Ministry Secretary-General Togar M. Simatupang said universities across the three provinces reported damage ranging from light to severe, with some campuses cut off and facing limited electricity and telecom services.
“The number of academic community members directly affected is estimated at 6,437. We have no reports of fatalities or missing persons, but the data may change as on-site verification continues,” he said in Jakarta on Tuesday.
To address the impact, Simatupang said the ministry will prioritise rapid, innovative and science-based disaster-response measures involving students, lecturers and local authorities.
He said the initiative will run in two phases, beginning with emergency actions to tackle urgent needs until December 31, followed by a recovery phase in 2026.
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“Additionally, our ministry is mobilising the resources of local universities and other institutions across Indonesia to support affected communities,” he added.
Simatupang said the ministry plans to designate 13 universities in disaster-hit areas as coordination hubs for academic programmes. He added that other campuses will be tapped for technological capabilities and expert personnel.
He also said the ministry will encourage university leaders to grant academic leniency for students and lecturers, ensuring learning activities can continue without compromising safety or exceeding the constraints imposed by the disaster.
In addition, Simatupang highlighted plans to deploy the ministry’s Center for Higher Education Financing and Assessment to provide post-disaster living-expense assistance for students directly affected by the crisis.
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Translator: Sean F, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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