The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education of the Republic of Indonesia reported that 208,000 students, along with 19,000 teachers and education personnel, have been affected by disasters in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra. In response, the ministry is undertaking efforts to restore education services in flood-affected areas.
UGM disaster psychology expert Dr. Diana Setiyawati assessed the initiative as a positive and empathetic step. However, she emphasized that it must be accompanied by psychosocial support to help children regain fulfillment of their basic needs.
“Helping children rediscover learning and schooling as part of their lives is something that must be seriously pursued,” said Dr. Setiyawati on Thursday (Dec. 11).
Furthermore, Dr. Setiyawati explained that one of the most significant risk factors affecting survivors is prolonged exposure to uncertain conditions, such as evacuation shelters or unstable living arrangements. According to her, prolonged emergencies pose a serious risk to their well-being.
“This is why collective efforts are needed to return them to daily routines, as meeting basic needs is a crucial support for the well-being of survivors,” she explained.
From UGM’s Psychology Team, Dr. Setiyawati revealed that support is currently being provided to volunteers who are conducting activities for children by establishing friendly, safe spaces.
This initiative aims to help children feel comfortable again and resume their activities. In the long term, the team plans to map areas experiencing the most severe psychological impacts.
“This mapping includes identifying schools that have been damaged, areas with inadequate food supply, and regions with the highest death tolls that result in the greatest psychological burden,” she said.
Dr. Setiyawati also recommended fulfilling survivors’ needs through psychosocial support services. According to her, these services are intended for individuals in subclinical conditions, those who do not experience mental disorders but face difficulties, deep grief, or challenges in returning to normal functioning.
“We will develop programs to strengthen mental health in schools, families, and primary health care settings to anticipate medium- and long-term impacts,” she concluded.
Author: Lintang Andwyna
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Salma
Photograph: Antara