The Central Executive Board (PP) of Muhammadiyah has disbursed Rp6 billion in aid for victims of floods and landslides that struck three provinces in Sumatra. The funds, sourced from business donors and the central Lazismu, were allocated as Rp2 billion for Aceh, Rp2 billion for North Sumatra, and Rp2 billion for West Sumatra.
The symbolic handover for North Sumatra was carried out by Chairman of PP Muhammadiyah, Prof. Haedar Nashir, M.Si, together with community leaders, to the Regional Leadership of Muhammadiyah and Aisyiyah of North Sumatra at the PWM Auditorium, Jl. Sisingamangaraja No. 136, Pasar Merah Barat, Medan, on Monday afternoon (December 15).
“On behalf of Muhammadiyah, we extend our deepest condolences to all affected communities in the three regions, especially Aceh,” he said.
According to Prof. Haedar Nashir, in addition to spiritual solidarity through prayer, all parties must recognize that disasters involve divine destiny as well as human responsibility. Therefore, serious efforts are needed to mitigate impacts and prevent greater losses in the future.
He emphasized that the spirit of togetherness and humanitarian service has always been integral to Muhammadiyah’s disaster response. “Alhamdulillah, Muhammadiyah is consistently present in disaster relief efforts. From this spirit of togetherness, collective solutions emerge. We hope local governments and related stakeholders can respond more proactively and effectively,” he stated.
Furthermore, the Chairman urged that disasters should not be politicized in ways that create division. Priority, he said, must be given to optimizing mitigation and response efforts through coordinated action.
“In times of disaster, unity and solidarity are essential. There is no need for political statements. If any institution does so, it does not represent PP Muhammadiyah,” he stressed.
Meanwhile, H. Yendra Fahmi, a businessman who donated Rp3 billion through Muhammadiyah, said he has long trusted Muhammadiyah as a channel for humanitarian aid.
“I was born into a Muhammadiyah family in Bukittinggi, West Sumatra, and I usually entrust my assistance directly to Muhammadiyah. Supporting Muhammadiyah is the same as supporting the nation,” he said.
Earlier, Chairman of PWM North Sumatra, Prof. Dr. H. Hasyimsyah Nasution, M.A., expressed gratitude and appreciation for the presence of the PP Muhammadiyah leadership in North Sumatra, noting that it brought hope and moral support to the affected regions.
“PWM North Sumatra is pleased to receive the Central Board during this series of visits as part of disaster response efforts across the three provinces. This visit brings hope. God willing, PWM and PWA North Sumatra will visit three regional Muhammadiyah branches in South Tapanuli, Sibolga, and North Tapanuli,” he said.
He explained that PWM North Sumatra has been designated as a coordination post to demonstrate Muhammadiyah’s concern for the affected communities.
“We responded swiftly and intensively. Volunteers from PWM and UMSU have been deployed to various affected areas. Alhamdulillah, the public response has been very positive. We also extend our thanks to East Java and Riau for their contributions,” he added.
The aid distribution activities in North Sumatra concluded with the formal handover of assistance by the Chairman of PP Muhammadiyah, together with businessman Fahmi, to the leadership of PWM/PWA North Sumatra, accompanied by UMSU Rector Prof. Dr. Agussani, M.A.P. This was followed by the signing of an official handover document as a symbol of shared commitment to disaster response.
The Chairman of PP Muhammadiyah was accompanied by Dr. Agung Danarto, M.Ag.; dr. Agus Taufiqurrahman, AM., Kes., Sp.S.; Dr. Anwar Abbas; M. Sayuti, M.Ed., M.Pd., Ph.D.; Dr. Fajar Riza Ul Haq; Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Burhanudin Amin; Insp. Gen. of Police Dr. Rusdianto; and Insp. Gen. of Police Syafriza. Also in attendance were Chairwoman of PWA North Sumatra Dr. Nur Rahmah Amini, M.Ag.; UMSU Rector Prof. Dr. Agussani, M.A.P.; leaders of the Medan City Muhammadiyah Regional Board (PDM); and Muhammadiyah auxiliary organizations (Ortom).
