In a statement on Monday, the ministry said 14 universities had reported disruptions, with more than 2,700 students and lecturers affected by floods and landslides that halted teaching due to access problems and displacement.
The ministry said it worked with local governments and campus leaders to assess damage, deliver emergency assistance and plan longer-term recovery for higher-education institutions.
South Tapanuli Muhammadiyah University deployed a psychosocial team to provide Psychological First Aid for children to reduce trauma and strengthen coping.
Aufa Royhan University opened an on-campus post and sent student volunteers, while Jambi University distributed logistics, operated a relief post and provided counselling services.
The University of North Sumatra (USU) established the USU Peduli post to coordinate relief, deliver medical support and channel donations, while Medan State University distributed supplies collected from donors.
Additional help came from several institutions. Medan Area University students joined landslide evacuations, and volunteers from Padjadjaran University deployed teams to assist across affected provinces.
In Langkat District, Medan State Polytechnic, the Islamic University of North Sumatra and Muhammadiyah University of North Sumatra sent medical workers, volunteers and logistical aid.
The ministry said it expanded campus-based support by setting up coordination posts to deliver food, emergency health services, medical teams, volunteers, and sanitation and communication units.
Beyond basic relief, six health workers and two military doctors were deployed through Soewondo Air Force Base in Medan to strengthen field medical operations.
Relief was channelled through three mechanisms: emergency proposals submitted by universities, direct ministerial assistance and targeted support for affected students, lecturers and education staff.
Higher Education Minister Brian Yuliarto said academics, researchers and students play a vital role in ensuring scientific expertise directly benefits communities during crises.
“We are making sure all university resources move quickly and in coordination to meet urgent needs during disasters,” he said.
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Translator: Sean, Kenzu
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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