The extended family of IPB University continues to demonstrate its concern for communities affected by disasters in Sumatra. Aksi Relawan Mandiri Himpunan Alumni IPB (ARM HA-IPB), in collaboration with Wahana Muda Indonesia (WMI), has distributed 100 school supply packages (school kits) to children in areas affected by floods and landslides in Aceh.
The one hundred school packages, valued at more than IDR 20 million, consisted of school uniforms, backpacks, notebooks, drawing books, pens, pencils, rulers, and erasers. The distribution targeted several locations, including SDN Tanjung Genteng, Kejuruan Muda Subdistrict, Aceh Tamiang Regency; Uning Mas Village, Pintu Rime Gayo Subdistrict, Bener Meriah Regency; as well as SDN Rantau Panjang in Rantau Panjang Village and SDN Pantai Kera, Simpang Jernih Subdistrict, East Aceh.
“These packages are expected to be used by students, especially those at the elementary school level, to resume learning activities, even though conditions have not yet fully returned to normal,” said the Chairman of ARM HA IPB, Ahmad Husein, MSi.
In Pantai Kera in particular, which remains difficult to access, the distribution of school supplies adds to other forms of assistance currently being carried out by ARM HA IPB and WMI.
Five Major Tasks Ahead
This week through the coming week marks the busiest and most critical period for the ARM HA IPB team. In Central Aceh, one team has been deployed since last Wednesday (1/28) to conduct a rapid assessment of the impacts of floods and landslides on agriculture and local livelihoods.
At the same time, in East Aceh, specifically in Pantai Kera Village, Simpang Jernih Subdistrict, teams from ARM HA IPB and Wahana Muda Indonesia (WMI) have begun transporting logistical supplies to the location.
It takes three hours to transport goods from Kuala Simpang to the river port/dock in Simpang Jernih. The logistics are then transferred to boats, and the team must navigate the upper reaches of the Tamiang River for one hour before arriving in Pantai Kera for unloading.
There are five tasks awaiting ARM HA IPB. First, conducting a rapid assessment of the impacts of floods and landslides on agriculture and community life in Central Aceh. Second, renovating Nurul Iman Mosque along with its sanitation facilities (MCK: bathing, washing, and toilets).
Third, installing clean water piping from hillside springs to residential areas. Fourth, revitalizing and constructing public MCK facilities within the survivor communities. Fifth, building dug wells to supply clean water as a complement to the MCK facilities.
“If there are no unforeseen obstacles, we will complete all five tasks next week. Please pray that all plans are carried out well and smoothly. Amen,” Ahmad Husein concluded. (*/Rz) (IASS/KLY)
