Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) with Association of Universitas Gadjah Mada (Kagama) Official Board and Kagama Aceh Regional Board , was accelerating the consolidation of disaster management programs in Aceh by prioritizing Aceh Tamiang as the location for the construction of temporary shelters (huntara). The decision was made during an online technical meeting on Thursday, January 29, 2026.
The upstream area of Aceh Tamiang was designated as the starting point for the construction of huntara because it was considered the most urgent and in need of immediate support. To ensure the suitability of the location, the Kagama Regional Board Aceh team is scheduled to conduct a field survey on Friday, January 30, 2026. This survey will be the basis for determining the safe zone, which is a key requirement for the construction of huntara and permanent housing.
UGM has prepared technical standards and implementation guidelines for the construction of temporary shelters using local materials, including driftwood of the disaster. This approach is designed to ensure rapid construction while empowering the local community. In addition, appropriate technology from UGM—ranging from clean water supply, rainwater harvesting, gamma water filters, portable sanitation, to portable solar panels—will be selected according to the needs of the location.
Previously, UGM had sent survey teams to Aceh Tamiang, Bener Meriah, Geudumbak, and Pidie Jaya. Initial mapping results showed the need for accelerated coordination between parties, especially regarding disaster data and safe area mapping. UGM and Kagama Aceh agreed to divide tasks to accelerate the provision of this information.
Apart from the construction of temporary shelters, UGM also deployed 30 students for Students Community Services (KKN) in two locations, Geudumbak–Langkahan and Pidie Jaya. They will be in locations for 30 days, accompanied by UGM lecturers and expert teams. The UGM Students Community Services program focuses on disaster assistance, education, health, and the implementation of appropriate technology for survivors. The dispatch of the next UGM Students Community Services team is planned for the inter-semester period in June.
Kagama Aceh Regional Board has stated that it is ready to assist in providing accommodation for students of UGM Students Community Services, including preparing housing in Banda Aceh through the Aceh Human Resources Development Agency (BPSDM) facility. Strengthening coordination with the local government is also a priority so that activities run smoothly and are integrated.
Meeting participants proposed that the construction of temporary shelters be focused on one sub-district, such as Lubuk Sidup, by building model houses that can then be replicated by local residents. This approach is considered more realistic given the limited funds. They also emphasized the importance of investing in carpentry equipment so that the program can be sustainable and not stop at one stage of construction.
To expand the impact of the program, Kagama encouraged broader fundraising through Kagama Official Board and communities. A joint team consisting of UGM, Kagama Official Board, and Kagama Aceh Regional Board was formed to accelerate technical coordination in the field.
A follow-up meeting was scheduled for early next week. The meeting is intended to follow up on the results of the field survey, prepare a detailed budget, and finalize logistical preparations. In addition, UGM would develop a Students Community Services program with training curriculum related to disasters and survival in the field.
This joint effort was expected not only to accelerate services for the affected communities, but also serve as a model for collaboration between universities and alumni networks in strengthening the resilience of disaster-prone areas.