Gotong royong is the implementation of Indonesia’s state ideology of Pancasila consisting five tenets – belief in God, just and civilized humanity, unity of Indonesia, democracy and social justice.

Bogor, West Java, (Indonesia Window) – Indonesia is a country whose people are famous for the principle of mutual assistance (locally known as gotong royong).

Gotong royong is the implementation of Indonesia’s state ideology of Pancasila which includes several tenets, especially the third principle (unity of Indonesia) to strengthen unity, and the fifth principle (social justice for all Indonesian people) with the aim of togetherness and social justice, as well as the second principle (just and civilized humanity) in the effort of empathy and mutual assistance.

Among humanitarian organizations with the principle of gotong royong is Lembaga Amil Zakat Solidaritas Insan Peduli (LAZSip) which is commonly translated as Zakat Collecting Agency of Solidarity for Caring the Under Privileged, which is now providing humanitarian assistance for people who are affected by flash floods and landslides in Sumatra.

LAZSip is now deploying its search and rescue team known as SARSIP team currently distributing relief aid to victims affected by flash floods and landslides in the provinces of Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra.

"The SARSIP team has deployed four to five personnel to each disaster location, including Langsa City, Aceh Tamiang District, East Aceh District, North Aceh District, Lhoksemawe City, Bireun District, Takengon City, and Bener Meriah District," said Tony Ayahubaey, coordinator of the SARSIP team in Langsa, Aceh, in Aceh on Tuesday.

In addition to Aceh Province, SARSIP also sent personnel to North Sumatra Province, including South Tapanuli District and Medan City, as well as West Sumatra Province, including Agam District and Padang City, Tony explained.

He pointed out that SARSIP's humanitarian assistance for victims of the hydrometeorological disasters includes basic necessities, cash, blankets, new clothes, underwear, and diapers for children and adults.

“The most urgent needs right now include generators, clean water, and ready-to-eat food because a public kitchen cannot be set up on site," he said, adding that social and emotional approaches were being used to help children heal from trauma, such as engaging them in small games.

Tony further said that the recipients were very grateful for the aid distributed by the SARSIP team, which arrived at the earliest, six to seven days after the disaster.

SARSIP did not encounter any significant obstacles in distributing the humanitarian aid. "This is because we always conduct an assessment before distribution and coordinate with local village officials," he said.

In addition, SARSIP also coordinates with local governments, registers with the local Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), collaborates with relevant parties, and conducts briefings on the latest situation in disaster-affected areas, Tony explained.

Data from LAZSip, as of December 15, 2025, humanitarian funds received into the institution's account totaled 1,249,566,577 rupiahs, with 714,741,501 rupiahs disbursed.

LAZSip stated that the funds needed for relief assistance in Sumatra is 1,500,000,000 rupiahs. The first phase of fundraising by LAZSip remains open until December 21, 2025.

The National Disaster Management Agency (locally known as BNPB) reported that the number of flood victims in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra as of December 16, 2025 afternoon, has risen to 1,053 deaths, 200 missing, and 7,000 injured.

In Aceh, the number of flood victims is 449 deaths, 31 missing, and 4,300 injured. In North Sumatra, 360 deaths, 79 missing, and 2.300 injured. In West Sumatra, 244 deaths, 90 missing, and 382 injured.

BNPB also reported that 1,600 public facilities were damaged. The disaster likewise affected 219 health facilities, 967 educational facilities, 434 houses of worship, 290 buildings/offices, and 145 bridges.

In addition, BNPB reported that 146,758 houses were damaged. A total of 52 districts were affected.

Reporting by Indonesia Window