Solidarity for Sumatra: Deployment of Medical Teams and Waiver of Tuition Fees

After a six-hour flight from Makassar via Jakarta, Dr. Andy Usman, an orthopedic and traumatology specialist at Hasanuddin University (Unhas), finally arrived in Aceh on Tuesday (2/12/2025). Along with other medical team members sent by Unhas, he is fully prepared to work.

"Today we held a coordination meeting with the Aceh Provincial Government. The main priority is to open access to isolated areas. The health team will work alongside the team that brings clean water, food, and clothing," said Andy when contacted from Makassar, Wednesday (3/12/2025).

Since Monday (1/12/2025), Unhas has been gradually sending medical teams to Sumatra. By Wednesday, three waves of teams had been dispatched. They are each stationed in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra. Each wave consists of 12-15 individuals.

The deployment of the Unhas medical team is not the first occurrence. During the Aceh earthquake and tsunami in 2004, Unhas also sent numerous volunteers.

When a Magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck Palu in 2018, as well as the Mamuju and Majene earthquakes in West Sulawesi in 2021, a team was dispatched to the area.

When asked how long he and his team would be in Aceh, Andy stated that he did not know for sure. However, he did not see it as an issue. From the beginning, he wanted to help disaster survivors to the best of his ability.

Andy stated that the main challenge in the field will be the routes blocked by landslide debris and flash floods, as well as limited electricity supply.

"For the time being, while awaiting placement, we will be working in Pidie Jaya. The healthcare facilities here are still very good, allowing us to continue our work," he added.

Dr. Muhammad Phetrus Johan, an orthopedic specialist from Unhas, also hopes for the restoration of electricity and networks to support the work of the medical team. Electricity is essential to power the medical equipment we use.

"Certain health services that require specialized equipment, such as hemodialysis, are also experiencing obstacles because many of the machines are broken," he said.

In addition to the medical team, Unhas has also opened donations for anyone who wishes to provide financial assistance. Ishaq Rahman, Head of Public Relations at Unhas, stated that the funds collected will later be sent to the affected areas.

In West Java, Padjadjaran University also dispatched 17 members of the Padjadjaran Rescue Communication Forum (FKPR) to assist in handling the Sumatra disaster.

This team consists of seven members of the Unpad Search and Rescue (SAR) Unit, three members of the Mahatva Unpad Jungle and Mountain Climbing Student Association, three members of the Unpad Battalion II Student Regiment, and four members of the Unpad Alumni Association (IKA).

The Head of the Disaster Research Center at Unpad, Yoga Andriana Sendjaja, stated that volunteers will divide their tasks into three main focuses. Two teams will be assigned to search operations, two teams to medical assistance, and two teams to establish a centralized Unpad post at the affected location.

In addition, Unpad also included an ambulance unit and a number of logistics to support humanitarian operations in disaster areas.

"The personnel who will depart are students and alumni who are prepared and competent in handling emergency situations," he said.

One of the volunteers who will be deployed to the disaster site, Kakan hopes that the presence of the team at the disaster location can strengthen the relationship with alumni as well as the families of Unpad students in the affected areas.

"We will focus on the search and rescue of the victims in the affected areas. Hopefully, we can help convey information and ensure their conditions remain safe," said Kakan, who is also the Head of the Disaster Division of IKA Unpad.

In contrast, the Indonesian University of Education has issued a policy to waive the Single Tuition Fee (UKT) for Olivia Yuliana, one of the students whose family was affected by the flash flood and landslide disaster in West Sumatra.

A student of the Physical Education, Health, and Recreation (PJKR) program from the 2024 cohort lost both parents and two siblings in a disaster that struck his hometown in Jorong Kampung Tanggah, Nagari Salareh Aia Timur, Palembayan District, Agam Regency.

The policy of waiving UKT for Olivia until she obtains her bachelor's degree. In addition, the campus also offers accommodation in the UPI Women's Dormitory to ensure a safe and conducive environment during the recovery period.

"UPI has established a policy of waiving UKT for Olivia until her graduation. This is a particular concern for us to ensure that her education does not come to a halt," said the Head of the Division of Sustainable Community Service and Empowerment at the Directorate of Research and Community Service of UPI, Sandey Tantra Paramitha.

The Deputy Dean for Student Affairs of FPOK, Dr. Dian Budiana, revealed that Olivia is living with her relatives in Bojongsoang, Bandung. She is currently under the care of her relatives.

Dian stated that the condition of the victim's family's house in Palembayan is severely damaged. Mud, stones, and wood swept through the residential area after the river overflowed.

"Mentally, Olivia is trying to stay strong. We have met and expressed our full support. She continues to convey her determination to complete her studies," said Dian.

In addition to the campus, the local government is also taking action. West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi stated on Wednesday (3/12/2025) that he has collected aid in the form of goods and cash amounting to Rp 7 billion for the victims in Sumatra. The cash assistance comes from Dedi's personal funds and various parties such as bank bjb, which sincerely support the victims.

Dedi admitted to having relatives living in the disaster-affected areas of Aceh. To date, he has been unable to contact them.

"I plan to be in Padang tomorrow, Thursday. The distribution of aid to the affected areas will be carried out from Padang by chartering a plane," Dedi stated.

The South Sulawesi Provincial Government also expressed its solidarity. After sending financial assistance of IDR 1.5 billion, on Tuesday (2/12/2025) evening, a total of 40 personnel were also dispatched to Sumatra.

A total of 16 individuals, including healthcare workers and specialist doctors, will be deployed to three affected areas to strengthen emergency response efforts, including primary healthcare services and specialized medical interventions.

South Sulawesi Governor Andi Sudirman Sulaiman stated that the presence of specialist medical personnel has become an urgent need considering the complexity of the conditions on the ground. In addition to the medical team, the South Sulawesi Provincial Government also dispatched personnel from the BPBD, Social Service, Satpol PP, Tagana, and the Quick Reaction Team.

"They will establish emergency service posts at each location to provide logistical assistance, support, and coordinated disaster management," he said.