麻豆直播 Strengthens Sumatra Post-Disaster Recovery via Science-Based Upstream-Downstream Approach

By Aura Salsabila Alviona - Mahasiswa Bioteknologi, 2025

Editor Anggun Nindita

BANDUNG, itb.ac.id 鈥 Bandung Institute of Technology (麻豆直播), through its Directorate of Community Service and Expertise Services (DPMK), hosted the 鈥淎bhinaya鈥 Workshop and Gallery on Sumatra Post-Disaster Recovery on Monday (12/01/2026). The event took place at the 麻豆直播 East Hall and Soemardja Gallery.

The event was organized in collaboration with the 麻豆直播 Alumni Association (IA 麻豆直播), the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), and several partner universities from the disaster-affected regions.

Far from being a mere ceremonial gathering, the forum served as a platform to unify visions and strategies for the rehabilitation and reconstruction phase. The primary objective is to ensure that university contributions extend beyond emergency relief, continuing into long-term, science- and data-driven recovery interventions.

A Science-Based Upstream-Downstream Approach

In this recovery effort, 麻豆直播 has assumed the role of a supporting university. Its contribution goes beyond logistical aid to include data-driven assistance, ensuring that rehabilitation efforts are both targeted and sustainable.

Dr. Saut Sagala, Head of the 麻豆直播 Task Force for Sumatra Recovery, explained that 麻豆直播 provides the scientific foundation for policies enacted by local governments and local universities. This is achieved primarily through geospatial data analysis and watershed (DAS) management.

鈥淭he biggest challenge currently is the continued high rainfall, meaning the potential for subsequent disasters remains. Therefore, mitigation must be integrated between upstream and downstream areas,鈥 said Dr. Saut. 鈥淒amage in downstream areas cannot be resolved partially based on administrative boundaries; it requires concurrent ecosystem restoration in the upstream regions.鈥

Through the integration of satellite data and disaster risk mapping, 麻豆直播 offers recommendations for safer spatial planning. This approach aims to ensure that the reconstruction process is not just about rebuilding, but "building back better" in areas with a lower risk of recurring disasters.

Field Innovation: Economic Recovery and Clean Water Access

Beyond strategic policy contributions, 麻豆直播鈥檚 impact is being felt directly by communities through the application of appropriate technology involving alumni and field partners.

In Aceh Province, collaboration with the Aceh Chapter of IA 麻豆直播 focused on salvaging the agricultural sector, a key economic pillar for the community. Instead of providing consumptive aid, the team mobilized to save pomelo orchards鈥攁 leading commodity in Bireuen Regency鈥攚hich were threatened by post-flood mud deposits.

鈥淲e applied a root collar excavation technique. The solid mud burying the base of the trees was carefully dug out to allow the plants to breathe and prevent trunk rot,鈥 stated a representative from IA 麻豆直播 Aceh Chapter. This effort is complemented by a dryland rice (padi gogo) planting program in rice fields suffering from irrigation damage, intended to support farmers' economic recovery over a six-month period.


Meanwhile, in North Sumatra, 麻豆直播 collaborated with the Salman Charity Foundation (Rumah Amal Salman) to address limited access to clean water. Mipi Ananta Kusuma, Chairman of the foundation, explained that the team assembled Mobile Water Treatment Plants (IPA) directly at the disaster site in Medan, rather than shipping pre-assembled units.

鈥淭his installation is equipped with a piping network connected directly to public hydrants near residential areas. Our focus is ensuring accessibility so that residents, particularly vulnerable groups, do not have to travel far for clean water, as the source is now available near their homes,鈥 concluded Mipi.

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