Restoring Access to Clean Water and Sanitation in Flood-Affected Aceh
Following severe flooding in Aceh, Indonesia, Peace Boat Disaster Relief (PBV), together with its local partner ASAR Humanity, has completed a water and sanitation recovery project to help restore access to clean water for students and residents in East Aceh.
The floods that struck Aceh at the end of 2025 caused extensive damage to essential infrastructure across the region. In Alue Lipah Timu Hamlet, Pante Bidari District, East Aceh, water sources used by the local community and Bustanur Rahmani Boarding School were contaminated with mud and flood debris, making them unsafe for everyday use.
The boarding school, known locally as Dayah Bustanur Rahmani, serves both as a place of learning and residence for students and as an important center for religious activities in the surrounding community. Following the floods, students and local residents faced difficulties accessing clean water for drinking, bathing, sanitation, and ablution.
As part of the Sumatra Post-Floods Recovery Programme, ASAR Humanity and PBV began implementing a water and sanitation project on June 22, 2026.
The project included the construction of a deep borewell to provide a more sustainable source of clean water, the installation of a sanitation system, and the construction of a dedicated ablution and washing area equipped with multiple water taps. Permanent sanitation facilities were also constructed to support the daily needs of the school and surrounding community.
The facilities were completed, tested, and officially handed over to the school and community on July 30. Final project activities continued through August 5.
The project directly benefits approximately 213 people from 27 families, including students and residents of Alue Lipah Timu.
For the community, the new facilities represent more than the restoration of damaged infrastructure. Reliable access to clean water and adequate sanitation is essential for maintaining health and hygiene, supporting daily activities, and allowing students to continue their education and religious practices in a safer and more comfortable environment.
“Clean water is one of the most fundamental needs of life,” said Noval Eriansyah, Chairman of Laznas ASAR Humanity Foundation. “Through our collaboration with Peace Boat Disaster Relief, we want to ensure that flood-affected communities receive more than temporary assistance. We want to help restore sustainable access to clean water and sanitation.”
M. Nasir, Head of Alue Lipah Timu, also expressed his appreciation for the continued support provided by PBV and ASAR Humanity throughout the recovery process.
“This is the only organisation that has been present in our village since the aftermath of the flood, from the hot meal programme and distribution of essential supplies and hygiene kits to the construction of the ablution area, sanitation facilities, and borewell,” he said.
Although the construction work has been completed, the recovery process continues. ASAR Humanity and local stakeholders will work with the school and community to maintain the facilities and ensure their long-term functionality. Follow-up activities will include monitoring the borewell and sanitation facilities, promoting good hygiene practices, and identifying any remaining water, sanitation, and recovery needs in the surrounding area.
For PBV, supporting disaster-affected communities means not only responding to immediate needs, but also helping restore the essential infrastructure that people rely on as they rebuild their lives.
Through continued collaboration with local partners such as ASAR Humanity, PBV will continue working to support communities affected by disasters in Indonesia and contribute to recovery that strengthens health, dignity, and resilience for the future.
PBV and ASAR Humanity would like to thank all donors and supporters whose contributions made this recovery project possible. Together, we can help communities rebuild with greater health, dignity and resilience.
