BANDA ACEH – Tsunami and Disaster Mitigation Research Center (TDMRC) of Universitas Syiah Kuala (USK) held an audience meeting with the Aceh Human Resources Development Agency (BPSDM Aceh) on Friday, July 17, 2026, at the BPSDM Aceh Office.
The meeting was part of TDMRC USK’s efforts to strengthen coordination and build greater synergy with various stakeholders, particularly to support human resource capacity development and strengthen disaster management programs in Aceh.
The TDMRC USK delegation was led by the Director of TDMRC USK, Prof. Dr. Muksin, S.Si., M.Si., M.Phil., accompanied by Alfi Rahman, S.I.Kom., M.Si., Ph.D., Rizanna Rosemary, S.Sos., M.Si., MHC., Ph.D., Dr. Yopi Ilhamsyah, M.Si., Novia Mehra Erfiza, S.TP., M.Agric., Dr. Syahrul Ridha, and Rizka Puspitasari, M.Si. The delegation was warmly welcomed by the Head of BPSDM Aceh, Marthunis, S.T., D.E.A., along with members of the staff.
During the meeting, TDMRC USK presented several plans and strategic directions for research, education, training, and human resource capacity development in disaster management. The meeting also provided an opportunity to discuss potential areas for collaboration between TDMRC USK and BPSDM Aceh to enhance human resource competencies relevant to Aceh’s disaster-related needs and challenges. 
The discussion also opened opportunities for the development of various joint programs, ranging from training and human resource competency enhancement to the utilization of disaster research findings and innovations to strengthen institutional capacity and support the development of a more disaster-resilient region.
In addition to its work in research and human resource capacity development, TDMRC USK also has experience in applying research findings and innovations directly in disaster situations. In response to the floods that affected Aceh following Cyclone Senyar in 2025, TDMRC USK contributed to the production of emergency food supplies, which were subsequently distributed to disaster-affected communities. This initiative demonstrated how research and innovation can translate into practical solutions that help meet the basic needs of communities during emergency response situations.
This experience further highlights the importance of developing human resources who not only possess a strong theoretical understanding of disaster management but are also capable of applying knowledge, research, and innovation effectively in real-world emergency situations.
TDMRC USK presents emergency food products to the Head of BPSDM Aceh, Marthunis, S.T., D.E.A., as part of its disaster innovation initiatives
As a center for disaster research and knowledge development at Universitas Syiah Kuala, TDMRC continues to promote stronger connections among academia, government institutions, and various stakeholders. Cross-sector collaboration is essential to ensure that disaster-related research and knowledge are not confined to the academic sphere, but can also be translated into programs and innovations that provide tangible benefits to government institutions and communities.
During this meeting, TDMRC USK and BPSDM Aceh also discussed several strategic areas for future collaboration, particularly the development of capacity-building programs based on regional needs and supported by research findings, expertise, innovation, and practical experience in disaster management.
Synergy between educational and research institutions and human resource development agencies is expected to further strengthen Aceh’s disaster resilience ecosystem. Developing competent human resources with a strong understanding of disaster risks is a key element in promoting the integration of disaster risk reduction across various development sectors.
The meeting also reflects TDMRC USK’s continued commitment to expanding its collaborative networks and ensuring that advances in disaster science, research, and innovation make meaningful contributions toward building a more disaster-resilient Aceh.
