Haji Subarni Establishes a Large Public Kitchen at the Great Mosque of Bireuen, Providing Refuge for Over 600 Flood Victims Searching for Their Families
Bireuen — Amid the devastating floods that have swept through homes, severed roads, and separated thousands of families across Aceh, one name once again emerges as a beacon of hope for ordinary people: Haji Subarni, the prominent Bireuen philanthropist known for never abandoning his community in their darkest hours.
When the floodwaters surged without warning, many residents fled while calling out the names of their children, parents or relatives who had suddenly disappeared from sight. They arrived in Bireuen with anxious faces and trembling prayers, hoping to find their loved ones alive and safe.
In the midst of this turmoil, the Great Mosque of Bireuen transformed into a centre of refuge—a place where people gathered to steady themselves after losing so much. It was here that Haji Subarni’s public kitchen became the first light to welcome them, a helping hand extended when other doors were closed.
Every day, more than 600 people arrive. Some come after searching across districts for missing family members, while others stay because they no longer know where else to go. They travel from Bener Meriah, Central Aceh and various other regions, carrying the same story: loss, and a hope they continue to entrust to Allah.
Amid the echo of the azan and the quiet prayers whispered in the corners of the mosque, the public kitchen has become the reason many still have the strength to stand. A plate of warm rice is more than food—it is a message that they are not facing this disaster alone. Someone is thinking of them; someone cares when the world feels as though it is collapsing.
Beyond this, Haji Subarni has also delivered 800 sacks of rice to the areas most severely affected by the floods in Bireuen District: Kuta Blang, Peusangan Siblah Krueng and Juli. On 1 December 2025, aid was again sent to Peudada, where many families continue to wait for help.
The Chairman of Relawan Peduli Rakyat Lintas Batas, Arizal Mahdi, expressed his deep appreciation for this generosity. He said that at a time when people were desperately searching for shelter, Allah moved the heart of Haji Subarni to stand with them. According to him, this is not merely assistance, but compassion that upholds human dignity.
Arizal affirmed that the public kitchen will continue operating until every resident is able to return home, until not one person remains stranded in Bireuen or forced to endure hunger amid the crisis.
In post-flood Aceh, where many families are still separated and so many stories remain unresolved, the actions of Haji Subarni remind us that even in a world growing increasingly difficult, humanity endures. And it shines brightest in the hands of those who give with sincerity.
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