At the end of 2025, partners of the Katingan Mentaya Project (KMP) came together to support communities in Aceh Tamiang, demonstrating how collaboration and shared experience can make a meaningful difference beyond project boundaries.
Drawing on years of field experience in peatland and community resilience, the KMP team joined local organisations to respond to severe flooding that had disrupted schools, damaged sanitation facilities, and limited access to clean water across several villages.
A partnership in action
Working alongside Yayasan Puter, Lingkar Temu Lestari, and the Coalition for Sustainable Livelihood, the team launched Operation Laskar Pelangi, a coordinated effort focused on restoring safe learning environments and improving essential services for affected communities.
The initiative reflected a shared commitment among partners: supporting recovery efforts while strengthening community resilience in areas facing increasing environmental pressures.
Restoring safe spaces for learning
Arriving in mid-December 2025, the field team worked directly with local residents, teachers, and volunteers to rehabilitate schools affected by flooding. Classrooms were cleared of mud and debris, school grounds were cleaned, and damaged sanitation facilities, including toilets and UKS rooms, were restored.
These efforts allowed hundreds of students to safely return to classrooms, helping communities regain a sense of stability after months of disruption.
Expanding access to clean water
Access to clean water quickly emerged as one of the most urgent needs. In response, the team supported the construction of two drilled wells: one serving the community of Tanah Terban Village and another supporting public services at the Aceh Tamiang District Education Office.
The new wells now provide reliable water access for residents and public facilities, reducing vulnerability during both flood and dry seasons.
Celebrating collective achievement
Operation Laskar Pelangi highlights what strong partnerships can accomplish when knowledge, resources, and local leadership come together. The mission not only supported immediate recovery but also reinforced connections between organisations working toward healthier ecosystems and stronger communities across Indonesia.
After nearly a month in the field, the team returned to Sampit in January 2026 carrying a shared sense of pride in what had been achieved together — and renewed motivation to continue supporting communities facing environmental challenges.
Operation Snapshot
Team members
Yayan Apriadi (Team Leader, Pulau Hanaut)
Krisno (PPH Division)
Rantawan (PPH Division)
Suryadi (Biodiversity Division)
Arianto (Seranau Zone)
Rahmad Qomarudin (Seranau Zone)
Muhammad Pauzi (Mendawai Zone)
Iba (Pulau Hanaut Zone)
Operation period
15 December 2025 – 13 January 2026
Key results
- Three schools cleaned and restored, benefiting more than 550 students
- Two drilled wells constructed to improve community and public water access
