IPB University Distributes Phase II Sumatra Disaster Relief and Waqf Deposit Scholarships
IPB University once again demonstrated its commitment to strengthening social concern and the sustainability of education through the Symbolic Distribution of Phase II Sumatra Disaster Relief and Scholarships through the Waqf Deposit Scheme.
This activity constituted the handover of donations collected by the Waqf and Social Funds Unit (UWDS) of IPB University, as well as the distribution of returns from Waqf Deposit Stage 3 Volume 1 and Stage 1 Volume 2. The event took place at the IPB Business School, Gunung Gede Campus, Bogor, on (1/5).
Rector Dr Alim Setiawan Slamet expressed his appreciation for the spirit of mutual cooperation shown by the academic community and alumni of IPB University in responding to the disaster in Sumatra.
He emphasized that from the outset, IPB University had designed a tiered disaster response, encompassing short, medium, and long term approaches.
“IPB University focuses on fundraising through UWDS, while field distribution is entrusted to ARM HA (Independent Volunteer Action by the Alumni Association), which operates in a rapid and adaptive manner,” he stated.
According to Dr Alim, the assistance provided was not limited to food and medicines, but also included emergency connectivity support through the provision of internet access, health services, psychosocial assistance, and ready to eat food innovations.
One form of assistance delivered was the provision of 18.000 sterile instant rice packages and 13.000 infant food packages, specifically designed for conditions with limited access to clean water.
“This innovation has even been reported to the President and has the potential to be followed up as a national emergency food solution,” he explained.
In the medium and long term, Dr Alim continued, IPB University is also encouraging economic rehabilitation based on agriculture, livestock, and fisheries, as well as strengthening regional resilience and human resources.
Affirmative access to higher education for prospective students from disaster-affected areas is also a serious concern, including through special admission pathways and scholarship schemes.
Meanwhile, the Chairperson of UWDS IPB University, Prof Alla Asmara, reported that the total funds collected for the Sumatra disaster as of early January had reached approximately IDR 151 million.
In the first distribution phase, IDR 50 million was disbursed, followed by IDR 80 million in the second phase through ARM HA. In addition, 494 free dinner packages were provided to IPB University students whose families were affected by the disaster.
Prof Alla also explained the achievements of the Waqf Deposit Program, which to date has distributed approximately IDR 909 million in scholarships to 270 students.
“We redistributed the returns from Waqf Deposit Volume 1 Stage 3 amounting to IDR 165 million for 49 students, as well as the symbolic distribution of Waqf Deposit Volume 2 amounting to IDR 155 million,” she explained.
The Chairman of ARM HA, Ir Ahmad Husein, MSi, added that his organization continues to carry out assistance in eight regencies across Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra, including the construction of drilled wells, clean water pipelining, and the distribution of medical aid to isolated areas.
Complementing this, the Chairman of the IPB Alumni Care Foundation (YAPI), Andi Irman Patiroi, stated that the synergy between alumni and IPB University through the waqf scheme has strengthened the sustainability of scholarships. “This collaboration makes scholarship financing more balanced and sustainable,” he said. (dr) (IAAS/KAL)
