Sumatra floods: Universities resume as Indonesia boosts recovery

Director General of Science and Technology Ahmad Najib Burhani said Wednesday in Jakarta that most campuses were not located in directly impacted zones, allowing academic activities to continue.

He emphasized that special attention is being given to affected students and their families, including tuition support and ensuring study continuity.

“We are ensuring that universities are present to support not only during the emergency response phase but also throughout recovery and prevention,” Burhani said.

The ministry has coordinated with dozens of universities in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra to assist in emergency response, establish service posts, and expand disaster research programs as part of long-term recovery and mitigation strategies.

By late December 2025, 28 universities had been designated as command posts, supported by 61 others.

Authorities have also set up 68 service centers, including facilities for psychosocial support and emergency education, and deployed 2,260 doctors, 1,267 healthcare workers, and 219 volunteers.

Burhani said financial aid for students and strengthened disaster research are key to building resilience in the higher education system.

The floods and landslides, triggered by heavy rainfall in November 2025, devastated three provinces—Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra. According to the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), as of February 25 the disasters claimed 1,207 lives, damaged more than 4,800 educational facilities, and destroyed 300,000 homes.

Translator: Sean Filo, Raka Adji