Banda Aceh, October 28, 2025 – The Head of the Indonesian National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), Lieutenant General Dr. Suharyanto, S.Sos., M.M., conducted a visit to the Tsunami and Disaster Mitigation Research Center (TDMRC) at Universitas Syiah Kuala (USK). This visit aimed to strengthen collaboration between BNPB and USK in disaster research and education, as well as to explore the establishment of the World Tsunami Education Center initiated by BNPB.
During the visit, the Head of BNPB was accompanied by Prof. M. Dirhamsyah, a member of the BNPB National Advisory Board, who previously served as the Director of TDMRC USK from 2006 to 2014 and currently serves as the Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology at UIN Ar-Raniry. The delegation was warmly welcomed by USK Rector Prof. Dr. Ir. Marwan and Director of TDMRC USK, Prof. Dr. Syamsidik, along with the research team.
The Head of BNPB and his delegation toured several of TDMRC’s research facilities, including the Real-Time Earthquake Observatory, which monitors seismic activity in real time to support early warning systems; the Tsunami Wave Flume, which is used to study the behavior and impact of tsunami waves on coastal areas; and the Shaking Table, which tests the resilience of building structures against earthquake vibrations. These facilities represent key scientific infrastructures that support disaster research and technological innovation at TDMRC USK.
Visit to the Real-Time Earthquake Observatory to observe real-time earthquake monitoring activities
Visit to the Tsunami Wave Flume to see a simulation of tsunami waves
Visit to the Shaking Table to observe an earthquake vibration simulation
The Head of BNPB inaugurated the infographic book “20 Years After the Aceh Tsunami,” accompanied by the Rector of USK and the author, Ismiatul Ramadhian Nur, M.Si.
In addition to visiting the research facilities, the Head of BNPB and the Rector of USK also launched the infographic book “20 Years After the Aceh Tsunami,” written by Ismiatul Ramadhian Nur, M.Si., a disaster studies lecturer from UIN Ar-Raniry. This infographic-based book presents a visual and narrative reflection of the two decades following the 2004 Aceh tsunami, combining data visualization, historical insights, and social reflection. It aims to serve as an educational and inspirational medium to raise public awareness on disaster mitigation and preparedness.
The Director of TDMRC USK explained TDMRC USK’s achievements to the Head of BNPB
In his remarks, BNPB Head Dr. Suharyanto expressed his appreciation for TDMRC USK’s significant contribution to disaster research in Indonesia and Southeast Asia. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between government agencies and academic institutions in advancing research, technology, and community capacity in disaster management. Meanwhile, USK Rector Prof. Dr. Ir. Marwan reaffirmed the university’s commitment to supporting BNPB’s mission by developing research and innovations that contribute to building national resilience against disasters.
The visit of the Head of BNPB to TDMRC USK marks a strategic step in strengthening synergy between the government and universities in developing a more adaptive and science-based disaster management system. Beyond institutional collaboration, the visit also served as a reflective moment approaching the two-decade commemoration of the 2004 Aceh tsunami, a powerful reminder of the lessons learned and the enduring spirit of resilience among the Indonesian people.
The Director of TDMRC presented a plaque to the Head of BNPB
The Rector of USK presented a souvenir from Neelam USK to the Head of BNPB
