Swift Response from the UNS SAR Team

In response to the emergency, the Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Search and Rescue (SAR) Team swiftly deployed five trained personnel. The team brought a rubber boat to assist in the affected areas. Their primary assignment was in Sruni Village, Kadipiro, one of the worst-hit areas.

According to UNS SAR Team Coordinator Danang, the team focused on evacuating residents from Sruni Village. “Heavy flooding hit this area because it sits at the confluence of two small rivers. The water inundated approximately 30 houses, with depths ranging from 0,5 to 1,7 meters,” he told uns.ac.id.

The flooding affected at least 96 residents from RT 01 and 02 of RW 13. It also impacted residents from RT 02 of RW 16. Water levels began rising at around 4:00 PM local time and peaked at approximately 8:00 PM. Fortunately, the floodwaters gradually receded, starting at 9:00 PM.

The rescue team had safely evacuated all residents by the time the situation stabilized. After completing their mission, the UNS SAR team returned to base. The rapid response and coordination ensured minimal disruption and injuries.

Local Government Acknowledges SAR Efforts

Meanwhile, Surakarta Mayor Respati Ardi visited the flood-affected locations. He expressed his sincere appreciation to the UNS SAR team. He also thanked all SAR personnel who contributed to the emergency relief operation. This humanitarian initiative aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It particularly supports efforts to tackle climate change and develop resilient, sustainable communities.

Humas UNS

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On this occasion it was attended by the Deputy Territorial Assistant (Waaster) Kasad for Territorial Planning and Capability, Brigadir General TNI Mateus Jangkung Widiyanto, S.I.P., M.Tr. The Board of Majelis Wali Amanat (MWA), Academic Senate (SA), and UNS Board of Professors (DP) participated in the inauguration ceremony. As well as University leaders, faculties, schools, institutions, hospitals, and other invited guests were also present.

Prof. Jamal said in his speech that UNS should be proud. Because the coordinating unit (bakorlak) of Disaster Response SAR – UNS has had solid fast-acting troops for 37 years. The team known to be familiar with the UNS Orange Shirt Corps throughout its history has proven to have assistance in social and humanitarian actions deserving thumbs up.

The coordinating unit (bakorlak) of Disaster Response SAR – UNS initially consisted of UNS alumni from various faculties. In carrying out their social service mission, they have invited the general public who have the potential and passion to search and rescue disaster victims.

“As a form of our appreciation, for the continuous achievements and reputation of the Bakorlak SAR – UNS Team, today UNS presented a new building that can be used as a secretariat as well as the main headquarters for the Bakorlak SAR – UNS team,” Prof. Jamal said.

Communication, coordination, and disaster response service activities that will be carried out by volunteers from the SAR – UNS Bakorlak Response Team are expected to be faster and meet the standardized quick response time.

The Headquarters of the SAR – UNS Bakorlak Disaster Response Team had moved to some previous locations. Starting from the UNS Mesen Campus, UNS Tirtomoyo Campus, UNS Dormitory, finally it moves to this new building. Prof. Jamal also hopes that the building will become the permanent headquarters of the SAR – UNS Disaster Response Bakorlak Team.

Prof. Jamal advised that the SAR – UNS Disaster Response Bakorlak Team could use the building as a place to deliver socialization and education to build public awareness. So that they are more concerned and alert in carrying out disaster prevention efforts.

“The society must be taught to have cultural knowledge of SAR, to increase public awareness or vigilance, especially those who live in areas prone to accidents, disasters and conditions endangering humans,” Prof. Jamal added.

The Commitment Making Officer (PPK) for the Construction of the SAR-UNS Disaster Response Bakorlak Building, Pramono Kurniawan, S.T., M.T., reported that the building area of 250 m2 and a land area of 700 m2 took 90 days to build.

The event continued with the Disaster Management Oration by Brigadier General Mateus Jangkung Widiyanto, S.I.P., M.Tr. His presence represented the Deputy Chief of Staff of the Army, Lt. Gen. Agus Subiyanto. He said that concern for natural situations and conditions is needed as the key to disaster management.

“Today the Bakorlak Office was inaugurated by the Rector. Highest appreciation. Surely, our big hope is that the performance will get better and more extraordinary in future disaster management, ” Brigadier General Jangkung said.

After the oration was delivered, Prof. Jamal cut the ribbon as a symbolic form of the inauguration of the SAR – UNS Disaster Response Bakorlak Building. Together with Brigadier General Jangkung and other invited guests, the event was closed by taking a look the room and equipment collection belonging to the SAR – UNS Bakorlak Disaster Response. Humas UNS

Reporter: Rangga Pangestu Adji
Editor: Dwi Hastuti
Translator: Mifta Muriska

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Prof. Kuncoro stated that the UNS volunteer team was helping the evacuation of local people in the Kamar Kajang area, Sumberwuluh, Candipuro Subdistrict, Lumajang District, East Java. The team succeeded in evacuating two people left in the hamlet before bringing them to the safe meeting spot to undergo a medical check. The team returned to the hamlet to ensure that nobody was left and found that everyone had evacuated. The team was driving back to the post when the volcanic mudflow entered the hamlet and trapped their 4×4 Toyota Hilux.

“The car was stuck on stones from the volcanic mudflow, it was hard to move, and the mud was getting high. They need to think for safety; thus, the driver and rescuer saved themselves because once the mud is high, they won’t be able to open the door and get out; it was riskier. They run to a safe sport. The car was left behind,” Prof. Kuncoro explained.

The driver and rescuer are safe from the volcanic mudflow. However, their car was buried deep in the volcanic materials. Prof. Kuncoro greatly appreciated the struggle of the UNS team sent to Mount Semeru, which he considers as the maximum efforts from UNS Taskforce for Natural Disaster.

“I think this is the maximum effort from the rescuers in the field. We could imagine if we did not move, the life of those two locals could be at risk; we never know. This is unexpected. At least we have given our optimum efforts to save two people,” he added.

Several efforts have been taken to evacuate the buried car with the help of other SAR teams and the Indonesia Offroad Federation (IOA) team. However, the hot volcanic material and the sinking motion of the mud caused by footsteps proved that it is harder than one’s expectation. However, a plan has been set to dig the car using excavating equipment.

“Yesterday, there was an evacuation effort taken by IOF to help, but it was hard because the car was buried in solid mud. It was not successful. We hope that today excavator could be sent there to evacuate the car. The car could be fixed as used again,” Prof. Kuncoro concluded.

UNS Taskforce for Semeru disaster was sent to Lumajang District, East Java, on Sunday (5/12/2021). The team has 15 members, three doctors, two nurses, five medical personnel, three rescuers, and two Alumni Association (IKA) UNS volunteers. The team will conduct their duties in the next ten days before the new team takes their position. Currently, the team has one fully functioning ambulance. Humas UNS

Reporter: Ida Fitriyah
Editor: Dwi Hastuti

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The Team consists of ten members: three volunteers from Badan Koordinasi Pelaksana (Bakorlak) SAR UNS, five volunteers from the Faculty of Medical Science (FK) UNS, and two volunteers from the Alumni Association (IKA) UNS. The sendoff ceremony was held symbolically by the Vice-Rector for Research and Innovation Affairs UNS Prof. Kuncoro Diharjo, in the lobby of dr. Prakosa Rectorate Building.

On this occasion, he stated that the Team would conduct a ten-day operation and would come back to Solo to be replaced by a different Team. To support the evacuation process at the eruption-impacted areas, the Team was equipped with two cars, one ambulance, 3,000 face masks, three jerrycans of disinfectant, seven oxygen cylinders, and medicines.

“The disaster-affected areas are locations that are not conducive. I really hope and truly ask you, please keep your Team member, stay healthy, stay together, and stay safe,” Prof. Kuncoro stated.

To the volunteers, the Vice-Rector mentioned that their departure to the eruption-affected areas had been supported by many people, including local IKA UNS. The Semeru Rescue Team will receive a home base facility in several houses and clinics to be set as their posts that support their mobility during the evacuation process.

“We have alumni there who will provide house and clinic as your home base. Use the posts as best as you can to support our operation, where our cars go today, where our Team goes today. These vehicles are vital,” Prof. Kuncoro stated.

On the same occasion, the Chief of Operation Division Bakorlak SAR UNS Agung Nugeroho reminded the volunteers to stay safe, especially considering that there are areas with no connectivity and the danger of volcanic mudflow continues to threaten certain areas.

“I hope all of you who will be in the field keep maintaining your movement, always report, for example, if any of you about to go somewhere, make sure there are people to oversee. Protect one another,” Agung Nugeroho added.

The Team will depart to Surabaya using the toll road in a three-hour journey, then departing to Leces Subdistrict, Probolinggo District before entering Lumajang District. Humas UNS

Reporter: Y.C.A. Sanjaya
Editor: Dwi Hastuti

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