UNU Jogja and the Yogyakarta Special Region Government Strengthen Protection for Students Affected by Natural Disasters

Yogyakarta, Indonesia — Flash floods and landslides that struck Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra from late November to early December not only caused physical destruction but also disrupted the educational continuity of students studying away from home in Yogyakarta. In response, Universitas Nahdlatul Ulama Yogyakarta (UNU Jogja), in collaboration with the Government of the Yogyakarta Special Region (DIY), has taken coordinated measures to ensure that affected students can continue their studies safely and sustainably.

Based on internal data, 45 UNU Jogja students were identified as originating from the three disaster-affected provinces. While continuing their academic activities, these students have faced serious concerns regarding the safety of their families, loss of homes, and uncertainty surrounding their families’ economic conditions.

Campus Response: Academic and Psychological Protection

As an initial response, UNU Jogja activated its emergency response mechanism by mapping affected students and establishing an emergency communication system. Comprehensive data collection was conducted to assess family conditions, levels of disaster impact, and students’ most urgent needs.

UNU Jogja has also provided continuous assistance through academic advisors, study programs, and student service units. Dedicated communication groups and a hotline were established to enable students to report their conditions and needs promptly.

In terms of mental health support, the university offers psychological counseling services facilitated by professional counselors, available both online and offline, to help students cope with stress and anxiety resulting from the disaster.

Support from the Yogyakarta Special Region Government: Living Cost Assistance

Meanwhile, the Government of the Yogyakarta Special Region (DIY) has provided external support through a six-month living cost assistance program for students affected by the disaster across higher education institutions in Yogyakarta. In total, the program reaches 1,296 students from 52 public and private universities, including students from UNU Jogja.

The assistance was symbolically handed over by the Governor of DIY, Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X, at Bangsal Kepatihan on Monday, December 22. Each student receives IDR 300,000 per month to help ensure the continuity of their education during the emergency period.

Sri Sultan expressed his appreciation to universities and all elements of society involved in the collaboration. “Thank you to the higher education institutions that have provided flexibility and support so students can continue their studies, with contributions from foundations and community participation. We hope this assistance will contribute to the sustainability of the students’ education,” he stated.

University Policies: Scholarships, Tuition Relief, and Academic Solidarity

In line with the support from the regional government, UNU Jogja has implemented internal policies to ease the burden on affected students. The university provides scholarships and tuition fee relief, including partial to full waivers of tuition fees, for students facing financial hardship due to the disaster.

“We want to ensure that students can remain focused on their studies without being burdened by financial concerns. This is part of the moral and humanitarian responsibility of an educational institution,” said Irhas Badruzzaman, M.A., Director of Student Affairs at UNU Jogja.

The collaboration between the Yogyakarta Special Region Government and UNU Jogja highlights the importance of synergy between local government and higher education institutions in safeguarding students’ right to education, particularly during humanitarian emergencies. Through complementary public policies and institutional measures, affected students are expected to continue their studies and rebuild their futures. [Latifah]