aceh Tamiang proves that Muhammadiyah does not stop at emergency relief,” he said. “Instead, we stay to ensure the continuity of life itself, including access to education. OMOR is our main strength in aligning compassion, action, and solidarity.“
Furthermore, the school reopening initiative aligns with a recent directive from Indonesia’s Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education. Circular Letter No.1 of 2026 calls on all education providers to maintain learning services for disaster-affected schools in ways that are safe, adaptive, and responsive to local conditions. (Bintang Adrian)
