Momentum to Rise from Mud and Grief at the Start of the Year |

Kondisi sekolah di Tualang Cut Kabupaten Aceh Tamiang.

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The people of Aceh entered 2026 with a difficult year due to floods and landslides. Many considered the floods to be more severe than the earthquake and tsunami. For those who have experienced both disasters, this opinion is justified to a certain extent.

The end of the year seems to be a tragic moment for the people of Aceh. The earthquake and tsunami occurred at the end of 2004, and this time the floods also occurred at the end of the year, leaving deep sorrow for years to come.

Infrastructure losses may be repaired or even improved. However, grief takes an unpredictable amount of time, depending on many factors.

That is what the people of Aceh are currently facing, especially those who are victims. In disasters like floods, even those who are not directly affected feel the impact. In December 2025, people who were not directly affected had difficulty obtaining basic necessities.

Even if they were available, prices rose by several hundred percent. Those who were not directly affected also felt the impact, but what about those who lost their homes and possessions? Their suffering is certainly multiplied.

One month after the disaster, life is still far from normal. Electricity, which was supposedly restored, remains out at certain times. Victims who lost their homes still live in evacuation centers and temporary shelters. They are unable to earn a living due to various reasons, such as damaged agricultural land or destroyed businesses.

The future is looming. Children's education has been disrupted, Ramadan fasting in the disaster area is still limited, and the future remains unclear. The victims still desperately need the support of the government—especially the central government—and donors.

To this day and for the next few months, victims in several areas still need fish because they are unable to use a fishing rod. The hardships of recovery are quickly looming.

The various difficulties that have plagued us must not make life even worse. The beginning of 2026 must be a momentum for recovery.

Although not easy, the 2004 tsunami disaster has provided lessons on how to rise above mud and grief.[]

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Kondisi Polsek di Kabupaten Aceh Tamiang.

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