Edu Asia New,UNIMALNEWS | Lhoksukon — Challenging terrain, river crossings, and limited road access did not deter the joint humanitarian team from Malikussaleh University (Unimal), Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS), and the Medical Emergency Rescue Committee (MER-C) from reaching evacuees in Paya Rubek, Sawang Sub-district, North Aceh Regency—one of the locations that had previously been isolated.
This collaboration serves as evidence of cross-institutional solidarity in disaster response, particularly for communities in hard-to-reach areas. From Unimal, the activities involved the Emergency Response Team of the Disaster Management Unit of the Faculty of Medicine (FK) and the FK Alumni Association, working in collaboration with the UGM Academic Health System (AHS) team, the UNS Emergency Response Team, and MER-C.
Prior to deployment, the team conducted coordination and formal reporting to the North Aceh Health Emergency Operation Center (HEOC) as part of the emergency command system. All personnel gathered at the Emergency Response Post of the Disaster Management Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Unimal, at the Reulet Campus for a briefing, task allocation, and logistics loading.
The team then proceeded to Paya Rubek via an alternative route through Bireuen Regency and Makmur Sub-district, as direct access from Sawang remained disrupted. The challenges intensified when the team had to traverse steep and rocky river paths. One MER-C vehicle was forced to be parked on the riverbank due to impassable conditions.
Some personnel ultimately continued on foot, crossing the river and a suspension bridge while carrying medical equipment and logistics to reach the evacuation site. Their arrival was welcomed by the Geuchik (village head) of Gunci Village and the Head of Paya Rubek Hamlet, who conveyed the community’s conditions and urgent needs.
At the site, the team immediately provided integrated healthcare services, distributed relief supplies, delivered psychosocial support for children, and supplied nutritious food for toddlers and pregnant women. Primary attention was directed toward vulnerable groups to ensure continued access to essential services despite the difficult location.
During the activity, which took place on Thursday (December 25, 2025), a total of 73 evacuees received healthcare services, comprising 8 children, 48 adults, and 17 elderly individuals. The most common complaints included acute respiratory infections, skin diseases, digestive disorders such as dyspepsia, and several injuries caused by debris during the flooding. Psychosocial services were attended by approximately 120 children and several adult evacuees.
Although the number of beneficiaries was not large, the service coverage in Paya Rubek was considered strategic, as the area had previously been difficult to access and at risk of being overlooked in the provision of basic services. The presence of this cross-university and humanitarian organization team reaffirmed the commitment that no community member would be left behind, even in the most remote locations.
The collaboration among Unimal, UGM, UNS, and MER-C demonstrates that synergy between academics and volunteers enables swift, coordinated, and adaptive action in emergency situations, ensuring the safety, health, and psychosocial resilience of disaster-affected communities.
