Nearly a year after severe flooding hit parts of Sumatra, students are returning to repaired classrooms while hundreds of residents in Aceh are set to regain access to clean water.
Bybit Indonesia, the locally regulated arm of crypto exchange Bybit, has partnered with Indonesian fundraising platform Kitabisa to support the recovery of communities affected by the November 2025 floods.
The initiative covers two schools in Kabupaten Langkat, North Sumatra, serving nearly 280 students between them, as well as a new borewell expected to provide clean water to more than 440 people in Desa Balee Panah, Aceh.
Nearly 280 Students Return to Repaired Schools
One of the largest projects involves Yayasan Pendidikan Rahman El-Manaf Bubun in Desa Bubun, an area that also faces recurring tidal flooding.
The school serves around 187 students from elementary through high school, supported by 17 teachers. Many families in the surrounding community depend on fishing and farming, while the school provides education without charging students tuition or additional fees.
Flood recovery work funded through the Bybit Indonesia and Kitabisa partnership includes repairing floors and learning spaces, repainting damaged areas and improving supporting installations. The project also provides desks, chairs, whiteboards and other classroom equipment.
A second project is supporting SDN 057239 Sekoci, another school in Kabupaten Langkat with approximately 90 students and 10 teachers.
Repairs there cover damaged flooring and ceilings, electrical systems, doors, windows and ventilation. The library and a dedicated religious studies room are also being refurbished, alongside the replacement of classroom equipment needed for daily teaching.
"Helping communities recover from a disaster requires sustained collaboration and an understanding of local needs," said Vikra Ijas, Co-Founder and CEO of Kitabisa.
"Through this partnership, we hope to support students and teachers as they return to their daily learning activities and help families regain a sense of stability."
More Than 440 People to Regain Clean Water Access
The partnership extends beyond schools to one of the most basic problems left behind by the floods: access to clean water.
Bybit Indonesia and Kitabisa are supporting construction of a borewell in Desa Balee Panah, Kecamatan Juli, Kabupaten Bireuen, Aceh, where flooding damaged local water infrastructure. Construction has been underway since July 2026.
Once completed, the borewell is expected to serve around 144 households representing more than 440 people. Residents will be able to use the restored water supply for drinking, cooking, washing and other everyday needs.
"Education has always been an important part of Bybit's journey, both in Indonesia and globally," said Lawrence Samantha, CEO of Bybit Indonesia.
"When we saw the impact of the floods in Sumatra, we wanted to look at how we could make a practical contribution to the recovery — not only for children who need a safe and suitable place to learn, but also for families who need reliable access to clean water."
Samantha said working with Kitabisa allowed the company to direct resources toward specific needs identified within affected communities, while acknowledging that rebuilding after a disaster extends well beyond the immediate aftermath.
Recovery Continues Months After the Floods
The projects highlight how rebuilding continues long after floodwaters recede, particularly when schools and essential infrastructure have been damaged.
Bybit Indonesia said it plans to continue supporting education and community resilience as part of its broader social-impact efforts in the country.
Reporting by Lidia Yadlos
