EduAsiaNews, Aceh – Students of Universitas Syiah Kuala (USK) have carried out a disaster-resilient village development initiative based on environmental rehabilitation and disaster education in Genuren Village, Bintang Subdistrict, Central Aceh Regency. This activity forms part of the Program Mahasiswa Berdampak (Impactful Student Program) initiated by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Kemendikti Saintek).
A multidisciplinary team of students from the Mining Engineering, Urban and Regional Planning, and Architecture programs conducted a disaster trace survey as the initial stage in preparing a disaster mitigation map. The activity involved directly traversing the village area to identify zones classified as highly vulnerable, vulnerable, and relatively safe from potential disasters.
The Field Supervising Lecturers—I r. Sofyan, S.T., M.T.; Ir. Pocut Nurul Alam, M.T.; and Dr. Ir. Elysa Wulandari, M.T.—explained to the Village Head (Reje) of Genuren that the development of a disaster mitigation map constitutes a key component of the program’s focus.
“Since one of our primary focuses is disaster education, we, together with the students, will endeavor to develop a disaster mitigation map that can be directly utilized by the community,” Sofyan stated.
A representative of the Mining Engineering Study Program, M. Zhiqra Al Khatami, noted that the mitigation map is designed as a visual educational tool that is easily understood by village residents.
“We aim to optimize the function of the mitigation map as an educational medium so that the community can better understand disaster risks in their area in a clearer and more structured manner,” he explained.
Throughout the process, the students documented disaster traces and mapped the area by walking several kilometers, following the village’s contours and identifying points potentially affected by disasters. The activity was conducted gradually using simple equipment.
Mining Engineering student M. Tri Sulthan Nurrahman emphasized that the mapping process requires considerable time and effort.
“The mapping process may take quite some time, as we rely primarily on direct field observation and limited equipment. Nevertheless, we remain committed to making our utmost effort to educate communities that are still unfamiliar with disaster mitigation,” he remarked.
This initiative aligns with the Tri Dharma Perguruan Tinggi (Three Pillars of Higher Education), particularly in the aspect of community service, whereby students not only engage in academic study but also directly provide solutions tailored to community needs.
Through this program, the students hope that the resulting disaster mitigation map will serve as a practical guideline for the residents of Genuren Village in identifying potential risks and enhancing disaster preparedness. The Impactful Student Program is expected to generate sustainable benefits, both in strengthening village resilience and in affirming the role of students as agents of change within society.
