Banda Aceh, April 28, 2o26 – A total of 25 international students participating in the Summer Course on Community-Based Disaster Risk Reduction (CBDRR): Strengthening Local Resilience through Participatory Approaches conducted an academic visit to the disaster research facilities of the Tsunami and Disaster Mitigation Research Center (TDMRC), Universitas Syiah Kuala (USK). The activity was part of USK’s commitment to advancing higher education internationalization towards becoming a World Class University.
The participants were warmly welcomed by Prof. Dr. Muksin, Coordinator of the Geohazards Division at TDMRC USK. During the opening session, Prof. Muksin introduced TDMRC as a leading disaster research center actively engaged in research, education, and capacity development in disaster mitigation at both national and international levels.
Following the presentation, the students were guided to the Real Time Earthquake Observatory, accompanied directly by Prof. Muksin. During this session, participants were introduced to real-time earthquake monitoring systems, seismic data recording mechanisms, and the use of observational technology to support rapid earthquake analysis. 
The visit then continued to the Shaking Table facility, guided by Aulia Khalqillah, M.Si, Laboratory Technician. At this facility, participants observed earthquake-vibration simulations of structural building models to better understand how structures respond to seismic forces and the importance of earthquake-resistant design.
As the final session, the students visited the Tsunami Wave Flume, guided by Arifullah, M.Si, Laboratory Technician. Through this facility, participants were shown tsunami wave simulations, the interaction of waves with coastal areas and structures, and the application of hydrodynamic research to support tsunami mitigation strategies. 
This visit provided valuable hands-on learning experiences for the international participants regarding the advanced disaster research facilities owned by USK. It also served as a platform for knowledge exchange on Aceh’s experience in building community resilience after major disasters. Through this program, USK continues to strengthen its position as a global center for disaster learning while expanding opportunities for international collaboration in disaster mitigation through science and technology.
