More than 1,700 students currently studying in the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY) have been affected by hydrometeorological disasters across several areas of Sumatra. At Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), 218 students have been identified as potentially impacted by flash floods and landslides. The regional government is now working to ensure the continuity of these students’ studies through tuition fee relief and cross-university data collection.
This was discussed in a meeting between the Assistant Regional Secretary of the DIY Government for Government Affairs and Public Welfare, Aria Nugrahadi, and the Director of Community Service at UGM, Dr. Rustamaji, held in Meeting Room 1 of the DPkM Office at UGM on Tuesday (Dec. 16).
The coordination meeting followed earlier discussions between the DIY Government and eight state higher education institutions in Yogyakarta, namely UGM, UIN, UNY, UPN, ISI, Sekolah Tinggi Pertanahan, Sekolah Tinggi Kesehatan, and MMTC.
Nugrahadi stated that the DIY Government is committed to ensuring the continuity of studies for affected students, particularly those experiencing economic and psychological hardship.
“The Governor of DIY has clearly instructed that students whose parents are affected by disasters must be promptly recorded so their learning process is not disrupted,” Nugrahadi said.
He explained that data collection is the initial step, conducted through student dormitories and official correspondence with university and academy leaders. However, Nugrahadi acknowledged that limited budgets and resources mean the DIY Government must work closely with higher education institutions.
“Our approach begins with data collection, and the outcome may include cash assistance, subject to accountability requirements and formalized through a Governor’s Decree,” he explained.
The assistance, Nugrahadi continued, will be provided based on verified data, including names and national identification numbers (NIK), confirmed by universities, academies, and schools. Support may cover psychosocial assistance, living costs, and other technical aid. He expressed hope that the process would be completed before the end of 2025.
In addition, Nugrahadi noted that support also involves other sectors, such as the DIY Social Affairs Office, which distributes assistance with a commitment to monthly disbursement.
Meanwhile, the DIY Youth and Sports Office is coordinating data collection for students from public and private universities in the region. A total of 38 higher education institutions have been recorded and will be coordinated with the Higher Education Service Institution (LLDIKTI).
“Currently, 388 students from 31 private universities affected by the disaster have been reported by LLDIKTI DIY,” he explained.
Meanwhile, the Director of Community Service at UGM, Dr. Rustamaji, stated that UGM has conducted comprehensive data collection on affected students within the campus.
“At UGM, there are 218 student families affected. Our data collection covers living cost assistance, tuition fee (UKT) relief, psychosocial needs, and counseling support,” Dr. Rustamaji said.
Based on preliminary data, affected students come from several provinces, including 81 from Aceh, 93 from North Sumatra, and 43 from West Sumatra. Nevertheless, he emphasized that some data are still under verification at the faculty and study program levels.
“We are striving to ensure that no affected student is overlooked,” he stressed.
He added that the assistance needs of affected students vary widely, ranging from tuition fee relief, daily living cost assistance, meal support, basic food packages, rent assistance, to counseling services.
Some students may even need to apply for academic leave due to family circumstances in their home regions, such as the loss of housing, employment, or income.
As an initial measure, UGM has provided various forms of assistance, including twice-daily meal vouchers, meal vouchers at the Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB UGM) canteen, and financial aid of IDR 2 million per student, distributed between December and January to students of the Faculty of Pharmacy (Pharmacy UGM).
The DIY Government and UGM agreed to continue synchronizing data with other universities, LLDIKTI, and relevant regional agencies. Nugrahadi emphasized that the DIY Government will remain available to students facing economic and psychosocial disruptions.
“DIY is a city of education and a home for students from various regions. Therefore, students will continue to be our concern,” Nugrahadi concluded.
Author: Hanifah
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Salma