Banda Aceh, June 30, 2026 — The Tsunami and Disaster Mitigation Research Center (TDMRC), Universitas Syiah Kuala (USK), held a leadership transition ceremony marking the handover of TDMRC’s directorship from Prof. Dr. Syamsidik to Prof. Dr. Muksin for the 2026-2031 term. The event took place at the Dr. Ir. M. Ridha Auditorium on the 3rd Floor of the TDMRC Building and was attended by university leadership and TDMRC researchers.
The event opened with a presentation by USK’s Director of Education and Academic Administration, outlining the university’s academic policy direction and the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) set as targets for TDMRC. The presentation highlighted that TDMRC is considered a major contributor to USK’s improved standing in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings and World University Rankings, particularly through research and community service aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
This was followed by a presentation from USK’s Director of Partnership and Planning on opportunities for strategic synergy and partnerships that TDMRC can strengthen going forward. It was also noted that TDMRC’s contributions will be focused on four priority SDGs going forward: SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
In the ceremony’s central segment, Prof. Dr. Syamsidik delivered remarks of gratitude along with personal reflections after leading TDMRC since 2021. He also expressed his commitment to continuing to contribute to TDMRC despite now serving at USK’s Global Engagement Office, noting that TDMRC is seen as holding strong potential to help attract international students to USK.
Handover from Prof. Syamsidik to Prof. Muksin
“Even though I am now serving in a new place, the Global Engagement Office, I still want to contribute to TDMRC through my new office if possible, because TDMRC can also create opportunities for international students to come,” said Prof. Syamsidik.
As TDMRC’s newly appointed director, Prof. Dr. Muksin expressed his gratitude for the trust placed in him and outlined his plans for TDMRC’s future development. He affirmed his commitment to continuing and strengthening TDMRC’s focus on the four priority SDGs, in line with USK’s broader efforts to advance its standing in the THE Impact Rankings and World University Rankings.
“I hope that going forward, TDMRC can become more successful, more disaster-resilient, and increasingly recognized both nationally and globally,” said Prof. Muksin.
In recognition of his dedication and contributions during his term, Prof. Dr. Syamsidik was presented with an award of appreciation.
Representing university leadership, USK’s Vice Rector III, Dr. Rina Suryani Oktari, S.Kep., M.Si., FRSPH, delivered remarks offering guidance and expectations for TDMRC’s future direction. In her remarks, she underscored TDMRC’s strategic role as a key driver of USK’s international reputation, and affirmed the university’s full support for TDMRC’s focus on the four priority SDGs in disaster research and mitigation at both national and international levels.
“TDMRC must become more advanced going forward, more accomplished, and increasingly recognized both nationally and internationally,” said Dr. Rina Suryani Oktari.
