MAKASSAR — Hasanuddin University (Unhas) is once again mobilizing its academic resources to help communities affected by disaster. Unhas Rector Prof. Dr. Ir. Jamaluddin Jompa, M.Sc., officially sent off Unhas volunteers who will support the emergency response following the earthquake in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT).
The volunteers consist of students from the Disaster Response Thematic Community Service Program (KKN) and an Integrated Medical Aid Team (TBM). The send-off took place after the ceremony marking the 81st anniversary of Indonesian independence at Unhas, on Monday (17 August), at the PKM Field on the Unhas Tamalanrea Campus in Makassar.
The send-off marks the start of the phased departure of Unhas volunteers to the earthquake-affected areas of NTT.
Unhas Rector Prof. Dr. Ir. Jamaluddin Jompa, M.Sc., said the Disaster Response Thematic KKN is part of Unhas’s commitment to being present when communities need support, especially in emergencies.
“Unhas has long upheld the spirit of humaniversity, a university that places humanity as an important part of its service. We continue to strengthen that spirit through real action,” added Prof. JJ.
Unhas Vice Rector for Academic and Student Affairs, Prof. Muhammad Ruslin, drg., M.Kes, Ph.D., Sp.B.M.Mf., Subsp.Ortognat.D., explained that the volunteers being sent have gone through a series of preparations.
“We activate this Thematic KKN when a disaster occurs; we immediately prepare a team so it can reach the field and help the community. We also keep coordinating with the Ministry team, because Unhas wants to take part in the collective effort to handle the disaster,” explained Prof. Ruslin.
Earlier, 50 students had registered to take part in the program. Participants were then selected based on their academic backgrounds and disaster response expertise.
“We prepare everything according to the needs of the region. We do not want to go it alone. That is why needs on the ground must be the basis for deciding who is sent and what they bring,” explained Prof. Ruslin.
Departures are being carried out in phases, following developments in the situation and the needs of the affected area. The first team of 10 students will be accompanied by lecturers and will receive a briefing before heading to the site.
The briefing is given to ensure students understand the limits of their role, safety procedures, coordination patterns, and the conditions they may face while in the disaster area. Unhas is also building coordination with the disaster response network on site so that students’ involvement becomes part of a system that is already operating.
The Unhas Rector added that all faculties will be involved in this joint effort. The Medical Aid Team deployed comes from the Faculty of Dentistry, the Unhas Dental and Oral Hospital, the Faculty of Medicine, and the Vocational Faculty.
“All faculties are involved. What is being prepared is not only the students who depart, but also what the community at the site needs,” added Prof. JJ.
The Disaster Response Thematic KKN and the Medical Aid Team are part of Unhas’s effort to develop a rapid-response model for when disasters occur. Through the involvement of students, lecturers, study centers, and institutional networks, the university is expected to provide measured support while keeping the safety and needs of the community as its priority.
The first team is scheduled to leave for NTT on Wednesday (19 August) and will be on site for about two weeks. The students will be stationed in Ruteng, Manggarai Regency, NTT, to support the response and recovery of communities affected by the disaster. (*/mir)
Editor : Ishaq Rahman
This article is an English translation of the original Indonesian report.