Banda Aceh – The Tsunami and Disaster Mitigation Research Center (TDMRC) of Universitas Syiah Kuala (USK), with support from the In-Saintek 2025 program under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia, successfully organized the Disaster Science Camp (DSC) 2025 under the theme “Enhancing Disaster Literacy on Geohazards.” The event was held from 3 to 7 November 2025 in Banda Aceh and Aceh Besar, with support from the Aceh Provincial Education Office, the BMKG Geophysical Station Mata Ie, and the Aceh Disaster Management Agency (BPBA). The program was designed as an applied educational platform for Aceh’s young generation to understand, experience, and directly contribute to strengthening disaster literacy through research-based and field-oriented learning.
A total of 32 participants, consisting of high school and Islamic school students from districts across Aceh, arrived in Banda Aceh on 3 November 2025. They were welcomed by the organizing committee and directed to their accommodation for registration and initial orientation. That afternoon, the participants attended an orientation session at TDMRC USK, guided by the facilitators and organizing team. During this session, they were introduced to the TDMRC environment, the activity agenda, and the core values of DSC 2025, such as discipline, collaboration, and awareness of disaster-related issues.
The following day, 4 November 2025, the event officially commenced with an Opening Ceremony at the Dr. Ir. M.Ridha, M.Eng Auditorium. The program began with a report by Dr. Haekal Azief Haridhi, Chair of the Organizing Committee, followed by remarks from Prof. Dr. Syamsidik, ST., M.Sc., Director of TDMRC USK, who emphasized the importance of bridging scientific research and field education in shaping disaster-resilient youth. The ceremony was officially opened by Prof. Dr. Ir. Marwan, IPU, Rector of Universitas Syiah Kuala, who highlighted that DSC 2025 coincided with the TDMRC USK Open House and the World Tsunami Awareness Day on 5 November 2025. In his address, the Rector reaffirmed USK’s commitment to advancing research, mitigation, and innovation in disaster management while ensuring that the university’s scientific outputs have tangible benefits for society.
Participants actively engaged in learning disaster-related topics delivered by the expert speakers.
Following the opening, participants engaged in a series of intensive classroom and field sessions facilitated by 18 experts and instructors from TDMRC USK:
- Prof. Dr. Syamsidik, ST., M.Sc. (Risk, Hazard, Vulnerability, and Capacity)
- Prof. Dr. Muksin, S.Si.., M.Sc. (Earthquakes)
- Dr. Sylvia Agustina, S.T., MUP. (Hazard Learning via Devices/VR)
- Dr. Yunita Idris, S.T., M.Eng. (Building Vulnerability to Geohazards)
- Dr. Rina Suryani Oktari, S.Kep., M.Si., FRSPH. (Disaster-Resilient Youth)
- Alfi Rahman, S.I.Kom., M.Si., Ph.D. (Local Knowledge of Geohazards)
- Rizanna Rosemary, S.Sos., M.Si., MHC., Ph.D. (Disaster Communication)
- Haekal Azief Haridhi, S.Kel., M.Sc., Ph.D (The excitement of being Young Disaster Scientists during the DSC 2025 program)
- Deni Yanuar, S.IP., M.I.Kom. (Disaster Communication through Digital Media)
- Ir. Adrian Ulza, S.T., M.Sc (Building Vulnerability and Modelling)
- Ir. Juliana Fisaini, S.T., M.T. (Disaster Communication through Games)
- Muhammad Arifin Hasanuddin, M.Si. (Media Utilization Upskilling)
- Mhd. Mardianto, S.I.Kom. (Media Outreach Techniques)
- Aulia Khalqillah, S.Si., M.Si. (Geohazard Field Activities)
- Dr. Syahrul Ridha, S.Pd., M.Pd. (Disaster Management Education)
- Rifqan, S.Si., M.T. (Geological Aspects of Geohazards)
- Puncak Joyontono, S.Si., M.Eng (Geological Aspects of Geohazards)
- Khairunnisa, S.Pi., M.Si (The excitement of being Young Disaster Scientists during the DSC 2025 program)
- Nurlita Putri Anggraini, S.Ik., M.Si (The excitement of being Young Disaster Scientists during the DSC 2025 program)
- Arifullah, S.Si., M.Si. (Earthquake Simulation Using Tsunami Flume)
- Shahibul Mighfar, S.T. (Earthquake Simulation Using Shaking Table)
One of the most memorable moments for participants was a full-day integrated field and simulation activity using TDMRC’s disaster research facilities. The day began in Neuhuen, Aceh Besar, where participants explored field-based geohazards. Under the guidance of geological expert Rifqan, S.Si., M.T., they examined soil structures, geomorphology, and potential hazards such as landslides and liquefaction. The field experience provided direct exposure to how the hazard–vulnerability–capacity concept applies in real-life contexts.
The participants explored field-based geohazards in Neuheun, Aceh Besar
The visit continued to the BMKG Geophysical Station Mata Ie, where students learned about earthquake detection systems, seismological sensors, and tsunami early-warning mechanisms. Participants observed real-time seismic data visualization and engaged in discussions with seismologists on how Indonesia’s monitoring network supports rapid disaster response.
The participants are learning about the earthquake monitoring system used by BMKG.
At midday, the group proceeded to the Aceh Tsunami Museum, where they revisited the memories of the 26 December 2004 tsunami through an educational and reflective experience. They studied how disaster narratives are conveyed through architecture, artefacts, and interactive exhibits. Guided by TDMRC facilitators, the students explored key spaces such as the Tsunami Tunnel, Well of Prayer, and Bridge of Hope, understanding how the museum’s design embodies both the tragedy and the resilience of the Acehnese people. The concluding discussion encouraged participants to analyze the museum’s role as a medium for disaster literacy, transforming collective memory into public awareness and social resilience. Many expressed that the experience deepened their understanding that disaster mitigation is not solely about technology, but also about empathy, remembrance, and humanity.
The participants’ activities at Museum Tsunami Aceh
The final visit was to the Aceh Disaster Management Agency (BPBA), where participants observed the operations of the Data and Operations Center (Pusdalops). They learned how real-time data from BMKG is translated into actionable emergency coordination and how disaster information systems support decision-making during critical situations.
The participants observed the operations of the Data and Operations Center (Pusdalops)
Later in the afternoon, the participants returned to TDMRC USK to engage directly in hands-on laboratory disaster simulations. In the Tsunami Wave Flume session, some participants acted as simulation subjects, experiencing the force of artificially generated waves moving and crashing within the flume channel. Closely supervised by facilitators, they observed the flow dynamics, pressure, and energy behavior of waves similar to real tsunami conditions. The atmosphere was vibrant and full of enthusiasm as students discussed wave height, shoreline shape, and the influence of coastal barriers on energy dissipation.
In the Shaking Table simulation, participants stood on the moving platform to experience seismic tremors of varying magnitudes, including simulations replicating the 2016 Pidie Jaya earthquake. Some held onto the structure while others recorded motion data, keenly observing how model buildings responded to shaking and how seismic-resistant designs could reduce damage. The experience left a strong impression; participants not only grasped earthquake and tsunami theories but also felt the science physically manifest around them.
The participants tried the tsunami wave model simulation in the tsunami wave flume and the earthquake simulation on the shaking table
Beyond scientific exploration, DSC 2025 strengthened participants’ communication and leadership skills through a mini project on disaster mitigation campaigns for social media. They produced creative educational content promoting preparedness messages and competed in categories such as “Aceh’s Most Active Young Geoscientist,” “Field Innovator,” and “Outstanding Storyteller.”
The closing ceremony was also attended by the IN-SAINTEK Program Team, represented by Dedy Saputra, M.Pub.Pol. (Head of the Science Ecosystem Working Team – Directorate for Dissemination and Utilization of Science and Technology), Dr. Anton Timur Jaelani, M.Si. (Expert Team, IN-SAINTEK Program) as well as two staff from the IN SAINTEK Program team Mr Satria Yudha Herawan and Mr Bakhtiar. Their presence signified the ministry’s strong support for strengthening Indonesia’s disaster science education ecosystem.
The four-day program concluded on 7 November 2025 with a warm and inspiring closing ceremony attended by institutional partners and the academic community of Universitas Syiah Kuala. The event was officially closed by Dedy Saputra, M.Pub.Pol., Head of the Science Ecosystem Working Team – Directorate for Dissemination and Utilization of Science and Technology, who praised the participants for their passion and curiosity. He emphasized that programs like DSC 2025 are important to nurturing a generation that combines scientific understanding with social consciousness, ready to innovate and contribute to national resilience.
In addition, Prof. Dr. Ir. Rahmat Fadil, S.TP., M.Sc., Director of Entrepreneurship and Alumni of USK, Murthalamuddin, S.Pd., MSP., Head of the Aceh Provincial Education Office, and Dr. Sylvia Agustina, S.T., MUP., Coordinator of the TDMRC In-Saintek 2025 Program, delivered motivational messages highlighting the importance of integrating disaster literacy into formal education. They commended the participants as future disaster science ambassadors who embody collaboration, innovation, and empathy.
Group photo with the representative team from the In-Saintek 2025 Program, consisting of Dedy Saputra, M.Pub.Pol and Dr. Anton Timur Jaelani, M.Si, TDMRC partners, and participating students at the closing ceremony of DSC 2025.
Through the Disaster Science Camp 2025, Universitas Syiah Kuala and TDMRC reaffirmed their leadership in disaster education in Indonesia. The program not only enhanced geohazard literacy and disaster risk awareness among students but also established the network of “Young Disaster Scientists of Aceh (Ilmuwan Muda Kebencanaan Aceh – IMKA)”, envisioned as future agents of change in promoting a culture of preparedness within their communities. Combining academic research, field exploration, and experiential learning, DSC 2025 stands as a tangible testament to how education, science, and humanity can converge to shape a generation that is intellectually capable, morally grounded, and socially resilient in the face of future disasters.
