Months after catastrophic floods and landslides devastated large parts of Sumatra in Indonesia, thousands of families remain without permanent shelter. Now the Catholic Church in Indonesia, a minority in the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation, is stepping in to help rebuild homes for communities still struggling to recover.
The reconstruction effort is being led by Caritas Indonesia, the humanitarian arm of the Catholic Church in Indonesia, through a program known as the “Compassion Home Movement.”
The initiative comes in response to the floods and landslides that struck Sumatra in late November 2025, severely damaging 158,088 homes across three provinces and forcing tens of thousands of families into long-term displacement.
A housing program for long-term recovery
The rebuilding initiative was officially launched at the end of February in Central Tapanuli, Sumatra, where the first newly built homes were handed over to families who had lost their houses in the disaster. Church officials say the housing program aims not only to rebuild structures but also to restore stability and dignity for displaced families.
Under the reconstruction program led by Caritas Indonesia, each home will measure about 36 square meters (about 388 square feet) and include two bedrooms and a bathroom.
The houses will be built according to earthquake-resistant standards established by Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Agency, and none will be constructed in areas designated as disaster-prone.
The total cost of the project is expected to range between 60 billion and 70 billion rupiah (approximately $4 million), with each unit estimated at about 60 million rupiah (around $4,000). The program is scheduled to run for roughly 18 months.
Church officials say the reconstruction effort follows the “Building Back Better” principle, meaning homes are designed to reflect the specific disaster risks of each region.
The initiative also follows a memorandum of understanding between Caritas Indonesia and the Indonesian government, aimed at accelerating community recovery.
Regional Secretary Binsar Sitanggang welcomed the collaboration, saying Caritas’ involvement would help displaced families return to normal life more quickly.
Catholic aid welcomed in Muslim-majority communities
Bishop Fransiskus Tuaman Sinaga of Sibolga said the Church’s humanitarian efforts have been widely welcomed, even though Catholics represent a minority in Indonesia.
“The Catholic Church’s presence is not limited to Catholics alone. Through Caritas Sibolga and Caritas Indonesia, we are here for everyone,” the bishop told EWTN News. “The majority of the community is Muslim, yet there has been no rejection. In fact, they enthusiastically accept our assistance.”
According to Sinaga, priests, religious sisters, and lay volunteers involved in relief efforts have consistently reported strong local support, including appreciation from government officials and community leaders.
“In disaster situations, we cannot talk about minority versus majority, or this religion or that religion,” he said. “What matters is our shared humanity and our concern for human dignity.”
Addressing concerns about proselytism
When asked whether large-scale Catholic charity work could be misinterpreted as proselytism in a Muslim-majority country, Sinaga said such concerns have not arisen.
“We have never felt or seen this,” he said. “Even though people know we are Catholic, they welcome us positively. We present the face of the Church, the face of Catholicism, and the face of Christ — and they are happy that we bring the help they truly need.” He went on to explain that Muslims in the country appreciate the Catholic Church as a benchmark for a compassionate society.
He added that the Church’s presence during the disaster response has helped many Indonesians become more familiar with Catholic institutions and terminology.
More than social service
Sinaga also addressed whether the Church risks being valued primarily for its humanitarian work rather than its spiritual mission.
“At first they saw that we provided assistance and respected us for that,” he said. “But over time they came to know us as the Catholic Church — a community present with love, care, and compassion.”
He noted that terms such as “Caritas,” “bishop,” “priest,” and “nun” have become increasingly familiar among residents in disaster-affected areas as the Church’s presence continues.
Meanwhile, the Church is working closely with local authorities in Sumatra to support communities still recovering from the disaster, where many families remain in temporary shelters months after the floods.
