ISOI and FPIK Universitas Bung Hatta Deliver Humanitarian Aid and Advance Post-Disaster Coastal Research

The West Sumatra Chapter of the Indonesian Association of Oceanology Scholars (ISOI), in collaboration with the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science (FPIK) Universitas Bung Hatta, distributed donations to communities affected by hydrometeorological disasters in Padang on December 19, 2025.

The assistance included IDR 6 million in cash and one water dispenser, symbolically handed over by Vice Rector III Universitas Bung Hatta, Dr. Zulherman, ST., M.Sc. The initiative supports SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 13 (Climate Action) through community resilience efforts.

Dr. Harfiandri Damanhuri, S.Pi., M.Sc., representing ISOI West Sumatra, stated that IDR 4 million was directly distributed to 82 affected residents in Kampung Lapai (Nanggalo District) and Puti Bungsu Orphanage in Dadok Tunggul Hitam, Padang. The remaining funds will be allocated to communities along the Batang Air Dindin River estuary and the Batang Anai River in Lubuk Alung. He emphasized that ISOI’s presence reflects solidarity and shared responsibility beyond financial assistance.

Beyond humanitarian aid, ISOI and FPIK Universitas Bung Hatta plan to initiate research on the environmental impacts of flash floods, particularly sediment loads and mineral content in coastal and small island waters. The study will focus on estuarine zones and coastal areas influenced by five major rivers in Padang. This research agenda aligns with SDG 14 (Life Below Water) by promoting science-based coastal ecosystem management.

Dr. Harfiandri highlighted that ISOI’s mission extends to scientific discussion and policy recommendations grounded in empirical data. He noted that coastal communities, especially small-scale fishers, require accurate environmental assessments to support sustainable recovery. The program also contributes to SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through collaboration between professional associations and higher education institutions.

Vice Rector III Dr. Zulherman affirmed that Universitas Bung Hatta fully supports humanitarian and research-based initiatives addressing post-disaster recovery. He stated that while the material assistance may be modest, the spirit of empathy and collective action remains invaluable. Through this collaboration, ISOI and Universitas Bung Hatta aim to foster sustainable coastal recovery and long-term community resilience.