USK Hosts The 1st UNINET Summer Camp Focuses on Tsunami Resilience

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Universitas Syiah Kuala (USK) kicked off its inaugural UNINET (University Network) Summer Camp on 22 September 2024, at the Tsunami and Disaster Mitigation Research Center (TDMRC) Auditorium. The event, organized by USK’s Office of International Affairs (OIA), gathered participants from across the globe to reflect on the devastating Aceh tsunami that occurred 20 years ago.

Prof. Dr. Ir. Taufiq Saidi, M.Eng, Vice Rector for Planning, Partnerships, and Business of USK, officially opened the event. In his speech, he emphasized the importance of the camp as a platform for global collaboration on disaster mitigation efforts.

“The earthquake and tsunami of December 26, 2004, left a profound impact on Aceh—geographically, socially, economically, and culturally,” said Prof. Taufiq. “Now, two decades later, we are here to reflect and learn, showing our shared commitment to grow together.”

The camp, themed Revisiting Aceh Tsunami after 20 Years: Insights, Resilience & Progress, brought together 30 students from various countries, including Malaysia, Thailand, the United States, Bangladesh, India, and Indonesia. According to Izzan Nur Aslam, OIA Coordinator for Promotion & International Mobility, the program offers participants a unique opportunity to learn from Aceh’s experiences with disaster management and recovery.

“This summer camp offers participants the chance to explore disaster mitigation strategies while gaining invaluable first-hand insights into resilience efforts post-tsunami,” he said during his welcoming remarks.

Prof. Taufiq also highlighted the camp as a forum for exchanging diverse perspectives, ideas, and solutions in addressing disaster risks. He expressed hope that the camp would yield real contributions to disaster mitigation, particularly through international collaboration.

“I hope that participants, through expert-led lectures and field trips, will develop a deep understanding of disaster management, incorporating both academic knowledge and local wisdom,” he added.

Start from 22 to 26 September 2024, the program features a range of activities, including expert-led classes, laboratory visits, tours of tsunami and cultural sites, and a mangrove plantation project aimed at environmental restoration. On the final day, participants will present group projects, showcasing their learning and insights from the event.

The UNINET Summer Camp is expected to provide a meaningful platform for reflection, education, and collaboration on disaster resilience, as the world commemorates two decades since the Aceh tsunami.

Categories: Activities