BANDA ACEH – As a form of spiritual endeavor amidst profound grief, a coalition of civil society organizations held a religious sermon (tausiah) and joint prayer for the victims and survivors of the flood and landslide disasters in Sumatra. The event, held on Sunday evening (14/12/2025), also served as a space to reflect on the causes of the disaster and to call for a more serious response from the government.
The activity, which took place at the Sirnagalih Coffee Shop, a business unit owned by the Alliance of Independent Journalists (AJI) Banda Aceh, was attended by dozens of congregants. The shop’s courtyard was transformed into a prayer area with mats for sitting, creating a solemn atmosphere amidst occasional drizzling rain.
A Concerning Emergency
This event was held in an increasingly worrying emergency situation. As of the 19th day of the disaster, the latest data records a death toll of 1,015 people, 214 missing, 7.6 thousand injured, and hundreds of thousands more displaced.
However, a bitter fact emerged: until the night the joint prayer was held, the central government had not yet declared a national disaster emergency status for Sumatra. This status is legally and administratively crucial as it can accelerate the flow of aid, mobilize more massive resources, and open wider avenues for international cooperation.
Calls from the Stage
In his address, Secretary of AJI Banda Aceh, Zuhri Noviandi, stated that this initiative was born from deep concern. “This is our collective endeavor. Besides material aid, our brothers and sisters in the disaster areas are in great need of spiritual support, strength, and fortitude,” he said. The joint prayer was also opened online via Zoom to reach a wider public.
The sermon was delivered by Tgk. Faizal Adriansyah, who invited the congregation to contemplate. He reminded them that the hydrometeorological disaster striking Sumatra cannot be separated from human actions. “Excessive exploitation of nature, forest conversion, and neglect of ecological balance are forms of environmental crime that are now reaping consequences. It is time for us to repent collectively,” he urged, also noting the approaching 21st anniversary of the Aceh earthquake and tsunami.
Prayers were led by Tgk. Miswar Ibrahim Njong and followed devoutly by the congregation, before the event was closed with a collective recitation of istighfar (prayers for forgiveness) around 10:00 PM local time.
Civil Society Coalition Initiative
This sermon and joint prayer are part of a series of solidarity actions mobilized by a civil society coalition. Previously, the same coalition had formed a donation post. Involved organizations include: Legal Aid Institute (LBH) Banda Aceh, Alliance of Independent Journalists (AJI) Banda Aceh, Aceh Transparency Society (MaTA), Commission for the Disappeared and Victims of Violence (KontraS) Aceh, International Center for Aceh and Indian Ocean Studies (ICAIOS), Indonesian Justice and Peace Foundation (YKPI) and A religious-based organization, a santri (Islamic student) association named Rabithah Thaliban Aceh.
By combining tangible action and spiritual endeavor, this coalition is not only extending a helping hand but also keeping the flame of hope alive. Their message is single and clear: “Rise soon, Sumatra.” Support and attention continue to be needed to help the people of Sumatra through their most difficult times.
For more information or to contribute to the solidarity action for Sumatra disaster victims, please contact the donation post established by the civil society coalition.