Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (UMSU) has deployed four Community Service (Pengabdian kepada Masyarakat/PKM) teams to support disaster response efforts in North Sumatra and Aceh. The teams consist of doctors, medical personnel, medical supplies, student volunteers, and logistical aid, dispatched to several disaster-affected areas.
The send-off of logistical assistance and volunteers—part of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Kemendiktisaintek) “Impactful Campus” (Kampus Berdampak) program for disaster response—was conducted by UMSU Rector Prof. Dr. Agussani, M.A.P., represented by Vice Rector III Dr. Rudianto, M.Si, at the Kapten M. Basri Campus courtyard on Saturday (December 13).
Also in attendance were representatives of MDMC PP Muhammadiyah, Mursito and dr. Eva Delsi; Deputy Secretary of PWM North Sumatra, Drs. Muthalib, M.M.; Deputy Chair of PWM, Mahmud Yunus Daulay, M.A.; and Head of UMSU’s Institute for Research and Community Service (LPPM), Dr. Fitra Jambak, S.T., M.T.
Vice Rector Rudianto expressed appreciation to faculty leaders and students who volunteered to join the disaster response teams. He noted that the four locations to be visited by the UMSU PKM teams are South Tapanuli (Tapsel), Central Tapanuli/Sibolga, Langkat, and Aceh Tamiang.
In addition to delivering essential supplies, the teams include medical personnel to provide healthcare services to disaster victims. The teams are scheduled to operate in the affected areas for several days.
It was explained that the disaster response activities in the four locations are part of the Kampus Berdampak program of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, with all funding fully covered by Kemendiktisaintek.
Beyond the deployment of PKM teams, UMSU has independently carried out numerous disaster relief initiatives in various locations. This additional funding is expected to further strengthen UMSU’s disaster response efforts.
He expressed hope that the presence of the UMSU PKM teams would help ease the burden of affected communities. “UMSU is committed to continuing its support for disaster-affected communities through the recovery phase,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mursito, a representative of MDMC PP Muhammadiyah, conveyed his gratitude for UMSU’s participation and concern. During their assignments in disaster areas, he reminded volunteers to remain cautious and to uphold the code of ethics of humanitarian service.
Similarly, Secretary of PWM North Sumatra, Drs. Abdul Mutholib, M.M., expressed appreciation for UMSU’s actions as a Muhammadiyah charitable enterprise that has been actively engaged in disaster response since the early stages of the crisis. This, he said, reflects Muhammadiyah’s identity as an organization that is responsive and deeply concerned with issues affecting society.
However, he also reminded the volunteers deployed to disaster sites to maintain ethical conduct and uphold the institution’s good name. UMSU volunteers, he emphasized, represent Muhammadiyah and must demonstrate the character and values of Muhammadiyah cadres.
