The Strategic Role of UNIKI Students in Flood and Landslide Disaster Mitigation: Implementation of the 6th Cohort Thematic Community Service Program (KKM) in 2025 in Bireuen Regency.

Floods and landslides are serious problems that frequently occur in various regions of Indonesia, including Aceh Province. Bireuen Regency is one of the areas vulnerable to hydrometeorological disasters—natural phenomena related to atmospheric conditions—due to high rainfall intensity.

However, due to geographical conditions and environmental degradation—the deterioration of soil conditions that become more fragile and contain leachate—the impacts of these disasters are not limited to material losses, but also affect the social, economic, and psychological aspects of the community.

Higher education institutions have a strategic role in disaster mitigation and post-disaster recovery efforts through the implementation of the Tri Dharma of Higher Education. One form of this community engagement is realized through the Thematic Student Community Service Program (Kuliah Kerja Mahasiswa / KKM Tematik).

In addition, the program is designed to provide contextual learning experiences for students while simultaneously helping to address community problems as a concrete form of real-world engagement.

The Universitas Islam Kebangsaan Indonesia (UNIKI) Bireuen, as a higher education institution, is committed to actively contributing to regional development and community empowerment across various sectors.

The Thematic KKM Committee of UNIKI Bireuen adopted the theme “Student Contributions to Flood and Landslide Disaster Mitigation in Aceh” in response to the disasters that affected several villages and areas in Bireuen Regency.

This program is expected to foster students’ social awareness while simultaneously providing tangible benefits to communities affected by floods and mud, enabling them to recover from the impacts of these events as quickly as possible.

The implementation of the 6th Cohort Thematic KKM of UNIKI in 2025 has several main objectives, including providing tangible contributions by students in assisting communities affected by floods and landslides, and supporting post-disaster recovery processes through activities such as cleaning houses, public facilities, and places of worship.

Enhancing public awareness and education regarding disaster preparedness and environmental conservation, as well as fostering empathy—the ability to sense and understand the feelings, thoughts, and experiences of others—solidarity, and social responsibility. Students, as future young intellectuals, implement the Tri Dharma of Higher Education, particularly the commitment to community service.

The Thematic Student Community Service Program (Kuliah Kerja Mahasiswa / KKM Tematik) was conducted from Tuesday, 23 December 2025 to 5 January 2026. The activities began with an official send-off ceremony for the students, which took place in the central courtyard of the UNIKI Bireuen campus.

The students were assigned to five sub-districts and ten villages in Bireuen Regency, namely: Peudada Sub-district—Leubok Naleung Village and Puloe Village; Jeumpa Sub-district—Blang Rheum Village and Meuligoe Village.

In addition, Kuala Sub-district—Weu Jangka Village and Kareueng Village; Peusangan Sub-district—Pante Gajah Village; and Kuta Blang Sub-district—Meusee Village, Imbudee Village, and Ujong Blang Village.

The Thematic KKM participants totaled 164 students from various study programs within UNIKI Bireuen. All participants were fifth-semester students, consisting of both male and female students.

Before being deployed to the field, the students received a preparatory briefing on Monday, 22 December 2025, held on the third floor of the UNIKI Bireuen campus. The briefing was delivered by the Chair of the Committee together with the previously established working team. The briefing materials covered the technical implementation of activities, ethics in interacting with the community, occupational safety, and an introduction to the conditions of the disaster-affected areas.

In addition, to support the smooth implementation of the Thematic KKM activities, students were equipped with work tools and facilities provided through assistance from the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) of Bireuen Regency.

The equipment provided included hoes, twig brooms, shovels, wheelbarrows, work boots, and gloves. This assistance represents a form of synergy between the Government of Bireuen Regency and UNIKI in disaster mitigation efforts.

The Thematic KKM activities were focused on several main actions, including cleaning houses affected by floods and mud, as well as cleaning public facilities, places of worship, and the surrounding residential environment.

In addition, lecturers were also involved in accompanying the community during the post-disaster recovery process. Disaster and environmental education was provided to local residents, who were encouraged to work together in solidarity with government officials.

The students worked in groups under the coordination of field supervising lecturers and local village officials. All activities were carried out by prioritizing the principles of mutual cooperation (gotong royong), safety, and social concern.

The send-off ceremony for the 6th Cohort Thematic KKM of UNIKI in 2025 was attended by various stakeholders, including the Rector of UNIKI, Dr. Zainuddin Iba, S.E., M.M.; the Vice Regent of Bireuen, Ir. Razuardi, M.T.; the UNIKI Trustee, Dr. H. Amiruddin Idris, S.E., M.Si.; the Head of the Bireuen Regency Disaster Management Agency (BPBD); the Vice Rectors; Deans and Vice Deans; lecturers; the entire UNIKI academic community; sub-district heads (camat); Danpos Ramil; and village heads (geuchik).

The Strategic Role of UNIKI Students in Flood and Landslide Disaster Mitigation:
Implementation of the 6th Cohort Thematic Community Service Program (KKM) in 2025 in Bireuen Regency.

Furthermore, in his remarks, the Rector of UNIKI, Dr. Zainuddin Iba, S.E., M.M., stated that the Thematic Community Service Program (KKM) represents a tangible form of student involvement in assisting the community, as well as the implementation of community service as an integral part of the Tri Dharma of Higher Education.

Students are not only assigned to assist in post-disaster physical recovery but are also engaged in providing continuous disaster assistance and education. We also express our sincere appreciation to the Chairman of the UNIKI Bireuen Foundation for his ongoing full support and guidance for the community service programs of UNIKI Bireuen.

In his briefing, the UNIKI Patron, Dr. H. Amiruddin Idris, S.E., M.Si., expressed his appreciation for the support of the Bireuen Regency Government through the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD), which has provided work facilities for the students. He emphasized the importance of upholding the good name of the alma mater and carrying out duties with full responsibility and sincerity.

Previously, UNIKI had deployed approximately 70 volunteers during the first week of the disaster to assist in the operation of the flood emergency post. In addition, while the Community Service Program (KKM) usually lasts for one month, this time it was designed to be thematic and shorter in duration so that its impact could be felt more quickly and directly by communities affected by floods and mud.

Meanwhile, the Vice Regent of Bireuen, Ir. Razuardi, M.T., officially sent off 164 students participating in the Thematic Community Service Program (KKM). He expressed his hope that the presence of the students would help ease the burden and reduce the trauma experienced by the community due to floods and mud that lasted for approximately one month. He also emphasized the importance of maintaining proper conduct and upholding the good name of UNIKI while engaging with the community.

Flash floods have paralyzed the economic and social foundations of the community. However, with the presence of students among local residents, it is hoped that they can serve as a driving force in revitalizing the spirit of recovery. Furthermore, the Vice Regent expressed his hope that these KKM students would act as agents of change and bring positive energy to the community.

The implementation of this Thematic Community Service Program (KKM) has generated positive impacts for both the community and the students. For the community, this program has contributed to accelerating stress reduction and trauma recovery in the aftermath of natural disasters in Bireuen Regency.

However, this initiative aims to create a cleaner environment while increasing awareness of the importance of reducing disaster risks and negative impacts through disaster mitigation. For students, this activity serves as a form of contextual learning that strengthens character, social empathy, and a sense of responsibility as the younger generation.

The presence of students within the community not only provides physical assistance but also brings hope, motivation, and continuous education. This further reinforces the role of UNIKI students as agents of change who are deeply concerned with social and humanitarian issues.

The Thematic Community Service Program (KKM) of Universitas Islam Kebangsaan Indonesia, 6th Cohort, 2025, constitutes a relevant and strategic community service initiative within the context of disaster management in Bireuen Regency.

Through synergy between higher education institutions, local government, and the community, this activity is able to make a tangible contribution to post-disaster recovery while simultaneously strengthening the role of students as a young generation with integrity and social responsibility.

This program is expected to serve as a model of sustainable community service in supporting regional development and strengthening community resilience and patience in facing natural disasters, particularly floods and mud, in Bireuen Regency, Aceh, and Sumatra.

Author:
Yusri,S.Sos.,M.Si.,M.S.
Lecturer, Faculty of Economics and Business, UNIKI Bireuen