PU Ministry Sends 21 Polytechnic Students to Help Handle Post-Flood Recovery in Sumatra

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Public Works (PU) has sent 21 PU Polytechnic internship students to help restore Aceh and North Sumatra (Sumut) provinces after the flash flood and landslides.

The release of the PU Polytechnic internship students was carried out at the Jakarta Regional Competence Development Center III, Thursday, January 22.

Head of the Human Resources Development Agency (BPSDM) of the PU Ministry, Apri Artoto, explained that as many as 21 students came from three study programs in the PU Polytechnic environment.

The details, five students from the Air Building Construction Technology Study Program were assigned to the Sumatera II River Basin Agency (BBWS), ten students from the Road and Bridge Construction Technology Study Program were stationed at the North Sumatra National Road Implementation Agency (BBPJN).

Then, there are six students from the Building Construction Technology Study Program who are serving in the North Sumatra Strategic Infrastructure Working Unit.

During the assignment, the 21 students will assist the station and work units at the affected locations, including in the activities of inventory and data collection of infrastructure damage, field technical assistance, and supporting the planning process and quick design (quick design) for the reconstruction of buildings affected by disasters.

"The presence of student interns is expected to make a positive contribution to the recovery process in the field. This is not only academic learning, but also the formation of integrity, social sensitivity and devotion to the country," said Apri in a written statement, Thursday, January 22.

Meanwhile, the Director of PU Brawijaya Polytechnic said that dozens of students would carry out assignments in Aceh and North Sumatra for six months.

In addition to applying technical competence, students are expected to be able to show professionalism while serving in the field.

"Through this activity, students are expected to work with full responsibility, discipline, and maintain the good name of the institution and the Ministry of PU," he said.

A student of the Road and Bridge Construction Technology Study Program named Annisa Naila stated that she was ready to be directly involved in assignments in disaster-affected areas.

"We are ready to be assigned to support post-disaster recovery in Aceh and North Sumatra. Hopefully, our presence can help the reconstruction process and benefit the community," he said.

As a form of appreciation, students who carry out internships in disaster-affected areas will receive learning recognition in the form of 50 points and a certificate.

The activity is expected to be a valuable experience as well as a resource in developing competence and understanding of the strategic role of the Ministry of PU in the recovery of disaster-affected areas.