1. Background

Assalamu'alaikum warahmatullahi wabarokatuh. Bismillah, driven by our devotion to Allah and our moral responsibility as IAEI UK to embody compassion grounded in the values of Islamic brotherhood, also by the encouragement from our friends and wider community who have consistently engaged with us over the years, we initiated this fundraising effort to support the victims of the recent floods in Sumatra. The Prophet Muhammad shallallahu ‘alaihi wassalam said:

‏مثل المؤمنين في توادهم وتراحمهم وتعاطفهم، مثل الجسد إذا اشتكى منه عضو تداعى له سائر الجسد بالسهر والحمى‏

"The believers in their mutual kindness, compassion and sympathy are just like one body. When one of the limbs suffers, the whole body responds to it with wakefulness and fever" (Al-Bukhari and Muslim).

This initiative represents the minimum contribution we can offer, alongside our prayers and encouragement to those with greater authority and capacity to implement policies and deliver wider assistance. We hope that through this calamity, we are reminded to repent, to reflect, and to understand how Allah commands us to maintain a balanced and sustainable environment, rather than falling victim to the greed of a few whose actions may not lead to the common good. As Allah says:

وَلَا تُفْسِدُوا۟ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ بَعْدَ إِصْلَـٰحِهَا وَٱدْعُوهُ خَوْفًۭا وَطَمَعًا ۚ إِنَّ رَحْمَتَ ٱللَّهِ قَرِيبٌۭ مِّنَ ٱلْمُحْسِنِينَ 

“Do not spread corruption on the earth after it has been set in order. Call upon Him with fear and hope. Surely, the mercy of Allah is near to the doers of good” (Qur’an, Al-A‘raf: 56).

Through this humble effort, we pray that Allah accepts our deeds, forgives our shortcomings, and grants strength and relief to our brothers and sisters affected by the floods, enabling them to recover and continue their lives in devotion to Allah Almighty. Ameen yaa Rabb.

2. Organiser

This humanitarian initiative is collectively organised by all elements of IAEI UK (Indonesian Association of Islamic Economists in the United Kingdom) and implemented through collaborative efforts across its management teams and wider organisational network. Overall responsibility for the programme lies with the Chair of IAEI UK, under whose coordination and oversight the initiative is carried out.

For on-the-ground coordination and field leadership, Fahmi Yunus, a Postgraduate Researcher at the University of Sheffield and Head of Islamic Social and Hybrid Finance at IAEI UK, serves as the programme’s field lead. Fahmi is currently based in Aceh, enabling him to provide direct, first-hand insights into the evolving local conditions.

His role in field leadership has been instrumental in guiding strategic decisions related to targeting, coordination, and distribution of assistance. This consideration, together with the fact that Aceh is among the regions most severely affected by the disaster, formed the basis for prioritising Aceh and beyond in this emergency response.

3. Fundraising

The fundraising for the Emergency Flood Response for Sumatera programme was conducted in two phases. Phase 1 involved internal fundraising among IAEI UK officers following the formulation of the programme on 3 December 2025 and its official launch on 4 December 2025. Building on the strong internal response, the initiative was subsequently extended to the wider public through Phase 2. While the public fundraising phase was initially scheduled to close on 8 December 2025, donations continued to be received, with the final transfer recorded on 10 December 2025. After this date, the relevant bank accounts continued to be monitored to ensure that no additional funds were received.

The fundraising campaign was promoted through IAEI UK’s official Instagram account, IAEI UK WA groups, and the personal networks of IAEI UK officers, enabling the initiative to reach both the organisation’s immediate community and the wider public.

Donations were collected through the personal accounts of designated IAEI UK officers. A double-verification mechanism was applied, whereby donors were required to submit proof of transfer to Vita Arumsari, allowing reconciliation between donor confirmations and the relevant bank statements.

Donations were received through the following accounts:

• BSI – 59008864xx (Miftakhul Janah) – Phase 1 (internal)

• Lloyds Bank – Sort Code 77-74-xx, Account Number 403969xx (Miftakhul Janah) – Phase 1 & 2 (internal & public)

• BSI – 70095075xx (Sarimin) – Phase 2 (public)

The following amounts were collected during the fundraising campaign:

• Phase 1: Rp16,219,444

• Phase 2: Rp15,150,715

Accordingly, the total amount of funds raised was Rp31,370,159. This figure represents the converted total, as donations were received in both Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) and British Pounds (GBP), which subsequently converted into Rupiah.

4. Distribution

Phase 1 (RS/FK USU Collaboration)

Based on discussions with Fahmi Yunus, who provides field leadership and has direct knowledge of conditions in the affected areas, IAEI UK assessed that healthcare services were among the most critically constrained sectors following the floods. While support for food and basic necessities was relatively more available through various initiatives, many health facilities were damaged or unable to operate, even as post-flood medical needs continued to rise.

In light of this assessment, IAEI UK decided to support the emergency medical response programme led by RS USU (Rumah Sakit Universitas Sumatera Utara), which was actively deploying medical teams to affected and remote areas through its Faculty of Medicine (FK USU) and partner medical associations. To operationalise this decision, Phase 1 funds amounting to Rp16,300,000 were transferred to the official RS USU emergency donation account on 5 December 2025.

According to reports from the RS/FK USU team, the supported programme focused on two primary regions: Aceh Tamiang (Aceh) and Central Tapanuli (North Sumatra). In these areas, joint volunteer teams from FK USU, PAPDI, and IDAI conducted emergency medical services, including health examinations for children, adults, and the elderly; treatment of flood-related illnesses such as acute respiratory infections, diarrhoea, and skin diseases; as well as medical consultations and the provision of essential medicines.

In addition to healthcare services, the RS/FK USU teams also distributed basic social assistance to displaced communities, including infant formula, diapers, sanitary products, and emergency food supplies. For Aceh Tamiang in particular, the programme prioritised the procurement of medical equipment and supplies, such as emergency tents and essential medicines (including antibiotics, respiratory medication, antacids, vitamins, and other critical drugs), to support sustained field-based healthcare delivery.

Field operations were carried out in a coordinated manner involving FK USU, PAPDI, and IDAI, in collaboration with local authorities and key volunteer doctors. The team also coordinated with the Regent’s Office, which served as a central storage and logistics point for medicines, and with dr Teuku Yose, Sp.BS, who had established an early emergency clinical service in Aceh Tamiang and played a key role in mobilising healthcare services alongside other FK USU volunteer doctors.

Phase 2 (Direct Community-Based Assistance) 

In Phase 2, 10-14 December 2025, we decided to deliver danation directly to locations that had not been adequately reached by previous relief efforts, while prioritising forms of support considered strategic, urgently needed, and directly relevant to post-disaster recovery. This decision was informed by lessons learned from earlier distributions and close coordination with local actors. A total amount of Rp14,397,060 was disbursed and channelled directly to disaster-affected communities and displaced persons in Beurawang Village and Darul Aitam Orphanage, Meunasah Lhok Village, Meureudu Subdistrict, Aceh. These locations were selected due to the severity of damage experienced and the limited reach of external assistance at the time of distribution.

Distribution was conducted through direct delivery of goods combined with targeted cash transfers, coordinated with village authorities, managers of evacuation posts, and trusted local contacts. This approach enabled flexibility in responding to diverse needs while maintaining accountability and close oversight of fund utilisation. Based on on-site assessment and consultation, Phase 2 assistance was designed to accommodate a range of immediate needs, including essential food items and non-food necessities, as outlined below:

1. Clothing and religious necessities, such as sarongs, prayer garments (mukena), towels, prayer mats, and women’s sanitary products;

2. Ready-to-consume food and beverages, including wheat biscuits, ready-to-drink milk, fish floss (abon), and dates, to support immediate nutritional needs of displaced families;

3. Basic health protection supplies, particularly face masks, in response to post-flood conditions where dried mud and dust posed respiratory risks, especially for children and other vulnerable groups.

In addition to in-kind assistance, cash-based support was also provided to address needs that could not be effectively met through goods alone. Cash was transferred to the village coordinator to support the operation of communal kitchens serving evacuees, including the purchase of daily cooking necessities such as vegetables, eggs, spices, and other essential ingredients. Cash assistance was also transferred to the management of Darul Aitam Orphanage, to enable the purchase of cleaning equipment and tools required to remove mud and debris that had accumulated up to approximately one metre inside the facility. Furthermore, targeted cash assistance was provided to a flood-affected widow whose daughter sustained serious injuries during the disaster and required medical treatment.

During implementation, the distribution team faced logistical challenges, particularly increased transportation and operational costs following the disaster. These challenges were mitigated through internal volunteer solidarity, including the provision of transportation support for aid delivery. Operational spending prioritised local procurement in Banda Aceh and direct cash transfers where speed and flexibility were critical. This approach enabled cost efficiency while ensuring that assistance reached beneficiaries in a timely, dignified, and accountable manner.

Phase 3 (Community Kitchen for Affected Students)

In Phase 3, IAEI UK contributed to the establishment of a community kitchen (dapur umum) aimed at supporting university students whose families were directly affected by the floods, particularly students studying away from home whose parents resided in severely impacted areas such as Pidie Jaya, Bireuen, Aceh Tengah, and Bener Meriah.

This initiative emerged from a joint effort led by a group of lecturers, responding to the situation faced by many students who experienced complete disruption of communication with their families during and after the disaster. Due to prolonged electricity and internet outages, many students were unable to contact their parents or receive financial support. In several cases, students from Aceh Tengah and Bener Meriah were only able to reconnect with their families approximately two weeks after the floods, as these areas remained isolated due to damaged roads and bridges.

IAEI UK supported this initiative by contributing Rp1,000,000, which was transferred to Cut Dian Fitri, the coordinator of the community kitchen, on 14 December 2025. The funds were used to purchase essential cooking supplies, including rice, meat (for preparing kuah beulangong), eggs, spices, and other basic ingredients. The community kitchen operated at UIN Ar-Raniry, providing daily meals for students who were unable to return to their hometowns or receive regular allowances from their families.

Although modest in amount, this initial contribution played a catalytic role. The early support helped encourage additional donations from other parties, enabling the community kitchen to operate continuously for approximately two weeks, from 15 to 27 December 2025. Through this collaborative effort, the community kitchen helped ensure food security for affected students during a critical period of uncertainty and isolation.

5. Closing Remarks

IAEI UK would like to express its sincere gratitude to all donors—students, professionals, and members of the Indonesian community in the United Kingdom and Indonesia—who entrusted their humanitarian contributions to this initiative. Your generosity enabled timely and meaningful assistance to reach communities affected by floods and landslides in Aceh, particularly those who were most vulnerable and underserved.

The assistance provided was received with deep emotion, gratitude, and relief by disaster survivors and displaced families. Many beneficiaries expressed their appreciation repeatedly, both to the volunteers on the ground and to the donors whose support made the assistance possible. One evacuee shared:

“We are deeply grateful for this assistance. Many of our belongings were swept away by the flood, and this support has helped us greatly. The presence of the volunteers made us feel that we were not alone.” (Evacuee at the displacement site)

The Keuchik (Village Head) of Beurawang Village also conveyed his appreciation:

“This assistance means a great deal to our community. We have been relying on mutual help among residents, and the presence of volunteers and support from IAEI UK has given us renewed strength and encouragement.” (Keuchik of Beurawang Village)

In addition, the head of Darul Aitam Orphanage conveyed a message of gratitude via WhatsApp:

“Thank you very much. Jazakallahu khairan. May Allah grant abundant sustenance to the donors, bless them, grant them health in body and soul, bestow upon them righteous offspring, and grant them happiness in this world and the hereafter.” (Head of Darul Aitam Orphanage, Pidie Jaya)

Beyond material assistance, the direct presence of volunteers was experienced as a source of emotional comfort for the affected communities. Simple interactions, listening, conversing, and accompanying survivors at evacuation sites, provided psychosocial support that helped restore a sense of dignity, solidarity, and resilience amid hardship.

As the volunteers prepared to leave the area, local residents and village officials offered modest refreshments as a gesture of respect and gratitude. This reflected the enduring Acehnese value of peumulia jamee (honouring guests) which remains deeply upheld even in times of disaster. This moment served as a reminder that meaningful humanitarian response is not only about material aid, but also about respecting human dignity, cultural values, and local wisdom.

For transparency and accountability, detailed records of transfers, expenditures, and procurement, as well as additional photographic documentation, are provided in the appendix of this report. Should there be any questions or requests for clarification regarding this programme, please feel free to contact IAEI UK via email at iaeiukofficial@gmail.com.

May Allah accept our deeds and acts of worship, grant relief and strength to those affected, and reward all contributors with goodness in this world and the hereafter. Aamiin yaa Mujibassaailiin.

Jazakumullahu khairan, wassalamu'alaikum warahmatullahi wabarokatuh
IAEI UK

Appendix B – Proof of Transfers and Payments

Appendix C – Additional Photographic Documentation