EduAsiaNews, Jakarta — Floods that inundated several areas in Aceh in early January 2026 prompted a swift response from state universities in Western Indonesia. The Institute for Research and Community Service of Universitas Pembangunan Nasional “Veteran” Jakarta (LPPM UPNVJ) took part through a disaster-response community service program coordinated by the Forum of LPPM Heads of the Western Region State Universities Cooperation Body (FKLPPM BKS-PTN Barat).
This collaborative activity took place from 9–12 January 2026, targeting flood-affected areas in Aceh Province, particularly East Aceh Regency, North Aceh Regency, and Pidie Jaya. In these areas, the floods damaged residential areas, cut off access roads, and destroyed homes in coastal communities.
The Chair of FKLPPM BKS-PTN Barat, who is also Head of LPPM UPNVJ, Sri Lestari Wahyuningrum, together with the Head of the Community Service and KKN Center at UPNVJ, Firlia Ayu Arini, conducted on-site assessments. In Seunuddon District, North Aceh, and several villages in Pidie Jaya, they found residents still struggling to restore their lives after the floods, with very limited access to basic necessities.
Through the disaster-response Community Service (PKM) scheme, UPNVJ collaborated with several Western-region state universities, including Sultan Ageng Tirtayasa University and Bangka Belitung University. This collaboration was designed to accelerate the delivery of aid while ensuring interventions are tailored to the real needs of affected communities.
In Seunuddon District, North Aceh, aid packages were distributed, including staple food supplies, stationery, school books, and biscuits for children. These contributions are intended to support basic community needs while infrastructure and public services are being restored.
UPNVJ’s involvement in this humanitarian effort reinforces the role of universities not only as centers of education and research but also as social actors present in times of crisis. Amid disasters, collaboration among state universities serves as a critical pillar for fast, coordinated, and sustainable response efforts.(www.upnvj.ac.id)
