UNAND and Donors Support SDG 11 and SDG 17 through HUNSELA for Flood-Affected Residents in Batu Busuak

Padang, January 26, 2026 — Universitas Andalas (UNAND), together with donors, inaugurated Hunian Sementara Sehat dan Layak or HUNSELA for residents affected by flooding in Kampung Talang, Batu Busuak, on Monday, January 26.

The construction of HUNSELA began on December 15, 2025, and resulted in 11 housing units and 10 sanitation facilities. The temporary housing will be occupied by 11 families consisting of 40 people from Suku Tanjung. The residents come from the same clan, while the land used for the HUNSELA construction belongs to the niniak mamak of Suku Tanjung, giving the program strong cultural and communal value.

Beyond serving as temporary housing, the area is also planned to be developed into permanent housing with support from the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, known as KADIN. This long-term plan reflects the broader commitment to help disaster-affected residents rebuild their lives in a more sustainable way.

The development of HUNSELA was made possible through the support of 11 main donors, including Vita Gamawan Fauzi, Hj. Maizarnis, Desnitas Alexandra, Edha Hatnusein, Dr. Nurtati, dr. Harmen and wife, Universitas Andalas, Universitas Negeri Padang, Universitas Gunung Jati, Institut Teknologi Bandung, and IKA UNAND.

Representative of Suku Tanjung, Dasrul, S.S., M.Si., said the community had prepared a long-term plan for the area. In the future, Kampung Talang is expected to be developed into an agro-tourism and cultural village because of its natural and social potential. The village is also planned to become a living laboratory for Universitas Andalas.

The housing units were designed as type 23 homes by Prof. Fauzan from UNAND. Unlike ordinary temporary shelters, the houses were designed with two air vents to support better air circulation, comfort, and the health of the residents.

During the same occasion, Fadly Amran emphasized that accelerating infrastructure recovery remains a priority. A total of 13 bridges and 8 irrigation channels need immediate repair so that rice fields and community land can receive water again. The central government has also promised rehabilitation for 102 hectares of rice fields in Padang that were buried by flood material, with work to be carried out directly by farmer groups and funding of Rp13.4 million per hectare distributed to farmer group accounts.

As a short-term response to the water crisis caused by drought, hundreds of water pumps are planned to be installed. For the long term, recovery efforts will include improving river flows and irrigation networks to support community resilience and agricultural recovery.

UNAND Rector Efa Yonnedi, Ph.D., reaffirmed the university’s commitment to being present with the community. He said UNAND, with its expertise, is ready to become a partner in rebuilding affected areas to become stronger and better. He also emphasized that UNAND had been involved since the emergency response phase and would continue to accompany residents throughout the recovery process.

This initiative supports SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities by providing safer and healthier temporary housing for disaster-affected residents while also supporting the transition from emergency response to rehabilitation and reconstruction. The planned development of permanent housing, infrastructure recovery, and future agro-tourism and cultural village also reflects an effort to rebuild the community in a more resilient and sustainable way.

The program also aligns with SDG 17 Partnerships for the Goals because it was implemented through collaboration between UNAND, donors, alumni, universities, local community leaders, government actors, and other stakeholders. Through this partnership, HUNSELA became more than a housing program; it became a shared recovery effort rooted in solidarity, cultural values, and long-term community empowerment.

Through the inauguration of HUNSELA, UNAND reaffirmed its role as a university that is responsive to community needs, especially in times of disaster. By combining academic expertise, donor support, student involvement through disaster-themed community service, and community participation, UNAND continues to contribute to post-disaster recovery and the rebuilding of a stronger Batu Busuak community.