Banda Aceh, May 24, 2025 – The Tsunami and Disaster Mitigation Research Center (TDMRC) of Universitas Syiah Kuala (USK) welcomed an academic visit from the Department of Geography, Universiti Malaya (UM), on Saturday, May 24, 2025. The event, held at the TDMRC Auditorium, was part of a field study program on social geography for UM students, under the theme: “Social Transformation in Aceh, 20 Years After the Tsunami and Conflict.”
Prof. Syamsidik delivered the welcome speech as the Director of TDMRC
The session was officially opened by Prof. Dr. Syamsidik, S.T., M.Sc., Head of TDMRC USK, who briefly
Prof. Rosmadi bin Fauzi delivered the welcome speech as the representative of Universiti Malaya
reflected on the historical impact and legacy of recent disasters in Aceh. Representing Universiti Malaya, Prof. Gs. Dr. Rosmadi Bin Fauzi expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome and emphasized the importance of strengthening academic collaboration between the two institutions. Also present during the visit was Prof. Dr. Ichwana, S.T., M.P from the USK Graduate School, who accompanied and facilitated the delegation from Universiti Malaya throughout the visit.
Before the main discussions began, a souvenir exchange and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) took place between TDMRC USK, Universiti Malaya, and PRISB USK, marking a step forward in joint efforts for research and disaster education.
Signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between TDMRC USK, PRISB USK, and Universiti Malaya
The panel discussion, moderated by Safrina, MH, M.EPM, featured four speakers from diverse yet complementary backgrounds:
Alfi Rahman, Ph.D. opened the session with a presentation on Disasters and Social Transformation in Aceh. He specifically highlighted the vital role of local wisdom in Simeulue Island, particularly the Smong narrative derived from the 1907 tsunami experience, which proved life-saving during the 2004 tsunami. “The Smong story could be integrated to strengthen the community resilience by linking and transforming the lesson learned from the Smong story through a risk communication approach,” he explained.
M. Yakub Aiyub Kadir, , Ph.D. followed with a talk titled Reflections on 20 Years of the Helsinki MoU and Peace in Aceh, concluding that, “Two decades after the MoU, the former Free Aceh Movement (GAM) has transformed into a dominant local political party. However, what remains most essential in any conflict resolution process is a deep understanding of the true root causes behind the conflict itself.”
Norma Susanti RM, M.Si. discussed The Role of Women During the Conflict, Tsunami, and Post-Peace Era. She emphasized: “Social transformation requires a strong commitment from the government and all stakeholders to establish systemic protection for women and other vulnerable groups, so they can become active agents in integrative, innovative, and adaptive peacebuilding and disaster management”.
Prof. Gs. Dr. Rosmadi bin Fauzi delivered a reflective synthesis of the three previous presentations. “Geography plays a critical role in interpreting the patterns of vulnerability and resilience, especially in post-disaster and post-conflict societies. By engaging in this field study, students are not only learning about Aceh’s past, but also about the importance of place-based knowledge in shaping sustainable futures,” he noted.
The event concluded with a guided tour of TDMRC’s facilities, including the Realtime Earthquake Observatory, Tsunami Wave Flume, and Shaking Table. Participants explored these facilities, which monitor seismic activity in real time, simulate tsunami waves, and test how structures respond to earthquakes—demonstrating the research supporting community resilience in disaster-prone areas.
This academic visit is expected to serve as a meaningful opportunity to strengthen academic networks and deepen students’ understanding of the social realities faced by communities that have endured multidimensional crises and are now moving toward resilience and sustainability.
Universiti Malaya students visit the Tsunami Wave Flume facilities
Universiti Malaya students visit the Shaking Table facilities
Universiti Malaya students visit the Realtime Earthquake Observatory facilities
