The event was organized in collaboration with the ITB Alumni Association (IA ITB), the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), and several partner universities from the disaster-affected regions.

Far from being a mere ceremonial gathering, the forum served as a platform to unify visions and strategies for the rehabilitation and reconstruction phase. The primary objective is to ensure that university contributions extend beyond emergency relief, continuing into long-term, science- and data-driven recovery interventions.

A Science-Based Upstream-Downstream Approach

In this recovery effort, ITB has assumed the role of a supporting university. Its contribution goes beyond logistical aid to include data-driven assistance, ensuring that rehabilitation efforts are both targeted and sustainable.

Dr. Saut Sagala, Head of the ITB Task Force for Sumatra Recovery, explained that ITB provides the scientific foundation for policies enacted by local governments and local universities. This is achieved primarily through geospatial data analysis and watershed (DAS) management.

“The biggest challenge currently is the continued high rainfall, meaning the potential for subsequent disasters remains. Therefore, mitigation must be integrated between upstream and downstream areas,” said Dr. Saut. “Damage in downstream areas cannot be resolved partially based on administrative boundaries; it requires concurrent ecosystem restoration in the upstream regions.”

Through the integration of satellite data and disaster risk mapping, ITB offers recommendations for safer spatial planning. This approach aims to ensure that the reconstruction process is not just about rebuilding, but "building back better" in areas with a lower risk of recurring disasters.

Field Innovation: Economic Recovery and Clean Water Access

Beyond strategic policy contributions, ITB’s impact is being felt directly by communities through the application of appropriate technology involving alumni and field partners.

In Aceh Province, collaboration with the Aceh Chapter of IA ITB focused on salvaging the agricultural sector, a key economic pillar for the community. Instead of providing consumptive aid, the team mobilized to save pomelo orchards—a leading commodity in Bireuen Regency—which were threatened by post-flood mud deposits.

“We applied a root collar excavation technique. The solid mud burying the base of the trees was carefully dug out to allow the plants to breathe and prevent trunk rot,” stated a representative from IA ITB Aceh Chapter. This effort is complemented by a dryland rice (padi gogo) planting program in rice fields suffering from irrigation damage, intended to support farmers' economic recovery over a six-month period.

Meanwhile, in North Sumatra, ITB collaborated with the Salman Charity Foundation (Rumah Amal Salman) to address limited access to clean water. Mipi Ananta Kusuma, Chairman of the foundation, explained that the team assembled Mobile Water Treatment Plants (IPA) directly at the disaster site in Medan, rather than shipping pre-assembled units.

“This installation is equipped with a piping network connected directly to public hydrants near residential areas. Our focus is ensuring accessibility so that residents, particularly vulnerable groups, do not have to travel far for clean water, as the source is now available near their homes,” concluded Mipi.