Ministry Begins Recovery Efforts for 60 Universities Affected by Sumatra Disasters

Jakarta: The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology reported that 60 universities under its supervision were affected by floods and landslides across several regions in Sumatra. The impacted institutions include both public and private universities in Aceh, West Sumatra, and North Sumatra.

In its statement, the ministry detailed that four public universities and 27 private universities in Aceh, nine public universities and six private universities in West Sumatra, and one public university and 13 private universities in North Sumatra were hit by the disaster.

A total of 21,911 members of the academic community, including lecturers, teaching staff, and students, were affected.

Initial assessments found extensive damage to higher education facilities. Classrooms, laboratories, and supporting buildings were destroyed or inundated; computer equipment was damaged; and several campus buildings suffered cracks or partial collapse.

Access roads to multiple universities were cut off by landslides, while electricity and internet networks remain down in many locations. Detailed evaluation of infrastructure damage is ongoing in coordination with local governments.

“The ministry has taken strategic steps to accelerate the emergency response, including coordination with affected universities, local governments, the National Disaster Management Agency, and related institutions to identify urgent needs,” said the statement as quoted from Antara, Wednesday, 10 December 2025.

Emergency assistance—including logistics, clean water, medicines, clothing, hygiene supplies, and psychosocial support—has been distributed to students and academic staff.

Preparations for early recovery are underway, including revitalizing educational facilities and providing temporary learning spaces.

Support from universities outside the disaster zone continues to arrive, ranging from volunteer and medical team deployment to food supplies, trauma-healing services, fundraising efforts, health facilities, and ambulance units.

Structural assistance for affected students is also being provided, including tuition relief, KIP Scholarship support, living cost allowances, and psychological counseling.

Earlier, Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Fauzan said the government allocated Rp75.99 billion to support students and lecturers affected by the disasters. The funding was conveyed during a working meeting with Commission X of the House of Representatives in Jakarta.