Academics Encourage Children in Takengon to Keep Attending School Despite Disaster Aftermath
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Academics from the Muhammadiyah Takengon College of Legal Studies (STIH) have urged all pupils at SD Negeri 11 Pegasing in Central Aceh Regency to continue attending school despite the limitations caused by the disaster that struck at the end of 2025.
The academics, comprising 50 students and a number of supervising lecturers, were present through the Impactful Students Programme (Program Mahasiswa Berdampak), an initiative of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Kemdiktisaintek).
“This programme aims to ensure children continue to receive educational services whilst also helping their psychological recovery. The presence of university students helps restore pupils’ enthusiasm for learning even though available facilities remain limited,” said Suhartini, a supervising lecturer from STIH Muhammadiyah Takengon, in a statement issued in Jakarta on Wednesday.
She explained that the university students not only assisted with teaching but also engaged the children in play, drawing, singing, traditional games, and distinctive Acehnese arts.
Furthermore, Andrean Ramadhan, the Field Coordinator for STIH Muhammadiyah Takengon, noted that the experience provided lessons that could not be obtained in the lecture hall.
Andrean witnessed first-hand how simple art activities and traditional games were able to help children momentarily forget their fears.
“The children’s response and enthusiasm were excellent, particularly during the art activities and traditional games. This demonstrates their spirit to return to learning and recover from the conditions they experienced,” he said.
Beyond providing support to the community, Andrean assessed that the programme also served as a learning platform for university students to develop empathy, social awareness, and the ability to contribute to disaster impact management.
Previously, Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Brian Yuliarto affirmed that the presence of academics, researchers, and students in the field was a tangible manifestation that knowledge, technology, and innovation must work for the community, particularly in emergency situations such as those occurring in Sumatra.
To that end, the ministry has established 28 university disaster response posts and engaged 11 supporting universities through the Community Service Emergency Disaster Response Programme.
“We are ensuring that all university resources move swiftly, in a coordinated manner, and are precisely targeted,” said Brian Yuliarto.