Source: FK Untar
Universitas Tarumanagara (Untar) deployed a medical team from the Faculty of Medicine (FK Untar) to provide healthcare services for communities affected by flooding in Sumatra. The team’s presence is part of the national disaster response effort and reflects the university’s commitment to humanitarian roles through the Disaster Emergency Response Program in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra.
Untar Rector, Prof. Dr. Amad Sudiro, S.H., M.H., M.Kn., M.M., stated that the deployment was not only a form of Untar’s concern but also a follow-up to directives from the Directorate General of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Kemendiktisaintek), which encourages universities to be present and deliver tangible impact to disaster-affected communities.
“The presence of the medical team can help ease the burden on the community and support post-disaster recovery efforts, especially in areas that still require healthcare services,” he said during the team’s send-off ceremony on Monday (15/12/2025) at the Untar Campus.
The FK Untar medical team, consisting of 10 volunteers—three lecturers along with young doctors, alumni, and clinical clerkship participants—was assigned to several affected areas in West Sumatra, particularly Agam Regency and its surroundings. The deployment was carried out in line with directives from the Directorate General of Kemendiktisaintek, encouraging universities to actively contribute to disaster management efforts.
FK Untar Medical Team while providing general health check-up services // Doc: FK Untar
During their humanitarian mission, the team provided general health check-ups, medical treatment, consultations, and health education for affected residents. In addition, a psychosocial approach was also implemented through counseling and empathetic communication to help residents cope with psychological stress caused by the disaster.
In the field, the FK Untar team coordinated with local health offices, university command posts, and the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) posts. This coordination ensured that healthcare services and aid distribution were carried out effectively and in accordance with community needs. Assistance provided included both medical and non-medical logistics to support post-disaster recovery efforts.
Dean of FK Untar, Dr. dr. Noer Saelan Tadjoedin, Sp.KJ., stated that the program was designed to address both the physical and mental health needs of affected communities. According to him, psychosocial care plays an important role in helping residents rebuild resilience and a sense of security after disasters.
Meanwhile, Head of the FK Untar Medical Team, Dr. dr. Shirly Gunawan, Sp.FK., emphasized that Untar’s involvement reflects the implementation of the Tridharma of Higher Education, particularly community service. Through this initiative, Untar is not only present as a provider of medical services but also as a partner to the community in the recovery process.
This medical team deployment is expected to provide direct benefits to affected residents while strengthening the role of universities as part of the national disaster management network and sustainable development efforts. (YS)