Habitat Updates
Sibolga, January 5, 2026 — Flash floods, landslides, and extreme weather that struck northern Sumatra since late November 2025 have left deep scars. Millions of residents were forced to evacuate after their homes were destroyed by landslide debris and overflowing rivers. In response to this crisis, Habitat for Humanity Indonesia is calling for national solidarity to support housing recovery efforts for affected families, particularly in Sibolga City and Tapanuli Tengah Regency.
Based on the Rapid Assessment conducted by Habitat Indonesia’s Rapid Assessment Team between December 11–21, 2025, a total of 633 houses were reported damaged, 311 of which were severely damaged, leaving residents without safe shelter. Conditions for flood and landslide survivors in Sibolga have now reached a critical phase. The latest 2025 Joint Needs Assessment (JNA) report reveals that more than 57% of affected homes are no longer safe to live in. Habitat for Humanity Indonesia is urging immediate action from all sectors of society to assist the thousands of people who have lost their homes and access to basic health services.
A Humanitarian Crisis Amid the Ruins
An estimated 7,276 people are currently displaced. South Sibolga and North Sibolga are among the most critical areas, where hundreds of homes along hillsides and riverbanks have suffered severe structural damage.
“A house is more than just a building — it is a family’s final line of protection. In Sibolga, that protection has collapsed for hundreds of families,” said Arwin Soelaksono, Program Director of Habitat for Humanity Indonesia. “We are on the ground not only to assess damage, but to ensure that families can return to homes that are safer, more decent, and more resilient to future disasters.”
Habitat Indonesia’s Concrete Actions on the Ground
Habitat Indonesia has developed a first-year humanitarian response plan focused on:
- Distribution of Recovery Shelter Kits (toolkits for home repair): Targeting 1,000 families.
- Housing Repairs: Implementing repairs and structural retrofitting for 500 homes.
- Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Recovery: Providing clean water access, sanitation services, and training on safer rebuilding practices (Build Back Safer).
- Support for Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI): Ensuring vulnerable groups — including women-headed households, the elderly, and people with disabilities — have safe and inclusive access to markets and cash assistance.
A Humanitarian Call: Let’s Rebuild Together
Post-disaster recovery requires substantial resources. Habitat for Humanity Indonesia invites the private sector, communities, and individuals to join this humanitarian mission. Every contribution will directly support the procurement of building materials, construction tools, and technical assistance for building safe homes.
Habitat for Humanity Indonesia invites you to bring hope to Sibolga residents through kitabisa.com/bangunharapansibolga or via Habitat for Humanity Indonesia’s official donation account:
Post-Disaster Housing Recovery in Sibolga
Please add “26” at the end of your donation amount (for example: IDR 100,026) to help us identify your contribution.
“We invite everyone to be part of the solution. With your donation, we are not only providing a roof — we are giving new hope for the people of Sibolga to rebuild their lives and plan for the future,” Arwin added.
Writer: Astridinar Vania
(av/kh)
