Banda Aceh – The Tsunami and Disaster Mitigation Research Center (TDMRC) Universitas Syiah Kuala (USK) held the Open House TDMRC USK 2025 event on November 4–6, 2025, at the TDMRC Building, Banda Aceh. The event was designed to enhance disaster literacy and awareness among senior high school students and dayah (Islamic boarding school) students, adopting an interactive approach based on disaster mitigation technology.
Prof. Ir. Marwan (Rector of USK)
This activity was held in conjunction with the Disaster Science Camp 2025, under the In-Saintek Program, an initiative of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, and also in commemoration of the World Tsunami Awareness Day. The event was officially opened by USK Rector, Prof. Dr. Ir. Marwan, at the Auditorium Dr. Ir. M. Ridha, M.Eng., followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Open House TDMRC gate, together with several partner institutions, including the Aceh Tsunami Museum, the Balai Arsip Statis dan Tsunami (BAST-ANRI), the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) Geophysics Station of Mata Ie Aceh Besar, and the Aceh Disaster Management Agency (BPBA).
Prof. Syamsidik (Director of TDMRC USK)
The 2004 Aceh earthquake and tsunami, which claimed more than 200,000 lives, serves as a lasting reminder of the importance of disaster preparedness and literacy. Two decades after the tragedy, TDMRC USK continues its strong commitment to advancing research, education, and community service in the field of disaster mitigation through various scientific activities, training, and both national and international collaborations.
“This Open House represents a tangible manifestation of TDMRC’s mission to bridge research outcomes with society, especially younger generations so they not only understand the theory of disaster management but also gain direct exposure to the technology and scientific methods used in disaster research,” said Prof. Syamsidik.
First of all, all participants, both students and general attendees, were required to re-register upon arrival. Student participants were accompanied by their supervising teachers
During the event, participants were invited to tour and engage directly with several advanced research facilities owned by TDMRC USK, including the Earthquake Observation Laboratory, the Shaking Table Laboratory, and the Tsunami Wave Flume Laboratory. Participants also had the opportunity to visit an exhibition of disaster-related instruments, featuring various devices and scientific innovations in disaster mitigation and research, such as geological research tools, hydrological research equipment, seismometer simulation models, and educational exhibits and a miniature of the ancient tsunami cave of Aceh (Ek Lentie).
Participants’ activities included observing various disaster-related equipment and facilities owned by TDMRC
In addition, the event offered educational disaster-themed games and Virtual Reality (VR) simulations that allowed participants to immerse themselves in exploring the potential hazards of Mount Seulawah Agam. As part of the interactive experience, participants were also given the opportunity to experience earthquake and tsunami simulations firsthand using TDMRC’s specialized research equipment. All sessions were conducted under the supervision of TDMRC USK experts and technical teams, with strict adherence to safety protocols to ensure participants’ comfort and security.
To maintain safety standards, participants were required to wear body harnesses, safety helmets, life jackets, and waterproof suits. Each simulation session was limited to a maximum of six participants to ensure efficiency, safety, and optimal engagement. The Disaster-Resilient Facilitators (FASTANA-TDMRC) team also played an active role during the event, assisting as facilitators for participants and monitoring their activities throughout the sessions. Their involvement contributed significantly to ensuring that the event ran smoothly, safely, and in an engaging manner for all attendees.
Participants had the opportunity to experience the earthquake simulation in the Shaking Table Laboratory
Participants had the opportunity to experience the tsunami wave simulation in the Tsunami Wave Flume Laboratory
The Open House TDMRC USK 2025 event successfully attracted widespread attention from both students and the general public. Over the three days, it was attended by around 300 participants, consisting of representatives from high schools and dayah in Banda Aceh and Aceh Besar, as well as more than 100 public participants who registered online.
Each session was filled with high enthusiasm, offering participants a variety of interactive learning experiences in TDMRC’s laboratories and exhibition areas. Through direct observation of research facilities and disaster simulations, participants gained empirical insights that deepened their understanding of technology-based disaster mitigation.
The selection of high school and dayah students as participants was deliberate. The younger generation is expected to become agents of change in disseminating disaster knowledge, both through community activities and digital media. By understanding technology and the principles of disaster mitigation from an early age, they can play a pivotal role in building a more resilient society against natural hazards.
As a form of appreciation, SMA Negeri 4 Banda Aceh was awarded the title of “Best School,” based on the assessment of students’ discipline, orderliness, and active participation throughout the event, including their enthusiasm in asking questions and engaging during the sessions
An appreciation award was presented to the accompanying teacher from SMA Negeri 4 Banda Aceh
