Brands step up as disasters hit across Indonesia

Indonesia has been hit by a series of disasters in recent weeks, from earthquakes and floods to drought and forest and land fires, putting communities across the country under pressure. As authorities work to manage the fallout, brands and businesses are also stepping up with practical support, from clean water and emergency supplies to healthcare and other forms of relief.

The latest update from Indonesia’s national disaster management agency (BNPB) on 2 September highlighted continuing drought and forest and land fires in several parts of Kalimantan, with hundreds of households affected by water shortages and authorities stepping up the distribution of clean water. Smoke from the fires has also raised concerns beyond Indonesia’s borders, with haze reaching neighbouring countries.

The response has also extended beyond immediate emergency needs, with companies using their resources, products and networks to support communities through recovery.

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J99 Corp has allocated IDR 2 billion (US$113,000) towards communities affected by the earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) and forest fires in Kalimantan. Through its #GlowtongRoyongMSGLOW and #JiwaTERGERAK initiatives, IDR 1 billion is being directed towards clean water, medicines, clothing, blankets and hygiene supplies for earthquake-affected communities in NTT. Another IDR 1 billion has been converted into one million masks for people affected by haze in Kalimantan.

“Through this movement, we hope to encourage more people to be moved to take action, because no matter how small the contribution, when made collectively, it can make a meaningful and significant difference to those in need,” said Gilang Widya Pramana, founder of J99 Corp.

The company is working with BAZNAS (BAZIS) DKI Jakarta to distribute the assistance.

Tempo Scan has meanwhile focused on water scarcity, distributing 640,000 litres of clean water across 40 priority locations in Sumatra and Java amid the 2026 dry season. The company worked with regional disaster management agencies (BPBD) and local governments to direct supplies to affected communities.

Astra, through its Nurani Astra programme, has established seven aid posts across earthquake-affected areas in NTT. As of 26 August, the initiative had reached 35,726 beneficiaries, providing 5,605 food packages, 2,700 shelter kits and healthcare services to 1,946 patients.

The company has also deployed 38 Astra volunteers, with further healthcare assistance planned for vulnerable groups including pregnant women, young children and elderly people.

“Astra seeks to be there for affected communities through Nurani Astra and collaboration across the Astra Group. The support provided will continue to be tailored to needs on the ground, as part of efforts to ease the burden on communities and support their gradual recovery,” said Boy Kelana Soebroto, chief of corporate affairs at Astra.

UNIQLO has committed IDR 750 million (US$43,000) in assistance for communities affected by the earthquake in Flores, NTT, and a fire in Sade Traditional Village, Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara.

In Flores, its initial IDR 500 million response includes food and drink, solar-powered lights, cash donations and 2,000 pieces of clothing. A further IDR 250 million has been allocated to communities affected by the Lombok fire, covering emergency supplies and 1,200 pieces of clothing. The retailer is working with the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) and Kitabisa on distribution.

Sharp Electronics Indonesia has also joined the response in NTT, working with Human Initiative to support 600 residents affected by the 7.7-magnitude earthquake in Nagekeo. Its assistance includes ready-to-eat meals, bedding kits, food packages and personal hygiene kits.

“Sharp has grown alongside the Indonesian people for more than 56 years. For us, that relationship is not only about the products found in people’s homes, but also about being there when communities need support,” said Andry Adi Utomo, national sales senior general manager at Sharp Indonesia.

Danone Indonesia has contributed IDR 1 billion (US$57,000), around 53,000 bottles of AQUA and nutrition products to earthquake-affected communities in NTT. Working with PMI, the company has used both land and sea routes to reach affected areas, including through a humanitarian vessel serving coastal communities.

“In a situation like this, what matters most is how we can help one another and contribute in whatever way we can. We have joined the collective effort involving PMI, the government, communities, businesses and various other parties to help our fellow Indonesians through the emergency and begin the recovery process,” said Laurent Boissier, CEO of Danone Indonesia.

Meanwhile, Pegadaian has provided healthcare support to communities affected by the NTT earthquake since 21 August, with four doctors and seven nurses serving more than 1,000 people across four locations. It also conducted outreach to residents in three villages, reaching 398 people.

In West Kalimantan, Pegadaian also distributed thousands of packages of masks and vitamin supplements to help residents, road users and customers cope with the ongoing haze from forest and land fires.

Beyond the latest wave of disasters, communities in parts of Indonesia are still recovering from the impact of major flooding in 2025, including in Aceh. In Aceh Tamiang, Indonesia’s creative economy ministry has incorporated creative activities into post-disaster recovery, including an art-based trauma-healing initiative for schoolchildren affected by the floods.

As disasters continue to unfold across Indonesia, the challenge for brands is not simply to show up, but to make their presence genuinely useful to the communities that need it most. From water and masks to food, clothing, healthcare and hands-on support, brands are putting their resources to work where they can have an immediate impact.

Photo courtesy: The national disaster management agency (BNPB)

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