ULM Provides Tuition Fee Waivers and Sends Humanitarian Team for Students and Disaster Victims in Sumatra
Banjarbaru – Lambung Mangkurat University (ULM) demonstrated its concern and social responsibility at its 128th Graduation Ceremony by providing concrete support to students and communities affected by natural disasters in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra. This commitment was conveyed directly by ULM Rector, Prof. Dr. H. Ahmad Alim Bachri, S.E., M.Si., in front of the graduates and invited guests.
In his remarks, the Rector invited all attendees to reflect on the natural disasters currently affecting several areas in Sumatra. He expressed his deep concern for the grief experienced by the victims and emphasized that ULM exists not only as an academic institution but also as part of the community with humanitarian concerns.
As a concrete manifestation of this concern, ULM provided assistance in the form of a Single Tuition Fee (UKT) waiver for ULM students from disaster-affected areas, namely Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra. This aid was symbolically handed over during the graduation ceremony by the Rector of ULM, along with the Expert Staff to the Secretary General of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, Prof. Dr. Yohandri Bow, S.T., M.S.
The Rector of ULM stated that this UKT (Student Tuition Fee) waiver policy is a swift step by the university to ease the burden on students and their families affected by the disaster. Currently, more than 200 ULM students hail from these three provinces, and this policy is expected to help them continue their studies without the financial burden of the disaster.
Beyond academic policies, ULM also contributes directly in the field. Since December 20, ULM has dispatched a humanitarian team to Pidie Jaya Regency, Aceh, consisting of doctors, nurses, psychologists, public health experts in nutrition and environmental health, and students from the Specialist Medical Education Program (PPDS) specializing in surgery and anesthesia.
The team established an aid post to provide medical services, logistical support, and psycho-social support, particularly for child disaster survivors to help them recover mentally.
Through these steps, Lambung Mangkurat University affirms its role as a university that not only excels in academics, but is also truly present in humanitarian missions and community service.
