Caritas Indonesia Hands Over First Permanent Homes to Sumatra Flood Survivors

Caritas Indonesia officially launched the “Compassion Homes Movement” on February 26 with the handover of two completed permanent houses to families affected by the November 2025 floods in Central Tapanuli, North Sumatra.

The turnover ceremony was held in Andam Dewi District in Central Tapanuli Regency, North Sumatra Province, Indonesia and attended by Bishop Fransiskus Tuaman Sinaga of Sibolga, Bishop Siprianus Hormat, Secretary of the Supervisory Board of the Karina-KWI Foundation, and Caritas Indonesia Executive Director Fr. Fredy Rante Taruk.

The two houses, built for families in Pangaribuan and Sijungkang villages, mark the first completed units under Caritas Indonesia’s post-disaster housing recovery program.

Background of the Disaster

On November 25, 2025, massive floods and landslides struck parts of Sumatra, causing widespread destruction across three provinces. Government data recorded more than 158,000 houses severely damaged or destroyed. Thousands of families were forced to stay in temporary shelters for months, facing risks to health, safety, and livelihood.

In response, the Caritas Indonesia Network (KARINA-KWI), together with Caritas-PSE of the Diocese of Sibolga, initiated the “Compassion Homes Movement” to support long-term recovery.

Caritas Indonesia serves as national coordinator, while Caritas-PSE Sibolga acts as the implementing agency on the ground.

Collaboration with Government

A day before the house blessing, Caritas Indonesia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Central Tapanuli Regency Government. The agreement, signed by Fr. Fredy and Regional Secretary Binsar Sitanggang, formalized cooperation in assisting flood survivors.

Local officials welcomed the partnership, noting that Caritas’ involvement has accelerated recovery efforts and complemented government programs.

Bishop Siprianus said the initiative supports state efforts to provide housing for disaster survivors.

“Through cooperation with the government, we can maximize humanitarian assistance for families affected by the disaster,” he said.

Building Back Better

According to Fr. Walter Manurung, Director of Caritas-PSE Sibolga, beneficiary families were identified through assessments based on government data and field verification.

Priority was given to families whose homes were destroyed by the floods. In line with government policy, new houses are constructed outside designated Disaster-Prone Zones. For families previously living in high-risk areas, relocation is required to legally owned land with proper documentation.

Each housing unit costs approximately IDR 60 million (around USD 3,800). The houses are built following National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) standards and apply the “build back better” principle.

Each unit is a type-36 earthquake-resistant house with two bedrooms and one bathroom. Materials include lightweight steel frames, rust-resistant zincalume roofing, and lightweight brick walls. The design allows for future expansion by homeowners.

Fr. Walter said the goal is to ensure not only shelter but long-term safety and resilience.

Restoring Dignity

The Compassion Homes Movement was initiated following a December 2025 visit by Bishop Antonius Subianto Bunjamin, President of the Indonesian Bishops’ Conference (KWI), to disaster-affected areas in Central Tapanuli. He called for a concrete response to provide permanent and dignified housing for displaced families.

Fr. Fredy described the program as an expression of solidarity with families who lost their homes.

“These houses are not just buildings. They are a fortress of dignity and security for families seeking to rebuild their lives,” he told RVA.

The housing program is expected to continue over the next 18 months, with support from dioceses, donors, clergy, and lay partners across Indonesia.

Caritas Indonesia has invited wider community participation, emphasizing that rebuilding homes is a shared responsibility in helping disaster survivors regain stability and hope.