MEDAN – USU PEDULI PUBLIC RELATIONS:
The Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) Disaster Response Task Force carried out a series of surveys, discussions, and humanitarian aid distributions in response to the flood disaster in Muara Huta Raja Village, Muara Batang Toru Subdistrict, South Tapanuli Regency, on Tuesday (20 January) and Thursday (22 January). These activities involved students, lecturers, village authorities, and members of the local community.
On Tuesday evening (20 January) at 6:19 p.m. WIB, the USU Peduli team conducted a survey and held discussions with the village head and residents. The team, consisting of five students and two lecturers, coordinated plans for a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) to examine post-disaster village conditions, particularly the deterioration of public infrastructure. The discussion highlighted the need to involve community leaders, religious figures, and women’s representatives in the FGD, which was scheduled to take place the following day together with the village secretary.
On Thursday (22 January) at 12:40 p.m. WIB, the USU Peduli team continued its activities by conducting discussions and post-disaster observations at SDN 100904 Muara Huta Raja with the school principal, Syaripuddin Siregar. He reported that the school’s condition remained concerning, citing non-functional restroom facilities, limited learning materials for students, and a school field still covered in sediment from the flood, rendering it unusable for teaching and learning activities.
Based on discussions with the Village Secretary of Muara Huta Raja, Sadam Simbolon, it was revealed that approximately 50 villagers remain dependent on donated aid, while many homes have suffered damage and have yet to be repaired. To date, the village office has not resumed full operations, and a clear post-disaster recovery plan has not yet been established. Nevertheless, the village administration plans to hold a village consultation meeting to address post-disaster recovery efforts. The village has also submitted a request for river dredging due to severe sedimentation to the local government. This request has received a response from the regent and is currently in the implementation process.
As a form of humanitarian assistance, on Thursday (22 January) at 4:00 p.m. WIB, USU Peduli distributed logistical aid to village residents, consisting of three cartons of snack food, four cartons of instant seasoning, two cartons of biscuits, and twelve sarongs. The aid distribution was carried out in collaboration with the village secretary and local residents.
These activities also resulted in documentation in the form of village sketches and seasonal calendars, illustrating the area’s conditions and residents’ experiences during the disaster. The findings are expected to serve as a foundation for future village recovery planning and the prioritization of assistance, particularly in the education sector and the rehabilitation of basic infrastructure.
Reporter: Billy Dwy Nugraha Haryono