UNAIR NEWS – In a swift response to the recent disasters across Sumatra, Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) has dispatched another group of volunteers. The Rector formally sent off the new deployment on Wednesday (Dec. 10, 2025) at the RUA Hall on the fourth floor of the MERR-C Campus Management Building.
The Sumatra Emergency Response Team includes volunteers from a range of UNAIR units, among them the Ksatria Airlangga Hospital Ship (RSKKA), the Faculty of Medicine (FK), the Faculty of Science and Technology (FST), the Faculty of Advanced Technology and Multidiscipline (FTMM), and the Institute for Sustainable Community Service (LPMB). They will join earlier groups of UNAIR volunteers already stationed in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra since Thursday (Dec. 4, 2025).
Role of higher education institutions
During the send-off, UNAIR Rector Prof. Muhammad Madyan SE MSi MFin underscored that universities bear a vital responsibility in easing the burden on disaster-affected communities in Sumatra. This duty reflects the Tri Dharma of Higher Education, which calls on universities to engage not only in teaching and research but also in community service.
Prof. Madyan added that the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology (Mendiktisaintek) has expressed appreciation for the contributions made by universities in supporting victims of the recent landslides and flash floods. “The Ministry is greatly encouraged by the involvement of higher education institutions. And, thankfully, UNAIR has been on the ground since Thursday and has already treated hundreds of patients,” he said.
Maintain ethics, uphold the spirit of service
Prof. Madyan also reminded volunteers to safeguard their health and uphold the reputation of their university. He noted that cultural differences in Aceh and Sumatra may present challenges and urged volunteers to be mindful of local customs throughout their service. “Aceh and Sumatra have cultural expectations that may differ from what we are used to. My message is: uphold proper conduct in every situation. That is essential,” he said.
He concluded by encouraging volunteers to preserve their sense of service and avoid viewing the mission through a material lens. He expressed hope that UNAIR’s presence will help ease the suffering of those affected by the floods and landslides. “Once again, I wish you a safe journey. Hopefully your presence will relieve some of the hardship faced by the victims. And please remember, this work is not about material gain. It is about service,” he stated.
Author: Yulia Rohmawati
