Floods in Aceh–Sumatra, UNU Jogja Supports and Waives Tuition Fees for Affected Students

Yogyakarta, Indonesia — Flash floods and landslides that struck Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra from late November to early December have not only caused physical damage but also deep sorrow and anxiety among affected communities. The impact of the disaster has also been felt by students of UNU Jogja who come from the affected regions.

A total of 45 UNU Jogja students have been recorded as originating from the three disaster-affected provinces. Amid their academic activities, many of them are coping with concerns over the safety of their families, the loss of property, and uncertainty about the condition of their homes in their hometowns.

In response to this situation, UNU Jogja took immediate and coordinated action by activating its emergency response measures to support affected students. The university began by identifying students from disaster-hit areas and establishing emergency communication channels to monitor their conditions, ensuring that both their academic continuity and psychological well-being were addressed amid the uncertainty caused by the disaster.

“One of our immediate steps was to collect data on students from affected families. At this point, some students have managed to contact their families in the disaster areas, while others are still unable to do so. This situation has understandably placed a heavy psychological burden on them,” said Irhas Badruzzaman, M.A., Director of Student Affairs at UNU Jogja, on Wednesday, December 17.

Irhas explained that the data collection was conducted carefully to obtain accurate information regarding the current condition of students’ families, the level of impact experienced, the losses incurred, and the most urgent needs. This data serves as the basis for the university in determining the most relevant and targeted forms of assistance.

As part of ongoing support, UNU Jogja has established intensive communication with affected students through academic advisors, study programs, and student service units. The university has also created a dedicated communication group and provided a hotline to ensure students can quickly report their conditions and needs.

In addition to communication support, the university is providing psychological counseling services for students affected by the disaster. These services are facilitated by professional counselors to help students manage stress, anxiety, and trauma, and are offered both online and offline depending on individual needs.

To ensure academic continuity, UNU Jogja has provided scholarship assistance and tuition fee waivers for students affected by the floods who are experiencing economic hardship. This policy aims to ensure that students can continue their studies without being burdened by educational expenses during a time of family emergency.

“For us, ensuring that students can continue their studies with peace of mind is part of the university’s moral and humanitarian responsibility,” Irhas added.

As a form of solidarity from the academic community, UNU Jogja has also organized a fundraising initiative to support flood victims in Sumatra. The funds collected are distributed through the Nahdlatul Ulama Zakat, Infaq, and Sadaqah Institution (LAZISNU) as a trusted partner, ensuring transparency, accountability, and targeted distribution.

Through these efforts, UNU Jogja hopes to provide meaningful support for students affected by the disaster, not only in the form of material assistance but also through psychological support and assurances of educational continuity during this challenging period. [Latifah]