Banda Ace May 13, 2026 — The Tsunami and Disaster Mitigation Research Center (TDMRC) of Universitas Syiah Kuala (USK) welcomed an educational visit from students of Sekolah Alam Bireuen Junior High School (SABIR) on Wednesday, 13 May 2026. The visit was part of an outdoor learning program designed to strengthen disaster literacy among young generations, particularly in Aceh, a region widely recognized as one of the most disaster-prone areas in Indonesia. 
The SABIR student group was warmly received by TDMRC USK researchers and staff. Throughout the visit, participants were introduced to various aspects of disaster management, ranging from the history of the 2004 Aceh Tsunami to early warning systems and science-based disaster mitigation concepts. Established on 30 October 2006 in response to the Indian Ocean tsunami tragedy, TDMRC USK has grown into a leading disaster research center not only in Indonesia but also in Southeast Asia.
Visit Activities
During the visit, SABIR students took part in a series of interactive activities designed to connect scientific knowledge with real-world experiences, including: 
• Orientation to TDMRC Research Facilities: Students were introduced to TDMRC USK’s flagship facilities, including the Tsunami Wave Flume, a rare tsunami wave simulation facility and the only one of its kind in Indonesia, capable of replicating tsunami wave dynamics under controlled conditions.
• Disaster Education Session: TDMRC researchers delivered presentations on various hazards threatening Aceh and Indonesia, including tsunamis, earthquakes, and floods, along with mitigation measures and preparedness actions that can be practiced from an early age.
• Learning the History of the 2004 Tsunami: Participants were invited to understand the chronology and impacts of the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami that struck Aceh, while also reflecting on the resilience of Acehnese communities during the two decades of post-disaster recovery.
• Interactive Question and Answer Session: Students had the opportunity to engage directly with researchers and staff, asking questions about disaster science and the role of science in disaster risk reduction.
Responses and Expectations
The Director of TDMRC USK, Prof. Dr. Syamsidik, S.T., M.Sc., welcomed SABIR’s initiative in bringing students directly to a disaster research center. He emphasized that disaster education for young generations is a long-term investment in building a more resilient Acehnese society.
“Aceh has a historical responsibility to ensure that the painful experience of the 2004 tsunami becomes knowledge that is continuously passed on to future generations. Visits like this are one of the most effective ways to achieve that,” said Prof. Syamsidik.
Meanwhile, a teacher representative from SABIR stated that the visit reflected the school’s learning philosophy, which integrates field experience into the educational process.
“We want our students not only to learn about disasters from textbooks, but to truly understand the risks and know what actions to take. TDMRC is the right place for that,” the accompanying teacher remarked.
TDMRC’s Commitment to Disaster Education
The SABIR visit forms part of TDMRC’s ongoing commitment to disseminating disaster knowledge to all levels of society, from elementary students to professionals. TDMRC USK actively organizes disaster education programs through various approaches, including technology-based workshops such as Virtual Reality, Disaster Science Camps, as well as empowerment programs for teachers and communities in hazard-prone areas.
With more than two decades of experience in disaster research and education, TDMRC USK continues to strengthen its position as a center of excellence for disaster studies in the Indian Ocean region. To date, USK is recognized as one of the world’s most productive institutions in tsunami-related scientific publications. Its Master’s and Doctoral Programs in Disaster Science, including the Doctor of Disaster Science Program (DIB), the first of its kind in Southeast Asia, further enhance the institution’s academic capacity.
TDMRC USK warmly welcomes schools, universities, and other institutions interested in organizing similar educational visits. Through collaboration with various partners, TDMRC remains committed to building a younger generation that is not only academically capable, but also resilient and prepared to face disasters.
