FK-KMK UGM. To commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Aceh tsunami disaster, the Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing at Universitas Gadjah Mada (FK-KMK UGM), in collaboration with the Faculty of Medicine at Universitas Syiah Kuala (FK USK) and Disaster Management USK, organized a research discussion under the theme *“Reflections on Disaster.”* The hybrid event was held on Tuesday, December 24, 2024, at Universitas Syiah Kuala, Aceh.
The Dean of the Doctoral Program at FK USK, Prof. Dr. dr. Herlina Dimiati, Sp.A(K), emphasized that the discussion serves as a critical step toward strengthening disaster research collaborations between UGM and USK.
“Nearly 70% of FK UGM alumni who are now at USK have been appointed as professors and remain committed to contributing to the development of research. We need guidance and collaboration to produce impactful studies for the future,” she said.
Prof. Herlina also highlighted the importance of rising above the adversities faced by Aceh after the tsunami. Despite the tragic event, she urged both the community and academics to join forces in building a strong foundation for disaster knowledge.
Dr. Rina Suryani Oktari, S.Kep., M.Si., the Vice Dean for Student Affairs, Alumni, and Partnerships at FK USK, added that knowledge management is a vital aspect of disaster mitigation.
“Preserving memories and lessons from the past is crucial to ensure future generations are better prepared for disasters. We hope this discussion fosters research collaborations, publications, and mentoring across institutions,” she stated.
Meanwhile, Prof. dr. Adi Utarini, M.Sc., MPH, Ph.D., the Head of the Doctoral Program in Medical and Health Sciences at FK-KMK UGM, stressed the necessity of a multidisciplinary approach to disaster research.
“Disasters like the Aceh tsunami bring significant changes, both at the national and regional levels. However, disaster research should not only occur during emergencies. Science must be continuously developed even in normal situations to maximize its contribution during crises,” she explained.
Prof. Utarini outlined eight priority areas for disaster research relevant to Indonesia, including strengthening risk culture through increased disaster knowledge, developing applied technologies for mitigation and early warning systems, and innovating disaster financing with multi-stakeholder collaboration.
“Risk management and policy frameworks, such as disaster insurance, must also be key considerations in our research agenda,” she added.
The discussion also explored plans for collaboration between FK-KMK UGM and FK USK doctoral programs in the field of health-related disaster management. The collaboration will focus on developing joint research agendas, conducting cross-program learning activities, publishing comparative studies, and mentoring doctoral students.
According to Prof. Utarini, research must address real-world needs by identifying best practices, describing research needs, and formulating clear policy recommendations. She also underscored the importance of maintaining ethics and integrity in disaster research, particularly when time and situational constraints are at play.
This research discussion is expected to strengthen the partnership between UGM and USK while generating innovative strategies for disaster mitigation. By preserving past knowledge and advancing technology, Indonesians are hoped to be better equipped to face future disaster challenges.
Through this reflective discussion, FK-KMK UGM reaffirms its commitment to supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Good Health and Well-Being (SDG 3), Quality Education (SDG 4), Climate Action (SDG 13), Life Below Water (SDG 14), and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17). (Isroq Adi Subakti/Reporter)
