EduAsiaNews, Jakarta — Universitas Pembangunan Nasional “Veteran” Jakarta (UPNVJ) officially dispatched humanitarian aid for communities affected by the earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) on Monday (August 24, 2026). UPNVJ Rector Prof. Dr. Anter Venus, M.A., Comm. led the dispatch of the aid, which had been collected by the UPNVJ community, for transportation and distribution to affected residents. A total of 71 types of items across seven categories of essential needs were prepared, ranging from medical equipment, medicines, and food to hygiene supplies, clothing, and educational materials for children.
The dispatch marked the next stage of UPNVJ’s Disaster Response Initiative after the university had collected and prepared logistical supplies based on the needs of affected communities. The aid reflected the solidarity of the academic community, donors, organizing committee, and various parties involved in UPNVJ’s humanitarian initiative.
UPNVJ Rector Prof. Dr. Anter Venus, M.A., Comm. emphasized that the aid represented more than material assistance. The initiative was an expression of solidarity and a concrete implementation of the National Defense values that form part of UPNVJ’s institutional identity.
“This assistance is not merely a collection of goods, but a manifestation of solidarity, mutual cooperation, and the concrete implementation of National Defense values. When our fellow citizens are facing difficulties, our concern and presence are part of our responsibility as fellow members of the nation,” Venus said.
Medical Equipment and Medicines as Key Components of the Aid
The assistance dispatched by UPNVJ included a range of healthcare necessities. The medical equipment category included 10 boxes of face masks, latex gloves in various sizes, swabs, sterile gauze, povidone-iodine, wound dressings, a stethoscope, five blood pressure monitors, five headlamps, and 10 penlights.
UPNVJ also prepared various medicines and pharmaceutical supplies, including medication to support the treatment of a number of health conditions, as well as vitamins. The availability of medical equipment and medicines represents an important component of UPNVJ’s support for the healthcare needs of affected communities during the emergency response period.
In addition to medical supplies, a substantial quantity of food assistance was prepared. A total of 732 food products and snacks, consisting of various types of biscuits and packaged foods, were collected to support the practical dietary needs of affected communities.
580 Hygiene Supplies and Educational Materials for Children
Attention was also given to sanitation and personal hygiene. UPNVJ collected at least 580 personal hygiene and sanitation products, including sanitary pads, soap, toothpaste, shampoo, baby diapers, and toothbrushes.
Clothing assistance was also included, comprising 18 dozen pieces of clothing and underwear to help meet some of the basic needs of affected communities.
The assistance also included educational supplies for children in affected areas. These consisted of pens, 23 coloring books, 45 drawing books, 24 sets of oil pastels, pencils, and 24 packs of notebooks.
The provision of educational materials is expected to help children continue engaging in educational activities and maintain access to learning resources amid the post-disaster situation.
Before being dispatched, all assistance underwent a process of collection, sorting, inventorying, and packaging. The distribution has been arranged to ensure that the aid reaches those in need in a targeted and effective manner.
Venus expressed his appreciation to all parties who contributed to the collection and preparation of the assistance.
“On behalf of UPN ‘Veteran’ Jakarta, I would like to express my gratitude and appreciation to the entire academic community, donors, organizing committee, and everyone who has contributed. May all the assistance provided reach the people of East Nusa Tenggara safely, reach those who need it most, and provide meaningful benefits,” he said.
Through the dispatch of the aid, UPNVJ reaffirmed that National Defense values extend beyond conceptual understanding and are manifested through concrete concern for societal challenges. For UPNVJ, the presence of a university in times of disaster represents both a social responsibility and a form of community service.
“Together, we care; together, we serve; and together, we embody National Defense through concrete action,” Venus said in closing the aid-dispatch ceremony.(www.upnvj.ac.id)
