For residents going through difficult times in the aftermath of the Flores earthquake, a package of basic necessities may seem simple. However, when assistance comes with attention and concern, its meaning can be much greater. This was the message brought by Universitas Terbuka (UT) Kupang together with SALUT Labuan Bajo when they directly visited and assisted residents affected by the earthquake in Kampung Translok Blok B, Desa Macang Tanggar, Kecamatan Komodo, Kabupaten Manggarai Barat.
Led by Head of SALUT Labuan Bajo, Suryadin, S.Sos., together with male and female students, UT Kupang SALUT Labuan Bajo distributed packages of basic necessities to 25 families (households) affected by the Flores earthquake on Thursday (3/9/2026).
The assistance was a form of concern and solidarity from the UT academic community toward people facing difficult circumstances. Not only did they hand over basic necessities, but Suryadin, together with the students, also provided moral support to the residents.
“We from Universitas Terbuka Kupang SALUT Labuan Bajo with our students are moved to show concern for our brothers and sisters affected by the Flores earthquake disaster. This assistance may not be much, but we hope it can help ease the burden on the community,” said Suryadin.
According to Suryadin, social concern is part of the presence of the UT academic community in society. Disasters are humanitarian issues that require togetherness, allowing every element of society to contribute according to its capacity.
“The most important thing is how we can be present and share with the community. We want our students to also learn that education is not only about academics, but also about concern, solidarity, and humanity,” he said.
The distribution of basic necessities to 25 families also demonstrates the importance of addressing people’s basic needs in post-disaster situations. This spirit is in line with SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), which promotes the fulfillment of food needs, particularly for vulnerable communities.
The presence of the students also served as a learning opportunity to develop sensitivity to social issues. Education does not stop at academic aspects, but is also realized through concern and concrete action within the community.
For residents of Kampung Translok Blok B, this attention provided encouragement amid post-disaster conditions that still require support. The spirit of mutual assistance is part of efforts to build a more resilient community in facing risks and disasters, in line with SDG 11 on sustainable cities and communities.
The assistance was warmly welcomed by the community. Residents expressed their gratitude for the attention given, particularly amid post-disaster conditions that still require substantial support.
“We hope this assistance can benefit the families who receive it. We also encourage everyone to continue maintaining the spirit of brotherhood and mutual collaboration. The communities affected by the earthquake need all of us,” Suryadin concluded.
Ultimately, what UT Kupang SALUT Labuan Bajo brought was not merely packages of basic necessities. For the residents of Kampung Translok Blok B, their presence conveyed a simple message that they were not alone in facing the impact of the Flores earthquake. Through the assistance provided, a spirit of strengthening one another and rising together began to grow.
