UNDIP, Aceh Tamiang (December 14, 2025) – Universitas Diponegoro’s commitment to delivering tangible benefits for disaster-affected communities continues to be demonstrated through coordinated and sustained humanitarian actions. The IKA MEDICA UNDIP volunteer team from the Faculty of Medicine, which arrived in Kota Kualasimpang District, Aceh Tamiang Regency, on Thursday, December 11, 2025, has not only distributed aid and provided medical services but has also actively engaged in cross-sector coordination to ensure practical and well-targeted response efforts.
This humanitarian mission is carried out by a volunteer team consisting of dr. Whilly, Sp.B; dr. Luqman Alwi, Sp.B; and dr. Benny Rizkillah. With backgrounds in surgical expertise and extensive field experience, the team aims to deliver safe, professional, and needs-oriented medical services for communities affected by flooding and landslides.
As part of strengthening field response, on Saturday, December 13, 2025, the volunteer team coordinated with Letkol Ckm dr. Ridwan Mataram, M.Si.Med., Sp.B and the TNI Health Center to determine strategic locations for establishing disaster posts for flood and landslide victims. Coordination was also carried out with the 111/Karma Bhakti Infantry Battalion of Aceh Tamiang at a temporary medical post serving the general medical needs of affected residents.
This coordination continued on Sunday morning, December 14, 2025, when the IKA MEDICA UNDIP volunteer team moved into remote areas of Rantau District to reach communities with limited access to assistance, while also coordinating with TNI health teams at Tamiang Regional Hospital (RSUD Tamiang) to support the restoration of hospital services arranged through the Ministry of Health’s crisis center.
On the ground, the team noted several challenges still faced by affected communities. Food and medicine distribution in remote areas remains suboptimal due to muddy and difficult-to-access roads. TNI field medical units also cannot run optimally as they are awaiting the readiness of field hospital facilities. Meanwhile, the Langsa region continues to face electricity shortages, along with inadequate clean water supply and sanitation facilities, which remain urgent needs in the post-disaster period.
As additional support, the IKA MEDICA UNDIP – UNDIP’s Faculty of Medicine volunteers also handed over medical kit sets to the TNI Mobile Task Force. This assistance aims to support rescue efforts and emergency medical care, especially in areas difficult to reach by vehicle or by permanent healthcare facilities.
The Team Leader, dr. Nugroho Aris Kusuma, M.Kes., who also serves as Head of Education, Research, and Community Service of PP IKA MEDICA UNDIP, explained that the team had faced logistical challenges from the moment they departed. They arrived in Medan at night and stayed at Langsa Regional Hospital before continuing their journey to Aceh Tamiang the next day.
“When we entered the Tamiang area, it was still pitch black because electricity had not fully been restored. We then joined the volunteers’ tents in front of RSUD Tamiang alongside volunteers from various universities and began providing medical services supported by generator sets,” he said.
According to dr. Aris, the most common medical cases encountered in the field included diarrhea, upper respiratory infections, skin diseases, and disaster-related injuries. Many elderly individuals also experienced joint inflammation and fatigue. “Our focus is on providing the essential medical services most needed by the community. Alhamdulillah, coordination among volunteers has been excellent. There are no institutional boundaries—everyone unites for one purpose: the safety and recovery of the community,” he added.
He emphasized that the field’s most significant challenges include limited electricity, communication barriers, fuel shortages for generators, and urgent sanitation and clean water needs. Even so, the volunteers’ spirit remains strong. The entire team departed with sincere intentions and a high level of professionalism in serving humanity.
Furthermore, dr. Aris expressed hope that attention and assistance will not stop at the emergency response phase. “The next three to six months are crucial. Social rehabilitation, health recovery, infrastructure repair, sanitation improvements, children’s education, and community mental recovery must receive attention so that they can truly recover,” he concluded.
The IKA MEDICA UNDIP volunteer team extends its deepest gratitude and appreciation to all donors and contributors for their support. May every contribution and act of service bring blessings to all and reflect the true meaning of a noble and valuable UNDIP for the people of Indonesia. (Public Communication/UNDIP/DHW)