UNPRI CARES FOR SUMATRA: Rapid Disaster Response Across Three Provinces in Sumatra! Five Programs, Five Medical and Logistics Teams Deployed in Five Affected Areas

UNPRI’s Rapid Response through Five Integrated Programs Supported by Medical and Logistics Teams Across Three Provinces in Sumatra

UNPRI, Medan – Torrential extreme rains on November 26–27, 2025, transformed large areas of West Sumatra, North Sumatra, and Aceh into seas of water and mud. From Sibolga and Padang Sidempuan surrounded by landslides to North Medan, Langkat, and Aceh Tamiang completely paralyzed by floods, this disaster became the deadliest event toward the end of the year. This impact was also felt in Medan City, including the area around the Universitas Prima Indonesia (UNPRI) campus on Jalan Sampul No. 3 Medan Petisah.

Amidst this national grief, UNPRI moved swiftly through the “UNPRI PEDULI SUMATRA” program. Following the instructions of the Rector of UNPRI, Prof. Dr. Chrismis Novalinda Ginting, M.Kes., AIFO-K, the campus—which recently achieved IAAHEH international recognition—deployed its best forces by forming “Team 5 UNPRI Peduli Sumatra”. This task force consists of volunteer doctors, nurses, pharmacists, psychologists, students, and lecturers from seven faculties: FKKG, FIK, FE, FPSI, FH, FKIP, FASGRO, and FAST, in full collaboration with RSU Royal Prima Medan, RSU Royal Prima Marelan, RS Mata Prima Vision, and BPJS Kesehatan Medan.

The five teams were deployed to the five most critical zones: Sibolga–Central Tapanuli–Padang Sidempuan, Aceh Tamiang, Tanjung Pura (Langkat), Hamparan Perak (Deli Serdang), and North Medan. All volunteer teams worked tirelessly to provide emergency medical services, distribute medicines, and clean vital facilities such as the Aceh Tamiang Regional General Hospital (RSUD Aceh Tamiang), which was buried under 40 cm of mud. These efforts were carried out by establishing aid posts to ensure that community health services could recover immediately.

Prof. Chrismis expressed deep condolences over this humanitarian tragedy. She emphasized that UNPRI is present not only as an educational institution but as a part of society that must uphold humanitarian values, social solidarity, and implement UNPRI's principles: “Unity, Network, Prime, Responsibility, Integrity”. This movement is also in line with global commitments to support SDGs 4, SDGs 9, SDGs 17.

UNPRI's presence on the ground includes five strategic recovery programs:

• Emergency Clean Water Filter & Logistics Program in Langkat, coordinated by Dr. Despaleri Perangin-Angin.
• Appropriate Technology & Psychosocial Recovery Program in Medan Labuhan, coordinated by Mas Intan Purba.
• Logistics Distribution & Health Assistance Program in Aceh Tamiang, coordinated by Dr. Suratni Afrianti and dr. Faris.
• Three Pillars Action Program (Logistics, Nutrition, Trauma Healing) in Tanjung Pura, coordinated by Dr. Windania Purba.
• Rapid Disaster Intervention Program in Central Tapanuli, coordinated by Dr. Yeni Ariesa.

UNPRI affirms that all humanitarian actions will continue. “As long as the community needs us, UNPRI will remain in the field. The recovery of Sumatra is a collective task,” concluded Prof. Chrismis. This spirit of togetherness is what will lead us to rise again through these difficult times.

Let us strengthen our solidarity to help others. Further information regarding UNPRI's social actions and academic programs can be found on the official website at www.unprimdn.ac.id. (Yd / Datok Yan Djuna – Marketing Communication UNPRI).

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