BOGOR, WEST JAVA – The recent eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki has left deep scars on the lives of thousands of people in East Flores, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). As survivors grapple with the impact of this natural disaster, many people from across Indonesia are eager to take action in solidarity with the survivors. One such beacon of hope is the Al Wafi International Islamic Boarding School (IIBS) in collaboration with Dompet Dhuafa.
Al Wafi IIBS handed over aid to residents affected by the Mount Lewotobi Laki eruption disaster on Friday (13/12/2024). This partnership between Al Wafi Islamic Boarding School (IIBS) and Dompet Dhuafa is a testament to the power of collective action. This collaboration highlights the importance of working together to address humanitarian crises.
Al Wafi Charity, Glorevetion Force, ALSO (Al Wafi Students Organization), and Al Wafi IIBS took the initiative to raise donations to help ease the burden on affected residents around Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, Flores. All elements of the school mobilized and participated in this donation fundraising. Students, teachers, alumni and guardians.
Based on a sense of solidarity, concern, and humanity, as well as a form of emulating the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad Saw, this donation activity received a very positive response and managed to collect donations worth Rp12,586,935. This mandate was then entrusted to be channeled through Dompet Dhuafa.
Read also: Trash Piles Up at Lewotobi Laki-Laki Evacuation Post, Dompet Dhuafa Presents Solution
At his meeting during the handover of the donation, Mudir of Al Wafi IIBS Islamic Boarding School, Ust. Muhammad Asadullah, M.H. said that we always teach our students to collect donations to provide assistance here.
As mentioned in one of the Quranic verses which means: “Help each other in (doing) virtue and piety and do not help each other in sin and enmity” (QS. Al-Maidah: 2). It is also mentioned in a hadith: “Whoever relieves a Muslim of a difficulty in this world, Allah will relieve him of a difficulty on the Day of Resurrection; and Allah always helps His servant as long as he helps his brother” (HR Muslim from Abu Hurairah).
“Al Wafi itself every year cannot be separated from social services and this time we want to help affected residents by providing benefits, especially for local residents in the form of donations,” said Ust. Muhammad Asadullah.
Furthermore, he gave appreciation to all those involved in this fundraising activity.
“The asatidzah, also the 5th batch of Glorevetion, from Al Wafi itself, from the students, and also the Santri Guardians. We also say jazakumullah khairan katsiran to Dompet Dhuafa for being an intermediary in the distribution of this donation. Hopefully Dompet Dhuafa will also continue to be assisted and guided by Allah Swt in carrying out this mandate. Aamiin, “he concluded.
Read also: In the Shadow of Mount Lewotobi Male: A Story of Resilience and Hope
Dompet Dhuafa has consistently demonstrated its commitment to helping those in need. Its rapid response to the volcanic eruption, coupled with its ongoing efforts to provide essential aid, underscores its reputation as a trusted and efficient humanitarian organization. By establishing a presence on the ground and working closely with local communities, Dompet Dhuafa has been able to ensure that aid reaches those who need it most.
Dompet Dhuafa’s role in this crisis is not just limited to providing direct aid. The organization is also playing an important role in rebuilding communities and fostering resilience. By supporting long-term recovery efforts, Dompet Dhuafa is helping to ensure that the people of East Flores can rebuild their lives and livelihoods.
As we reflect on the impact of the Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki eruption, it is clear that the road to recovery will be long and challenging. However, with the support of organizations like Dompet Dhuafa, we can be confident that the affected communities will emerge from this crisis stronger and more resilient.
Read also: Dompet Dhuafa distributes clean water to male Mount Lewotobi eruption survivors
“We appreciate Al Wafi International Islamic Boarding School for its generous spirit of donation and invite other institutions and individuals to do the same. Dompet Dhuafa has responded since the eruption took place by deploying the Disaster Management Center (DMC) team at the affected location. Please pray that Dompet Dhuafa can continue to be Amanah in distributing donations that are right on target, “said Dimas Muttakhin as Community Relations Dompet Dhuafa.
The eruption of Mount Lewotobi Male which occurred on November 3, 2024 forced more than 10 thousand people to leave their homes and evacuate to seven refugee camps spread across East Flores Regency, NTT. Until now, more than 30 days after the eruption, the survivors are still staying in the evacuation posts as the mountain continues to show volcanic activity. (Dompet Dhuafa)
Text and photo: Dimas Muttakhin
Editor: Dhika