IPB Vice Rector for Research and Innovation Ernan Rustiadi said Sumatra has long-standing ties with the university through its students, lecturers and alumni.
“What happens there affects our academic family,” he said.
He said IPB’s support includes logistics, field teams and coordination with seven partner universities serving as disaster support posts in affected regions.
The rendang effort highlights nutrition, cultural value and long shelf life, the university said.
Packaging involved IPB’s Food Technology Faculty and the MT Farm facility in Bogor using vacuum and sterilisation methods, allowing the product to last up to two years.
“IPB’s food technology helps answer urgent needs in emergencies. We hope this contribution supports recovery,” Rustiadi said.
PAPMM deputy chair Fadli Afriadi said the initiative grew from Minang alumni before drawing support from lecturers, influencers and private donors.
“For Minang people, rendang symbolises solidarity and togetherness. We hope it lifts morale,” he said.
Initiator Rindang Matoati said processing innovations ensure the aid is safe, hygienic and efficient for disaster-hit communities.
Rindang, a lecturer at IPB, said the goal was to reduce waste and maximise usefulness.
The committee is also preparing instant rice developed by IPB to distribute as ready-to-eat meal packages.
Aid distribution will rely on volunteer networks, including Minang influencers and humanitarian platforms, to ensure accurate targeting and maximum benefit.
Separately, solidarity also came from South Sumatra, where the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) dispatched 56 tonnes of aid from Palembang to affected provinces.
BNPB Spokesman Abdul Muhari said the supplies arrived Sunday at the agency’s logistics post at Silangit International Airport in North Tapanuli after a four-day land trip using 13 trucks and three heavy transport vehicles.
He said the aid includes food staples, blankets, medicine, health equipment, rice, body bags, family kits, baby supplies, women’s needs, milk, mats, tea and ready-to-eat meals.
After verification and unloading, BNPB prepared distribution to Sibolga, Humbang Hasundutan, South Tapanuli, Central Tapanuli and North Tapanuli by land and air, including helicopters and Cessna aircraft.
BNPB said nationwide support reflects collective commitment to emergency relief and faster recovery for survivors in the three provinces.
The agency earlier received aid from Toba District in North Sumatra, and the provinces of Central Java, West Java and East Java, as well as ministries and volunteers nationwide.
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Translator: Budi Setiawanto, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Primayanti
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