Aceh – Indonesia, The Tsunami and Disaster Mitigation Research Center at Syiah Kuala University (TDMRC USK), in collaboration with the Directorate of Science and Technology under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, organized IN-SAINTEK 2026 under the theme “Science and Education for Resilience (SERASI) to Hydrometeorological Disaster Risks.”
This initiative is designed to reinforce TDMRC USK’s role as a center of excellence in science and technology oriented toward the public interest, while transforming disaster research outcomes into practical knowledge that directly benefits communities. The program also supports national policies and the global agenda for disaster risk reduction.
The focus of IN-SAINTEK 2026 is directed at addressing hydrometeorological disasters, responding to the 2025 Tropical Storm Senyar in Sumatra and the global trend of increasing frequency and impact of similar disaster events.
TDMRC: From Research to Real Solutions
Vice Rector for Academic Affairs at USK, Prof. Dr. Heru Fahlevi, S.E., M.Sc., Ak., CA., stated that since its establishment following the 2004 tsunami, TDMRC has grown into a science and technology center of excellence featuring multidisciplinary research capacities, highly qualified human resources, and extensive international collaboration networks.
Head of TDMRC, Prof. Dr. Muksin Umar, added that the institution has generated a wide range of research covering flood and tsunami modeling, multi-hazard risk mapping, socio-economic dimension analysis, early warning technology, and mitigation-based spatial planning.
“However, the main challenge is ensuring that this knowledge does not remain confined to academic spaces, but becomes tangible solutions in the midst of society—especially in disaster-prone areas like Aceh,” he said.
Three Core Activities of IN-SAINTEK 2026
The program addresses these needs through a series of three main activities:
1. Disaster Science Camp (DSC) 2026, focused on hydrometeorological disasters, took place from September 28 to October 2, 2026, involving 30 high school students from across Aceh. Participants gained hands-on experience in disaster risk reduction efforts.
2. Hydrometeorological Disaster Risk Preparedness Training (TS–Hidromet), targeted at teachers and university students, was conducted on October 7–8, 2026.
3. TDMRC USK Open House 2026, open to the general public, takes place on October 14–16, 2026, with an estimated 300 participants expected from various sectors.
Chairperson of the IN-SAINTEK 2026 Organizing Committee, Ibnu Rusydy, M.Sc., stated that the initiative aims to enhance disaster literacy, strengthen the capacity of local governments and communities, and build a resilient preparedness ecosystem.
Aligned with TDMRC’s Development Phases
IN-SAINTEK 2026 aligns with TDMRC’s development roadmap: consolidation (2006–2010), research strengthening (2011–2015), innovation and implementation (2016–2025), toward global competitiveness (2025–2030). Today, TDMRC serves as a bridge connecting disaster science with everyday public life, solidifying Aceh’s resilience while delivering meaningful contributions to Indonesia and the world.
This program is supported by the Aceh Education Office, the Aceh Provincial Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), the Aceh Transportation Office, the Aceh Disaster Management Agency (BPBA), the River Basin Center, as well as the BMKG Stations in Blang Bintang and Indrapuri.(*)