MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, SOUTH TAPANULI – Muhammadiyah disaster response extends beyond food, medicine, and medical facilities. In North Sumatra, its volunteers have also provided spiritual care to help survivors cope with trauma and uncertainty.
Abdoel Malik Rizal, Secretary of Muhammadiyah Central Board Disaster Resilience Department (LRB PP Muhammadiyah), said maintaining faith and religious practice during emergencies remains crucial for emotional stability.
“Through a spiritual care approach, volunteers accompany survivors with sensitivity and compassion. We hope we can assist them to recover their inner well-being,” said Malik in a written statement released on Friday (26/12).
The service has been delivered by Muhammadiyah volunteers affiliated with the Disaster Management Center from Central Java. They worked with survivors in Batang Toru District, South Tapanuli Regency.
A short video shared on social media shows children attending Qur’an recitation classes at a local mosque. Elderly residents also appear engaged in the sessions. After the recitation, volunteers provided psychosocial support for children, helping them process stress and fear.
The children later expressed gratitude to the Muhammadiyah volunteers who guided them, particularly for accompanying them in religious learning during the crisis.
Malik said the initiative aims to nurture spiritual awareness gradually so survivors can regain strength and gratitude as they rebuild their lives.
“This warm approach seeks to help form individuals who are more resilient and optimistic as they face the future,” he said.
Muhammadiyah officials say the combination of physical assistance and spiritual care reflects the organization’s holistic approach to disaster response, addressing both material needs and emotional recovery. (Bintang Adrian)
