Catholic philanthropist’s visit brings aid and hope to Indonesian diocese two months after flash floods
Nearly two months after devastating flash floods and landslides struck the Diocese of Sibolga in North Sumatra, a visit by Catholic philanthropist Vivyanti “Vivi” Ashali has brought renewed hope and concrete assistance to affected communities, especially schools and children.
A long-time member of Lions Club Jakarta Askara Buwana (District 307 A1), Vivi said her years of involvement in education-focused charity work had convinced her that meaningful help must begin with seeing real needs firsthand—particularly in disaster-hit and remote areas.
Over the years, she has supported a wide range of educational initiatives across Indonesia, including the construction of public libraries and the provision of laptops on Lembata Island in East Nusa Tenggara, as well as assistance to STIKOM Yos Sudarso in Gombong, Central Java. These efforts were carried out under the pastoral guidance of the Diocese of Purwokerto.
Journey to Sibolga Diocese
In January 2026, Vivi turned her attention to the Diocese of Sibolga, located along the western coast of North Sumatra, which was severely affected by flash floods and landslides on November 25, 2025. Disturbing images circulating on social media moved her to act.
“I want to come to Sibolga to see with my own eyes how devastating the impact of this natural disaster has been on the pastoral areas of the Diocese,” she told RVA ahead of her visit.
Vivi, the sister of the late Hartoni Ashali—a former Jesuit who died in Canada—was welcomed by Father Purwosuranto, OSC, Vicar General of the Diocese of Sibolga, during her visit on January 15–18. Prior to arriving in Sibolga, she made a brief stop in Medan.
“Hats for Hope” in Medan
During her stopover in Medan, Vivi also carried out another personal charity mission. She distributed around 300 hand-knitted hats—made by herself and some friends—to children undergoing cancer treatment, coordinated through a local contact.
The initiative is part of her ongoing program, 1,000 Hats for Hope – For Brave Little Cancer Warriors, funded by selling the hats to friends for IDR 100,000 each, with all proceeds dedicated to charitable causes. She said another 1,000 hats are being prepared for distribution to children’s cancer shelters in Jakarta.
Immediate aid for schools
For Sibolga, Vivi’s focus was different. Rather than bringing symbolic items, she aimed to assess post-disaster needs directly and plan sustainable assistance through Lions Club Jakarta Askara Buwana.
Even before her arrival, emergency education aid collected through her network had already reached the diocese. Distributed by the Diocese of Sibolga, the assistance included school uniforms, shoes, socks, bags, stationery, and learning materials for about 300 students.
The aid—worth approximately IDR 300 million—was contributed by Lions Club Jakarta Askara Buwana District 307 A1, Singapore Intercultural Schools (SIS), Lotus Harapan Indonesia Foundation, and individual donors.
Similar assistance was also provided to Don Bosco Kindergarten and Melania Elementary–Junior High Schools run by the SCMM Sisters near Pandan City, Central Tapanuli Regency.
Witnessing devastation firsthand
Accompanied by Fr. Purwosuranto, OSC, and Fr. Rohendi Marpaung, Pr, chair of the diocesan social service commission (PSE), Vivi visited disaster-affected sites, including the CMM brothers’ residence and formation complex in Aek Tolang.
At the time of the visit, thick mud—up to two meters deep—still covered dormitories, school buildings, and a health clinic. Support from the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), including heavy equipment and personnel, was crucial in clearing the area.
“Without the help of the TNI, our dormitory and clinic would never have been cleaned,” said Frater Marius, CMM, expressing gratitude for the government’s assistance.
Similar damage was observed at the Melania School complex run by the SCMM Sisters, where landslides had severely affected the rear sections of the campus.
Vivi also met Sr. Winefride, OP, principal of St. Francis High School in Aek Tolang, whose school had been submerged under nearly two meters of floodwater and mud.
Planning long-term support
Throughout her visits, Vivi carefully documented the concrete needs required to restore schools, dormitories, and health facilities. Plans are underway to support the establishment of a fully equipped computer laboratory, the procurement of musical instruments, and the provision of books.
