UNDIP, Semarang (December 12, 2025) – Universitas Diponegoro moved swiftly to assist victims of the floods in Sumatra. After dispatching two D-DART volunteer teams to Sumatra, the Rector today reaffirmed UNDIP’s commitment to supporting affected students by granting tuition fee (UKT) waivers and living-cost assistance until conditions return to normal.
This regulation was one of the key points conveyed by the Rector of Universitas Diponegoro, Prof. Dr. Suharnomo, S.E., M.Si., during the press conference titled “UNDIP Cares for the Sumatra Floods,” held in the Rector’s Meeting Room at the Widya Puraya Building, UNDIP Tembalang Campus.
Through the Vice-Rectorate 1, UNDIP has recorded 95 students affected by the floods across undergraduate (S1), master’s (S2), and doctoral (S3) levels from all Faculties/Schools. Prof. Suharnomo stated that data collection remains open, and the number is expected to increase.
Prof. Suharnomo explained that UNDIP’s movement for Sumatra arose from a call of conscience and humanitarian values that form the spirit of higher education. “From the outset, we took immediate action. The first team departed on December 2, 2025, followed by the second team on December 10, focusing on medical services and logistics. We coordinated with local governments, including governors and regents, to ensure assistance reached the areas most in need,” he said.
The Rector added that UNDIP’s concern does not stop at the emergency phase. Long-term recovery covering economic, social, cultural, and public health aspects will be the next priority. Needs mapping with local governments and community leaders continues to ensure that interventions are targeted and sustainable.
“The initial phase is to ensure medical services and clean water needs are met. After that, we are ready to participate in social and economic recovery through multidisciplinary assistance. UNDIP may be only a small part, but we want to help move many hearts to care about what is happening there,” he emphasized.
UNDIP is currently preparing to deploy ready-to-drink water desalination technology to address the urgent need for clean water in affected areas, a technology previously implemented in various coastal regions of Java. One of four desalination units is planned to be delivered by land on Monday, December 15, 2025, with the remaining units to follow.
Furthermore, Prof. Suharnomo emphasized that the disasters affecting several regions of Sumatra have not only caused physical damage but have also impacted health stability, psychosocial conditions, education, and the economic sustainability of communities. As a university that upholds humanitarian values, UNDIP feels obliged to be present and act swiftly—not merely to show empathy, but to be part of the solution.
Concluding the press conference, Prof. Suharnomo stressed that while disasters leave wounds, they also create space for solidarity. “UNDIP will continue to be present—little by little, but consistently and professionally. This action is a humanitarian calling, and we will carry it out wholeheartedly,” he said.
UNDIP’s Rapid Response
Since the first day following the disaster, UNDIP has deployed the Diponegoro Disaster Assistance Response Team (D-DART) to several affected areas. Two waves of volunteers have been sent to West Sumatra, including health workers, paramedics, and psychosocial counselors, as well as logistical support such as medicines, blankets, medical equipment, and clean water. This assistance has been delivered in stages in coordination with local governments and relevant stakeholders.
Collaboration has also been carried out with the UNDIP Medical Alumni Association (IKA Medica) and alumni networks in various regions, including Aceh and North Sumatra, to strengthen emergency medical services and on-site victim assistance. The primary focus has been on the health cluster, post-disaster medical services, trauma counseling for vulnerable groups, and nutritional support at evacuation sites.
Through the deployment of volunteers, appropriate technology, student assistance, and fundraising coordinated with D-DART and the UNDIP’s Student Executive Board, Universitas Diponegoro reaffirms its position as a university that is not only academically excellent, but also present, caring, and impactful for society. (Public Communication/UNDIP/DHW; Ed. Nurul)