Enviro News Asia, Jakarta – Flooding that struck several areas in Aceh Province in early January 2026 prompted a swift response from public universities in Indonesia’s Western Region. The Institute for Research and Community Service of Universitas Pembangunan Nasional “Veteran” Jakarta (LPPM UPNVJ) took part in a disaster-response community service program coordinated by the Forum of Heads of LPPM under the Western Region Public Universities Cooperation Board (FKLPPM BKS-PTN Barat).
The collaborative initiative was carried out from 9 to 12 January 2026, focusing on flood-affected areas in East Aceh, North Aceh, and Pidie Jaya regencies. The flooding caused damage to residential areas, cut off road access, and destroyed a number of homes, particularly in coastal communities.
The Chair of FKLPPM BKS-PTN Barat and Head of LPPM UPNVJ, Sri Lestari Wahyuningrum, together with the Head of the Center for Community Service and Community Service Program (KKN) at UPNVJ, Firlia Ayu Arini, conducted on-site inspections. The visits took place in Seunuddon District, North Aceh Regency, as well as several villages in Pidie Jaya Regency. Observations showed that residents continue to face limited access to basic facilities and require support for post-disaster recovery.
Through the disaster-response Community Service (PKM) scheme, UPNVJ collaborated with several public universities in the Western Region, including Universitas Sultan Ageng Tirtayasa and Universitas Bangka Belitung. The collaboration aims to strengthen coordination, accelerate aid distribution, and ensure that assistance provided aligns with the actual needs of affected communities.
Aid distributed in Seunuddon District, North Aceh, included basic food packages, stationery, school books, and biscuits for children. The assistance is expected to help meet residents’ basic needs while infrastructure and public services are being restored.
UPNVJ’s involvement in this disaster response underscores the role of higher education institutions in fulfilling the Tri Dharma of Higher Education, particularly community service. In emergency situations, synergy among universities is a crucial element in supporting a rapid, coordinated, and sustainable disaster response. (www.upnvj.ac.id)
