BANDA ACEH – Universitas Syiah Kuala (USK) has deployed a multidisciplinary humanitarian team to West Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), to support healthcare services and assist communities affected by the earthquake. The team, known as the USK PEDULI for the Manggarai, NTT Disaster Response Team, departed from Banda Aceh on Sunday, 23 August 2026. Before leaving, the team was officially sent off at the residence of USK Rector Prof. Dr. Mirza Tabrani, S.E., M.B.A., D.B.A., on Saturday night, 22 August 2026.
USK Rector Prof. Dr. Mirza Tabrani, S.E., M.B.A., D.B.A., together with university leaders, representatives of TDMRC USK, the Faculties of Medicine and Nursing, and members of the volunteer team during the send-off ceremony for the USK Cares for the Manggarai, NTT Disaster Response Team on Saturday night, 22 August 2026. The team was deployed to support healthcare services and assist communities affected by the earthquake in West Manggarai, NTT. PHOTO: USK DOCUMENTATION
The seven-member team comprises one specialist surgeon, two orthopedic and traumatology specialists, two nurses, one public health epidemiologist, and one technical specialist from the Tsunami and Disaster Mitigation Research Center (TDMRC) USK.
Upon arrival, the team is scheduled to serve at Komodo Regional General Hospital in Labuan Bajo, West Manggarai. Their responsibilities will include supporting medical services for affected communities, particularly managing trauma, injuries, fractures, dislocations, and postoperative care.
The humanitarian mission will also involve field needs assessments, epidemiological surveillance, logistical support, information system assistance, and capacity building for local healthcare workers through knowledge and experience exchange.
The team is expected to remain in West Manggarai for 14 days. However, the assignment duration may be adjusted based on field conditions, the results of the needs assessment, and directions from the health crisis response coordinator.
The USK Cares for the Manggarai, NTT Disaster Response Team shortly before departing from Aceh for East Nusa Tenggara on Sunday, 23 August 2026. The team, consisting of medical professionals, an epidemiologist, nurses, and technical personnel from TDMRC USK, will carry out a 14-day humanitarian mission in West Manggarai Regency. PHOTO: USK DOCUMENTATION
The send-off ceremony was attended by USK Rector Prof. Dr. Mirza Tabrani, S.E., M.B.A., D.B.A.; Vice Rector for Planning, Partnerships and Business Dr. Ir. Ramzi Adriman, S.T., M.Sc., IPM., ASEAN Eng., APEC Eng.; Director of TDMRC USK Prof. Dr. Muksin, S.Si., M.Si., M.Phil.; Dean of the Faculty of Medicine Dr. dr. Bakhtiar, M.Kes., Sp.A(K); and Dean of the Faculty of Nursing Prof. Dr. Teuku Tahlil, S.Kp., M.S. Several TDMRC researchers, university leaders, and members of the USK academic community were also present to express their support for the team before its departure.
The deployment reflects USK’s commitment to contributing to disaster response through a multidisciplinary approach. By bringing together medical professionals, nurses, an epidemiologist, disaster researchers, and technical personnel, USK aims to support healthcare services while contributing to the recovery of communities affected by the earthquake in West Manggarai.
The mission also contributes to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By providing healthcare services and supporting affected communities, the deployment directly advances SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being. It also supports SDG 1: No Poverty by helping vulnerable households and communities recover from the disaster’s social and economic impacts.
Through knowledge transfer, field mentoring, and capacity building for local healthcare workers, the mission contributes to SDG 4: Quality Education. The involvement of TDMRC USK and the focus on disaster response and community recovery also align with SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, particularly by strengthening local resilience to disasters.
Furthermore, the collaboration among USK, healthcare professionals, disaster researchers, hospitals, and local stakeholders reflects the spirit of SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. This multidisciplinary partnership demonstrates the importance of shared expertise and coordinated action in addressing complex humanitarian challenges.
The mission reflects the spirit of “USK Cares for the Manggarai, NTT Disaster Response: Together, We Restore Hope,” representing the solidarity of the USK academic community with the people of West Manggarai.
