IPB University Reduces Tuition Fees for Students Affected by the Sumatra Disaster
After previously conducting various emergency response activities in areas affected by flash floods in Sumatra (Aceh, North Sumatra, West Sumatra), IPB University is now continuing its disaster relief efforts with medium term measures.
Short term (emergency response) actions included sending food aid, medicine, pipes to distribute clean water, satellite based internet equipment packages, and sending doctors, lecturers, and students to provide health and nutrition services, as well as psychological assistance and recovery for victims, especially vulnerable groups (children, the elderly, pregnant/breastfeeding women).
The Rector of IPB University said, “For medium term actions, we have prepared a number of measures, including strengthening the transition from emergency food to more stable food, continued psychosocial recovery, reactivating agriculture, reviving micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and reviewing the single tuition fee (UKT) for students affected by the disaster.”
Regarding UKT, the Rector continued, several policy levels will be implemented: starting from installment payments, reducing the UKT value, exempting UKT payments for students who take academic leave, to making it completely free. This policy will be implemented for at least 1 semester.
“We are currently reviewing the appropriate formula for each student affected by the disaster,” said the Rector.
The Rector also mentioned that Kemdiktisaintek funded four proposals submitted by IPB University for emergency response and rehabilitation, namely logistics distribution, health and nutrition services, psychosocial assistance, and disaster mitigation and education.
For the long term, the Rector mentioned that IPB University will implement various affirmative policies prioritized for disaster-affected areas, such as Thematic Real Work Programs (KKN), Faculty Service Programs, scholarships for new students from disaster-affected regions, and various studies/research/policy briefs on disaster management. (*/Rz) (IAAS/ASY)
