Sinergi Foundation rushes aid to earthquake survivors in East Nusa Tenggara

In Sikka, East Nusa Tenggara, aid workers have combined food distribution, clean water supplies and community support as earthquake survivors continue to face shortages of basic necessities.

Sinergi Foundation distributed 192 ready-to-eat meal packages on Aug. 15 and 16 in Koliaduk, Waidoko, Madawat and Nangahure Bukit. It then opened an aid post and communal kitchen in Nangahure on Aug. 19. The facility served 84 survivors and prepared 1,260 portions of food over five days.

The post also gave residents a place to shelter and gather. The foundation supplied 5,000 litres of clean water for about 340 people in Nangahure, mainly for personal hygiene and washing. On Aug. 20, volunteers extended the response to Waturia village, distributing tarpaulins, mats and blankets for temporary shelters.

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Disaster response cannot be handled alone. The role of zakat institutions is not to replace the state, but to accelerate post-disaster recovery.

The response included spiritual support from volunteer Ustadz Muhammad Dong and simple psychosocial activities for children in Bebeng village. Volunteers played with children and gave them hygiene packages containing toothbrushes and toothpaste.

Prof. Waryono Abdul Ghofur, director of zakat and waqf empowerment, said cooperation between different groups could speed disaster response. “Disaster response cannot be handled alone. The role of zakat institutions is not to replace the state, but to accelerate post-disaster recovery.” Haidar Junda of Sinergi Foundation said the team would continue coordinating with residents and volunteers, mapping other locations that needed emergency assistance.

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We will continue coordinating with volunteers and communities to identify emergency needs. We are also mapping other locations that need assistance, while coordinating with partners and relevant stakeholders so that the response is properly targeted.