Banda Aceh, August 6, 2025 — The Tsunami and Disaster Mitigation Research Center (TDMRC) of Universitas Syiah Kuala (USK) officially inaugurated the naming of its auditorium as the “Dr. Ir. M. Ridha, M.Eng Auditorium.” The naming ceremony, held on the 3rd floor of the TDMRC Building in Darussalam, Banda Aceh, was officiated by the Rector of USK as a tribute to one of the founding figures of TDMRC, established in 2006 shortly after the 2004 tsunami. Dr. Ridha was widely known as a disciplined and inspiring academic who dedicated his life to strengthening Aceh’s resilience through science.
The auditorium, with a capacity of 60 seats, is designed as a dedicated space for academic engagement and scientific dialogue. It will serve as a venue for seminars, workshops, training sessions, and various academic forums. As part of Indonesia’s leading disaster research center, this auditorium strengthens TDMRC’s role as a hub for interdisciplinary and international knowledge exchange.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by USK leadership and the family of the late Dr. Ridha. In a warm yet emotional atmosphere, a short documentary was played featuring memories, old photographs, and heartfelt messages from his family. Silence filled the room; some attendees bowed their heads in reflection, while others wiped away tears. This moment served as a powerful reminder that the late Dr. Ridha is remembered not only for his role as an academic and founder of TDMRC, but also as a humble and compassionate individual who touched many lives with his sincerity and unwavering vision.
Dr. Ridha was born in Sigli, Aceh, on April 21, 1967. He completed his undergraduate studies in Mechanical Engineering at ITS Surabaya and continued his postgraduate education at the Tokyo Institute of Technology, Japan, specializing in corrosion engineering. During his career as a lecturer at the Faculty of Engineering at USK, he was known as a dedicated educator and visionary scientist. He once served as Head of the Materials Laboratory and later as Head of the Mechanical Engineering Department in 2008. In addition to his academic roles, Dr. Ridha played an important role in strengthening USK’s international networks, particularly in the area of disaster mitigation. His name was recognized both nationally and internationally—not only as an expert in materials engineering but also as a strategic thinker in science-based disaster resilience development.
TDMRC Director, Prof. Dr. Syamsidik, in his remarks, stated that the naming of the auditorium is not merely a personal tribute but also a symbol of the continuation of Dr. Ridha’s spirit in advancing disaster science.
“We are not merely giving a name to a room. We are preserving the flame of the spirit he once ignited.”
The name Dr. Ir. M. Ridha, M.Eng is now officially engraved in TDMRC’s main auditorium. But more than that, his name has long lived in the memories and spirit of researchers, students, and the people of Aceh who have directly felt the impact of his hard work and dedication.
“He may no longer be with us, but his legacy will continue to live on in every research, discussion, and collaboration that takes place in this auditorium,” said Prof. Dr. Ir. Marwan during the inauguration ceremony.
Al-Fatihah for the late Dr. Ridha.
May his charitable legacy continue to flow through the knowledge he passed on and the institution he founded.
Photo with the Nameplate of Dr. Ir. M. Ridha, M.Eng Auditorium
