UNDIP, Semarang (December 10, 2025) — Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP) has once again demonstrated its commitment to responding to emergencies affecting communities in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra. Through the UNDIP Cares for Sumatra initiative, the university deployed the second Volunteer Team of the Diponegoro Disaster Assistance Response Team (D-DART), which operates under the coordination of the Disaster Management Center of UNDIP’s Institute for Research and Community Service (LPPM). The send-off ceremony took place on Wednesday morning at the Hall of the Widya Puraya Building, UNDIP Tembalang Rectorate, led by the Vice Rector IV for Research, Innovation, Cooperation, and Public Communication, Wijayanto, S.IP., M.Si., Ph.D.
The deployment of this team was further strengthened by support from the UNDIP Medical Alumni Association (IKA MEDICA), which joined forces with volunteers from the Faculty of Medicine, UNDIP. The involvement and cross-generational collaboration of alumni enabled the provision of more comprehensive medical services, ranging from limited emergency surgical procedures and general medical care to psychosocial support and logistics distribution across several affected areas.
In his remarks, Vice Rector IV of UNDIP, Wijayanto, Ph.D., expressed deep appreciation to the volunteers departing to carry out humanitarian missions in Aceh, West Sumatra, and North Sumatra. He emphasized that all parties involved—from specialist doctors, psychologists, nutritionists, and nurses to logistics and publication teams—have demonstrated UNDIP’s tangible contribution in standing alongside communities facing difficult times.
“Today we mourn, and our brothers and sisters must not be left alone. The departure of these 14 volunteers proves that UNDIP is present and cares, ensuring that they do not feel abandoned,” he stated.
He added that this mission reflects UNDIP’s consistent commitment to delivering benefits to the nation. “May the entire process run smoothly, and may all volunteers return safely. UNDIP will continue to play its role, in line with the spirit of UNDIP as a noble and valuable university,” he said.
Echoing this sentiment, the Chief Coordinator, dr. Nugroho Aris Kusuma, M.Kes., who also serves as Head of the Division of Education, Research, and Community Service of PP IKA MEDICA UNDIP, explained that this mission is part of UNDIP’s medical alumni’s cross-generational concern for disaster-affected communities.
He noted that the first group, led by Brigjen Pol. Dr. dr. Sumy Hastry Purwanti had already been deployed to assist with medicines and food. Field reports indicated that the most urgent current need is medical services. Therefore, the second group focused on deploying surgeons, medicines, and supporting logistics.
“This morning, we deployed three surgeons to assist our brothers and sisters affected by the disaster. The team will coordinate at Langsa Regional General Hospital before moving to Aceh Tamiang and will serve for seven days to provide medical services while also conducting a self-assessment of further needs,” he explained. He also expressed gratitude to alumni donors, UNDIP leadership, and the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine. “We ask for prayers so that the entire process runs well and the team can return safely to Semarang City,” he added.
The D-DART UNDIP team deployed consists of 14 volunteers from various professional backgrounds, including one surgical specialist, two general practitioners, two nurses, three psychosocial support personnel, and six logistics and communication personnel. They will provide emergency medical services, psychosocial recovery assistance, and logistical aid for affected communities.
Members of the D-DART UNDIP Team II are Prof. Dr. Achmad Zulfa Juniarto, M.Si.Med., Sp.And(K)., M.M.R., Ph.D.; dr. Rio Okmi Dharma; dr. Metha Aprilia; Dr. dr. Hadi, M.Si.Med., SpB; Ihsan Shafiyyur Rahman, S.Kep.; Binar Panunggal, S.Gz., M.P.H.; Muhammad Nur Rohman Suwarso; Ns. Ryka Widyaningtyas, S.Kep., M.Sc.; Francisca Octovia Harianti, S.Kep., Ns.; Rashaun Farrel Achmadi; Mohammad Pandu Pradana, S.Si.; Ahmad Aqil Widyantoro, S.E.I.; Agus Susilo; and Aufa Atha Ariq Aoraqi, who also serves as President of the UNDIP’s Student Executive Board.
Meanwhile, the IKA MEDICA team, strengthened by three surgeons, dr. Whilly, Sp.B; dr. Luqman Alwi, Sp.B; and dr. Benny Rizkillah—will provide basic medical services, minor surgical procedures, urgent logistics distribution, and strengthen disaster response networks in collaboration with local health facilities. They will be stationed at Langsa Regional General Hospital in Aceh, approximately 30–40 minutes from the main disaster-affected area in Aceh Tamiang.
The joint deployment of D-DART UNDIP and IKA MEDICA UNDIP volunteers reflects the strength of collaboration among the academic community, alumni, and regional partner networks. Beyond disaster response, this action demonstrates that UNDIP continues to provide professional personnel who are not only academically excellent but also ready to serve in the most challenging situations.
Through this initiative, UNDIP reaffirms its role as a noble and valuable higher education institution, committed to delivering tangible impact for Indonesian society. (Public Communication/UNDIP/DHW)
