Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (UMSU) distributed logistical aid packages consisting of ready-to-eat food, basic necessities, medicines, and also deployed a medical team to assist residents affected by floods and landslides in Bukit Tempurung Village and Sriwijaya Village, Aceh Tamiang Regency, on Tuesday (December 9).
The aid packages were contributed by several Muhammadiyah higher education institutions, including UMSU, Universitas ‘Aisyiyah (UNISA) Yogyakarta, Universitas Muhammadiyah Banjarmasin, and Universitas Muhammadiyah Palembang. This assistance was described as a form of solidarity and collective action to help communities affected by flooding in Aceh Tamiang.
A total of two trucks of aid were officially dispatched by UMSU Rector Prof. Dr. Agussani, M.A.P., represented by Vice Rector I Prof. Dr. Muhammad Arifin, S.H., M.Hum. The aid for the two severely affected villages was delivered directly by Vice Rector II Prof. Dr. Akrim, M.Pd., Vice Rector III Dr. Rudianto, M.Si., along with a medical team that provided healthcare services to residents.
Representing the Rector, Vice Rector I Prof. Dr. Muhammad Arifin stated that the assistance reflected UMSU’s concern and deep sympathy for the disaster victims. He expressed hope that the aid would help alleviate the suffering of affected residents.
The assistance was delivered directly to emergency posts at two flood-affected locations in Kuala Simpang City, Aceh Tamiang Regency, namely Bukit Tempurung Village and Sriwijaya Village.
“UMSU is not only present to deliver material assistance, but also to convey the message that the people of Aceh Tamiang are not alone. We want to ensure that every hand in need receives support,” said Dr. Rudianto, M.Si., Vice Rector III of UMSU, emphasizing that the swift response reflects empathy and a humanitarian calling.
Meanwhile, Muchlis Nasution, Chairman of the Kuala Simpang City DPM and also one of the affected residents, expressed his gratitude and emotional appreciation for the assistance provided.
“We are deeply grateful for the presence of UMSU and other Muhammadiyah universities. In difficult times like these, the aid and concern we receive mean a great deal to us—not only physically, but also morally,” he said with teary eyes.
UMSU affirmed that this assistance would not stop at the initial distribution stage. Instead, the effort will be carried out continuously as part of UMSU’s commitment to community service and to easing the burden of disaster-affected communities.
Meanwhile, Vice Rector II Prof. Dr. Akrim, M.Pd., added that UMSU continues to coordinate with the Central Executive Board of Muhammadiyah (PP Muhammadiyah) and Muhammadiyah universities across Indonesia to gather resources and expand the reach of aid distribution. With the support of Muhammadiyah institutions nationwide, he expressed hope that more disaster victims across Sumatra could be assisted.
Previously, UMSU had also provided aid to disaster-affected communities in several areas of North Sumatra, including cash assistance, clean water, ready-to-eat food, and basic necessities, delivered directly and in part through local community representatives.
