UPNVJ Public Relations - The Institute for Research and Community Service (LPPM) of the National Development University “Veteran” Jakarta (UPNVJ) strengthened the role of universities in disaster preparedness and recovery through a Seminar on the Role of Academics in Disaster Recovery at the UPNVJ MERCe Building Auditorium, Tuesday (1/9/2026). Entering the second day of the 2026 LPPM UPNVJ Research, Community Service, and Entrepreneurship Week (PekanLit), this forum brought together academics and stakeholders to encourage disaster recovery based on research, scientific evidence, and cross-sector collaboration.
The seminar places academics in a strategic position in disaster management. Universities play a crucial role not only in producing research but also in translating scientific findings into recommendations that governments and communities can use to improve preparedness, respond to emergencies, and restore the lives of affected residents.
Prof. Dr. Ir. Ella Meilianda, ST, MT, IPU. from Syiah Kuala University presented the topic "Strengthening Disaster Science and Research to Support Evidence-Based Preparedness and Response." She emphasized the importance of research findings as a foundation for developing disaster preparedness and response measures.
According to the presentation, the knowledge developed by universities needs to move beyond academic publications. Research findings must be translated into recommendations, technologies, methods, or approaches that address real-world conditions so that the benefits of science can be directly felt by the public.
From an institutional perspective, Dr. Henri Togar Hasiholan Tambunan, SE, MA, Head of the Higher Education Service Institute (LLDIKTI) Region III, presented the topic "Building a Higher Education Ecosystem that Supports Collaboration and Disaster Resilience." His presentation highlighted the importance of interconnectedness between higher education institutions so that academic capacity and available resources can move collaboratively when facing the impact of disasters.
This approach emphasizes that disaster resilience cannot be built by a single institution. Universities need to strengthen networks with governments, communities, research institutions, and other stakeholders so that knowledge and resources can be utilized more quickly and appropriately to meet the needs of affected areas.
The seminar also featured Prof. Dr. dr. Basuki Supartono, Sp.OT, FICS, MARS, a professor from the Faculty of Medicine at UPNVJ, who discussed "The Role of Academics in Disaster Recovery." He outlined the contribution of academics in supporting the recovery process through expertise and mentoring tailored to the needs of affected communities.
The discussion was interactive, with participants offering questions, perspectives, and responses to the speakers. The exchange of ideas broadened the discussion on how university research and expertise can be connected to concrete issues in disaster mitigation, response, rehabilitation, and recovery.
Through PekanLit 2026, LPPM UPNVJ is encouraging research and community service to be more responsive to public issues. Collaboration between academics, government, and the community is expected to produce a more targeted, inclusive, and evidence-based disaster recovery process.
Within the framework of UPNVJ's development under the leadership of Rector Prof. Dr. Anter Venus, MA, Comm., strengthening academic contributions to disaster issues while also emphasizing the university's orientation so that knowledge does not stop in the academic sphere. Research, expertise, and community service are directed towards generating concrete benefits and strengthening UPNVJ's presence as a university that impacts society.