UNAIR NEWS – Three students from Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) have joined recovery efforts in areas of North Aceh affected by flash floods and landslides. The students, affiliated with the WANALA Student Activity Unit (UKM WANALA) and the Airlangga Photography Society (APS), departed for the disaster zone on Monday, December 29, 2025. They are Julio Gitra Setiawan and Dhea Arda Noor Syamsu from UKM WANALA, along with Daffa Brani Achmad Maulana from UKM APS.

Compassion and commitment

The Head of the Institute for Sustainable Community Service (LPMB), Prof. Hery Purnobasuki, MSi, PhD, formally marked the departure of the three students. He said their participation reflects the strong sense of social responsibility and commitment demonstrated by UNAIR students in responding to humanitarian crises.

“What truly matters is the sincerity behind the effort to help. No matter how modest the contribution, it shows that our academic community cares and is committed to serving others, whether through direct action, material assistance, or even prayers,” he said.

The professor from the Faculty of Science and Technology (FST) also reminded the students to remain adaptable in the field, noting that conditions in the affected areas have yet to fully recover. “As guests, we must understand our position and be willing to adjust. What we encounter there is not only the natural environment, but also the local community. We go with good intentions and should return with the same spirit,” he said.

Not first deployment

UKM WANALA advisor Nur Aini Hidayati, SE, MSi, PhD, said this was far from the organization’s first involvement in disaster relief operations. From the early stages of the flash floods and landslides in Sumatra, WANALA members had already taken the initiative to contribute directly on the ground. “For WANALA, this is part of our routine. Whenever a disaster occurs, we mobilize. We have responded to emergencies such as the earthquakes in Lombok, Palu, and other regions,” she said.

The FEB lecturer added that the three students would be stationed in North Aceh, specifically in Lhokseumawe, where they will work alongside other volunteers to support post-disaster recovery efforts.

“We hope they depart safely, return safely, and are able to make a meaningful contribution, even if only in small ways. This mission continues the humanitarian efforts that UNAIR has already carried out, allowing us to extend and sustain that spirit of service,” she concluded.

Author: Yulia Rohmawati