UGM inaugurated a village hall within the Baiturrasyidin Mosque complex in Geudumbak Village, North Aceh Regency, on Friday (Feb. 27). The inauguration symbolizes UGM’s commitment to supporting social recovery and rebuilding community life following the devastating floods in Sumatra.
“The village hall built on the mosque grounds will be used as a community activity center, including health services, education, and coordination of social and community activities,” said Dr. Ashar Saputra, a member of the UGM community service working group, in a statement sent to journalists on Monday (March 2).
With the inauguration of the Geudumbak mosque hall, Ashar hoped that the facility would be used optimally and sustainably as a hub for community activities. It would also serve as a foundation to strengthen the social resilience of the Geudumbak community in the future.
According to Ashar, the inauguration of the village hall also marked the withdrawal of the KKN-PPM UGM (Universitas Gadjah Mada’s community service program) team after 30 days of service in the village, becoming an initial milestone of UGM’s ongoing contribution to the rehabilitation of disaster-affected areas. “Residents and the village government hope that the UGM’s KKN can continue to accelerate the recovery process,” he added.
The deployment of the UGM’s KKN-PPM Disaster Response student team in North Aceh and Pidie Jaya reflects UGM’s concern for disaster survivors. During the recovery phase, the KKN program focused on health checkups, adjustments to wooden temporary shelters, restoration of educational facilities, and the provision of clean water and sanitation. “This program seeks to alleviate the burden on survivors amidst limited facilities faced by both the KKN team and the community,” Ashar said.
He explained that the 2026 Sumatra Disaster Response KKN-PPM program implements the Tri Dharma of Higher Education, particularly community service, and focuses on three main sectors: health, infrastructure, and education. In the health sector, students conducted socialization on Clean and Healthy Living Behavior (PHBS) through education and practical handwashing demonstrations, especially for children. The team also provided Sujok therapy for mothers and children as an alternative relaxation therapy.
In collaboration with the Indonesian Ministry of Health and the Langkahan Community Health Center (Puskesmas), the students conducted free health checkups, including blood pressure and blood sugar measurements, as well as general health consultations. In addition, donated medical equipment was given to the community to support basic health services in the village.
In the infrastructure sector, students installed water filters to improve clean water quality, erected water tanks to support shared sanitation facilities together with the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), and installed two solar-powered street lights to enhance community safety. They also revitalized health center facilities in collaboration with medical teams to make them more representative and comfortable for use.
Furthermore, students conducted surveys and mapping for temporary shelter sites and assisted in the distribution of lumber to support shelter construction for affected residents. All activities were carried out collaboratively with residents and relevant stakeholders.
In the education sector, the students established the Geudumbak Reading Corner at State Junior High School 3 of Langkahan with donated books to enhance students’ literacy. The KKN team also supported formal education at State Junior High School 3 of Langkahan and State Elementary School 2 of Langkahan by organizing group exercises to boost physical fitness and conducting learning and play activities outside school hours as part of nonformal education.
Support for religious education was provided through participation in Quranic study sessions at the mosque. Additionally, students provided trash bins in the school area to foster early awareness of environmental cleanliness among children.
The presence of all parties at the withdrawal and inauguration ceremony reflected synergy among the university, government, social institutions, and the community in post-disaster recovery efforts. The ceremony was attended by Dr. Wirastuti Widyatmanti, Head of the UGM Strategic Management Bureau, representing UGM; KKN-PPM UGM Disaster Response students; representatives of the Geudumbak Village government, led by Village Secretary, Ilyas; representatives from Rumah Zakat; and members of the Geudumbak Youth Organization.
Author: Jelita Agustine
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Zahra
Photo: Courtesy of the KKN-PPM Team