The Muhammadiyah Disaster Management Center (MDMC) of the Central Board of Muhammadiyah, in collaboration with Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (UMSU), organized a Psychosocial Support Services Training for teachers, education personnel, and students affected by flooding in North Sumatra. The event was held at the UMSU Auditorium, Jalan Muchtar Basri No. 3, Medan, on Friday (January 9).
The training was officially opened with the traditional tagading drum beating by UMSU Rector Prof. Dr. Agussani, MAP; Vice Chair of the Muhammadiyah Regional Leadership of North Sumatra Prof. Dr. dr. Kamal Basri Siregar, MH.Kes., M.Ked (Surg); Secretary of LRB MDMC Central Board Muhammadiyah Budi Santoso, S.Psi., M.K.M; Chairman of the UMSU Board of Trustees Dr. H. Bahril Datuk; Secretary of the Board Drs. Mutholib, M.M; and Head of the Vocational School Development Division of the North Sumatra Provincial Education Office Dr. M. Basir S. Hasibuan, M.Pd.
In his remarks, UMSU Rector Prof. Dr. Agussani, MAP expressed appreciation for the trust placed in UMSU to actively participate in the program. He emphasized that the role of higher education institutions extends beyond short-term humanitarian actions to include sustainable, long-term efforts through education.
“UMSU has been entrusted to take part in today’s activities, and we are grateful for this responsibility. This program is not only beneficial for immediate response but also for long-term educational efforts in post-disaster recovery,” he said.
The Rector explained that UMSU’s Guidance and Counseling study program can directly contribute to psychosocial recovery efforts. Since the onset of various disasters, UMSU—together with the Muhammadiyah Regional Leadership, MDMC, councils, institutions, and autonomous organizations—has actively addressed humanitarian issues, not limited to natural disasters.
“Approximately 950 UMSU students and lecturers have been affected by disasters in North Sumatra, Aceh, and West Sumatra. Therefore, coordination between UMSU and MDMC has continued effectively, and we hope that trainings like this can be conducted regularly in the future,” he added.
Regarding the 2027 Muhammadiyah Congress, the Rector reported that construction progress has reached 33 percent for the Auditorium and 45 percent for the Walidah Sports Hall.
“As part of ecosystem development, a SPPG kitchen has also been built in this area. Alhamdulillah, it has started operating today, supported by an ecosystem that includes vegetable and fruit gardens, poultry farming, fish cultivation, and a bread factory,” he explained.
Meanwhile, Secretary of LRB MDMC Central Board Muhammadiyah Budi Santoso, S.Psi., M.K.M stated that Muhammadiyah consistently responds swiftly and comprehensively to disasters.
“Disaster response efforts have been carried out in North Sumatra, West Sumatra, and Aceh. Following assessments, the Central Board of Muhammadiyah moved quickly with appropriate and accurate responses, ranging from temporary shelters and clean water supply to psychosocial support services,” he said.
According to him, Muhammadiyah is widely recognized as a leading organization in disaster management.
“Muhammadiyah is often the first to respond and the last to leave disaster-affected areas. The government has also acknowledged that Muhammadiyah frequently provides assistance more quickly to affected communities,” he added.
Budi emphasized that collaboration between Muhammadiyah and the government is a key strength in recovery efforts, including through this training, which aims to encourage teachers and students during the post-disaster transition period.
“Through this activity, we invite teachers and students to recover, rise, and move forward,” he said.
Meanwhile, Head of the Vocational School Development Division of the North Sumatra Provincial Education Office, Dr. M. Basir S. Hasibuan, M.Pd, stated that five regencies and cities in North Sumatra were affected by flooding.
“The Education Office has recorded schools affected by the disaster, particularly in terms of physical damage in South Tapanuli and North Tapanuli. However, psychological aspects are equally important and must be addressed as part of post-disaster recovery for students,” he explained.
He expressed hope that the training would help restore students’ mental well-being and better prepare them to face future disasters.
“This training is expected to rekindle our students’ spirit and strengthen their psychological preparedness,” he said.
Vice Chair of the Muhammadiyah Regional Leadership of North Sumatra, Prof. Dr. dr. Kamal Basri Siregar, expressed his pride in the participants’ enthusiasm, which exceeded expectations.
“This is a source of pride, as the number of participants surpassed the target. The MDMC central team has shared valuable knowledge. Knowledge becomes meaningful when accompanied by good deeds and sincere intentions,” he said.
The event was also attended by the Regional Leadership of ‘Aisyiyah of North Sumatra, represented by Dr. Nur Rahmah Amini, M.Ag, along with the Secretary, as well as teachers, education personnel, and affected students.
