Students from Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta (UNY), in collaboration with Universitas Samudra (Unsam), successfully implemented a clean water tank installation program across strategic locations in the Aceh Tamiang Regency. Conducted from January 10 to February 10, 2026, as part of the National Student Study Service (KKN Kebangsaan), this initiative represents a concrete effort by university students to support community recovery following recent flooding.
One of the active participants in this program was Muhammad Bilal Syaifuddin, a student from the Primary School Physical Education program at UNY’s Faculty of Sports and Health Sciences. Working alongside a cross-university team, he played a direct role in ensuring the installation process was efficient and reached the areas of greatest need. This collaborative project aims to support the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6: ensuring the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. In the aftermath of the floods, several local water sources suffered from contamination, significantly limiting access to safe drinking water.
The newly installed water tanks are expected to facilitate access to hygienic water for the daily needs of the residents. Beyond providing infrastructure, the students also conducted educational outreach regarding the importance of maintaining environmental sanitation and proper tank upkeep to ensure the long-term sustainability of the facilities.
"The installation of these water tanks is crucial because, following the floods, residents struggled to obtain clear, uncontaminated water. We deeply appreciate the hard work of the students from UNY and Unsam who came directly to the field to address our basic needs," stated Udin, a local village official and beneficiary of the program.
Reflecting on the experience, Muhammad Bilal Syaifuddin noted that the initiative was about more than just infrastructure; it was about building collective awareness. He remarked that the team learned extensively from the community while striving to provide a meaningful contribution. He added that the collaboration with Universitas Samudra students further strengthened the spirit of national unity and mutual cooperation across different regions.
Through this synergy between UNY and Universitas Samudra, the KKN Kebangsaan program is expected to serve as a model for collaborative community service based on real-world needs, particularly in disaster-prone regions like Aceh Tamiang.
