The devastating flash flood that struck Sumatra, Indonesia, has had a serious impact on thousands of families. According to data from the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), as of December 18, the damage has affected 52 regions, with the loss of 1,059 precious lives and 7,000 injuries, leading to a grave situation.

Even in the face of such adversity, Smiles Mobile Remittance has proven that "distance does not hinder compassion." Through the initiative "Transforming Remittances into Acts of Compassion", Smiles called upon communities around the world to embody the spirit of “#SolidarityDiaspora.” The support gathered from the Smiles community in Japan shows that even when apart, we can stand by our hometown people and deliver hope.

Transforming Remittances into Support

Smiles believes that sending money home is not just a transaction but a "form of love." To lead this initiative, Smiles donated 500,000 yen through Dompet Dhuafa, a prominent humanitarian NGO in Indonesia.

This donation has been transformed into essential supplies, delivered as follows:

• Learning Kits (165 sets): New backpacks, notebooks, and stationery were provided to help children return to their studies.

• Hygiene Kits (200 sets): Consumables such as soap, towels, and cleaning supplies to maintain health.

Additionally, we received an extra donation of 38,500 yen from Smiles users in Japan through various fundraising activities. All these funds were used to purchase groceries and emergency kits for those who lost their homes.

The Resilience Seen by the Smiles Indonesia Team

On December 14 and 15, members of the Smiles Indonesia team visited North Sumatra and conducted activities in cooperation with Dompet Dhuafa. By going directly to the site, we witnessed the shock brought by the flood and the indomitable spirit of the victims who still strive to move forward.

The arrival of supplies meant more than just providing goods. It brought "smiles." We were able to see the pure joy of children receiving new bags in place of the backpacks swept away by the flood, reigniting their desire to return to school.

Voices of the Victims: The Story of Sari

During a visit to the 9th village of Rancak, the Smiles team met Sari, a mother and resident of the village. She shared a heart-wrenching experience of how the water level rose to her waist, sweeping away her family's food and children's school supplies.

"It was difficult to even find food," Sari said. "The communal kitchen and food supplies, especially the school kits for the children, became our lifeline. It made us feel that we are not alone in our efforts to rebuild."

While the water levels are decreasing, the road to recovery is still long, and the risk of secondary disasters remains. Continuous attention and support are needed.

Heartfelt Thanks to the Smiles Community

Smiles Mobile Remittance extends heartfelt gratitude to all users who participated in this support program. Regardless of the scale of support, your actions have proven that "people can unite even when far apart."

We also express deep respect for the team members and Dompet Dhuafa who continue their tireless efforts on the front lines. Thanks to their dedication, the generosity of the Smiles community has been delivered safely and directly to those most in need.

Let us continue to realize #SolidarityDiaspora together with Smiles. We believe that each remittance transforms into "action," and that "action" brings "hope" to those in need.