In 2024, Universitas Padjadjaran (Unpad) strengthened its role in informing and supporting local and regional governments in climate-related disaster risk monitoring and early warning. Through research, education, and policy collaboration, Unpad provided scientific insights and technical guidance for disaster resilience planning. In partnership with the Sumedang Regency Government, Unpad contributed to post-earthquake recovery and integrated disaster mitigation into the Long-Term Regional Development Plan (RPJPD). Meanwhile, experts such as Prof. Emi Sukiyah and Prof. Nana Sulaksana advanced local awareness of geological and volcanic hazards, emphasizing community-based risk reduction and data-driven decision-making. Supported by the Disaster Research Center, Unpad actively promotes early warning literacy and collaborative disaster management, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable and disaster-resilient regional development.
Exploring the Potentials and Risks of Southern West Java
Prof. Emi Sukiyah, a Professor at the Faculty of Geological Engineering, Universitas Padjadjaran, explained that the geomorphological characteristics of Southern West Java present both valuable potentials and significant challenges for development. Speaking at the Satu Jam Berbincang Ilmu (Sajabi) discussion titled “Jawa Barat Selatan: Antara Pesona dan Bencana,” she described the region’s diverse landforms, shaped by processes such as weathering, erosion, and sedimentation, which create variations from highlands to lowlands. While the area is rich in natural attractions like Ciletuh Geopark and numerous waterfalls, it is also vulnerable to natural hazards including earthquakes, landslides, tsunamis, and flash floods. Prof. Emi emphasized that sustainable development in Southern West Java must integrate disaster risk considerations and involve local communities in understanding and reducing potential hazards. She also called for a long term research roadmap and community based collaboration that values local wisdom as a foundation for effective disaster mitigation and regional resilience.
Unpad Supports Sumedang Government in Post-Earthquake Recovery and Disaster Mitigation Planning
In 2024, Universitas Padjadjaran (Unpad) demonstrated its commitment to disaster response and collaboration with local government through a direct contribution of IDR 250 million to support post-earthquake recovery efforts in Sumedang Regency. The donation, handed over by Unpad Rector Prof. Rina Indiastuti to the Acting Regent of Sumedang, Herman Suryatman, represented a tangible form of solidarity from the academic community following the earthquakes that struck on December 31, 2023, and January 1, 2024. Beyond financial assistance, Unpad expressed its readiness to assist the local government in long-term recovery and disaster mitigation planning. The Sumedang Regency Government acknowledged Unpad’s proactive role, emphasizing that this partnership would help integrate earthquake mitigation into the region’s Long-Term Regional Development Plan (RPJPD) for the next 20 years. This initiative highlights Unpad’s active role in informing and supporting local governments in disaster planning, risk monitoring, and resilience building, ensuring that future regional development aligns with sustainable and disaster-aware principles.
Unpad Strengthens Public Awareness and Research on Disaster Preparedness
Prof. Nana Sulaksana, Professor at the Faculty of Geological Engineering Universitas Padjadjaran, emphasized the importance of public understanding of volcano status information issued by the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD). He explained that volcano classifications and activity levels, from normal, alert, standby, to warning, are based on comprehensive monitoring by volcanology experts and are essential for people living near volcanic slopes. Prof. Nana urged communities to stay informed and follow official disaster instructions to minimize risks and enhance preparedness.
To further strengthen disaster education and response, Universitas Padjadjaran established the Disaster Research Center (Pusat Riset Kebencanaan) led by Dr. Yoga Andriana Sendjaja. The center focuses on disaster research, community assistance, and trauma recovery, supported by volunteers from SAR Unpad, Palawa, and KSR PMI. It has been actively involved in various disaster responses including the Cimanggung landslide, the Cianjur and Sumedang earthquakes, and the Semeru eruption. Through research and education, Unpad continues to promote disaster literacy, early warning awareness, and resilience within communities.