ILUNI UI Collects IDR 15.1 Billion In Funds To Help Economic Recovery Of Disaster Victims In Sumatra

Photo: Special

JAKARTA The floods and landslides that hit Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra triggered a solidarity movement from the Indonesian University Alumni Association (ILUNI UI).

Through the fundraising event, ILUNI UI managed to collect a donation of Rp 15.1 billion to support emergency handling as well as economic recovery for affected residents.

Non-active DPR RI member Ahmad Sahroni was also present and became one of the largest donors.

In the event, Sahroni announced a personal donation of Rp. 1 billion.

"I want to participate in helping our brothers and sisters in Sumatra," said Sahroni.

Sahroni assessed that the ILUNI UI initiative is important to accelerate the distribution of aid, considering that many areas are still isolated and access to food, clean water, and other basic needs are very limited.

"Empathy like this is very much needed. Many residents are fighting with time to get help," he said.

The chairman of the Fundraising Committee, Kadri Muhammad, explained that this activity involved around 100 musicians, including Once, Melly Goeslaw, Vina Panduwinata, Andien, and Tompi, to expand the reach of solidarity campaigns.

"But this is not over yet. There is still a second round on December 16 at Kemang Village," said Kadri.

According to Kadri, ILUNI UI has experience in raising humanitarian funds, including when dealing with the 2018 Palu earthquake disaster.

The donations collected will later be distributed directly to affected areas, adjusting the needs of refugees such as basic materials, basic services, to the construction of temporary housing.

ILUNI UI targets this assistance to support the socio-economic recovery of residents, especially in residential centers and small business areas that are severely affected by disasters.