Edu Asia New,The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Kemdiktisaintek) continues to encourage the active involvement of the academic community in providing logistical assistance, healthcare services, and social recovery support. This is realized through the Higher Education Service Institutions (LLDikti) and universities, which act as coordination hubs in the field, strengthening synergy with local governments and other stakeholders.
In West Sumatra, a team from the Institute for Research and Community Service (LP2M) at Universitas Negeri Padang (UNP) continued field visits to several affected villages in Tanjung Raya District and surrounding areas of Agam Regency. Assistance provided included basic logistics, household equipment, agricultural tools, and clothing supplies as part of supporting the post-disaster recovery of residents’ daily activities.
The Faculty of Medicine at Universitas Malikussaleh (FK Unimal), through its Community Service program, provided mobile clinic services where children and pregnant women in Muara Batu District received health examinations from pediatric specialists and clinical nutrition specialists. These health services included care for children with disabilities and genetic conditions such as albinism. In addition, the FK Unimal team provided practical education to parents on parenting, infection prevention for children, and fulfilling balanced nutrition needs for children.
From 24 to 26 December 2025, a volunteer team of 25 people from Universitas Teuku Umar (UTU), Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), and Politeknik Negeri Lhokseumawe (PNL) worked to open access roads to reach displaced residents in the Pesantren area, Bale Reje Village in Pantan Kemuning, and Tunyang Village. At these three locations, emergency health posts were established, and logistical assistance was distributed to disaster-affected residents. This initiative aligns with Kemdiktisaintek’s directive for universities to be present directly in the areas of greatest need.
In North Sumatra, Universitas Islam Indonesia (UII), together with the UII Alumni Association (IKA), deployed a healthcare team on Saturday, 27 December, in Barus District, Central Tapanuli Regency. Healthcare services were provided to displaced residents and surrounding communities through basic medical examinations, treatment of general health complaints and chronic illnesses, as well as identification of cases requiring further referral. In addition to medical services, the team also provided health education and initial psychosocial recovery support for affected residents.
Recovery efforts were further strengthened through infrastructure support and the distribution of aid to isolated areas. In Aceh, the Bailey Bridge over Krueng Tingkeum in Kuta Blang District, Bireuen Regency, was completed and became operational on 27 December 2025. This collaborative construction between the central government, Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), state-owned enterprises (BUMN), and local governments is a crucial step in restoring connectivity and facilitating post-disaster community activities. Simultaneously, aid distribution via air routes and the establishment of health posts and trauma healing services continue with the support of various universities under Kemdiktisaintek’s coordination.
Kemdiktisaintek reaffirmed its commitment to overseeing comprehensive disaster management, from the emergency response phase to recovery. These efforts demonstrate that university contributions are sustainable and have a tangible impact on disaster-affected communities in Sumatra.
