352 Lecturers and Veterinary Students from USK Deployed to Supervise Eid al-Adha Sacrificial Livestock

Syiah Kuala University (USK) has consistently participated in the improvement, health and welfare of society. Not only during disasters, but on other occasions as well. For example, the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (FKH) of the oldest and largest state university in Aceh, on Tuesday (19 May), launched and deployed the Supervisory Inspection and Slaughter of Eid Qurban Animals (SPPHQ) 2026. The veterinary health team from the campus, a source of pride for Aceh, comprises at least 352 personnel. They consist of lecturers, students and other educational staff. The event took place at the USK FKH campus and was opened by the Aceh Government, with hundreds of students and staff in attendance. This annual programme is a tangible form of the academic community’s service to society, supporting the conduct of Qurban worship in accordance with principles of veterinary public health. This year’s SPPHQ carries the theme: “Synergising in Service to Realise Qurban Animals that are Safe, Healthy, Whole and Halal (ASUH) together with a Disaster-Resilient Community”. In his address, the Aceh Government, represented by T. Robby Irza, Assistant for Economy and Development to the Aceh Secretary, expressed appreciation for the consistency of FKH USK, particularly for providing a veterinary public health-based animal oversight programme for Qurban. He said SPPHQ is a concrete example of the synergy between academics, government and the community in ensuring that Qurban worship is healthy, safe, hygienic, and in conformity with Sharia. He hopes this will continue as part of efforts to build a resilient community and a population aware of the importance of consuming food of animal origin. The Rector of Syiah Kuala University, represented by Professor Rahmat Fadhil, who oversees the Directorate of Entrepreneurship and Alumni USK, said that SPPHQ is a concrete realisation of the Tri Dharma of higher education, particularly in service to society. He noted that the involvement of lecturers, practitioners and local government is the main strength in ensuring Qurban animals meet ASUH and are fit for public consumption. Chair of the organising committee, M Agung Nur Sanjaya, explained that the programme runs from April to June 2026, including site surveys, a national webinar, participant training, ante-mortem and post-mortem checks, and field evaluations. No fewer than 72 lecturers and practitioners, together with 280 students, have been deployed to various districts in Aceh, including the Banda Aceh City area, Aceh Besar Regency and Pidie. “The programme’s success is inseparable from collaboration with the Aceh Department of Livestock, the Department of Food, Agriculture, Fisheries and Maritime Affairs of Banda Aceh City, the Aceh Besar Regency Department of Agriculture, the Indonesian Veterinary Doctors Association (PDHI) Aceh Branch, and many other parties,” said Faisal Jamin, Deputy Dean for Student Affairs, Alumni, and Partnerships, FKH USK. He added that cross-sector synergy is a key step in ensuring the Qurban is ASUH and hygienic for the people of Aceh. “It is hoped that all supervisory teams will perform their duties optimally while increasing public awareness of the importance of veterinary public health and food safety from animal sources on a sustainable basis,” he added, Faisal Jamin, who is also a Veterinarian. (E-2)