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UNAIR NEWS – ������ (UNAIR) continues to strengthen its commitment to producing academically excellent graduates who possess social awareness and a strong dedication to serving the nation. In line with this vision, UNAIR Rector Prof. Dr. Muhammad Madyan, S.E., M.Si., M.Fin., officially inaugurated GARDA KSATRIA Airlangga (GARKA) on Monday (July 20, 2026) at THE Hall on the first floor of the UNAIR Rectorate Building.

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Prof. Madyan conveyed his gratitude and appreciation to everyone involved in establishing and bringing GARDA KSATRIA Airlangga (GARKA) to fruition. He noted that the initiative carries a noble mission and purpose. GARDA KSATRIA Airlangga was established as a structured, integrated, and sustainable emergency response system.

“The inauguration of Garda Ksatria Airlangga (GARKA) marks a reaffirmation of its mandate to serve as the vanguard in disaster preparedness, mitigation, emergency response, and recovery. I hope that all GARKA members will carry out their duties in a disciplined, professional, and responsive manner while always upholding humanitarian values,” he said.

Responsive emergency action movement of Ksatria Airlangga��

Prof Madyan stated that this initiative was established not only to enhance UNAIR’s resilience in the face of emergency situations, but also to expand the university’s contribution to disaster and emergency response. According to him, this is a form of mitigation against the impact of disasters, which often result in widespread damage, including to public facilities such as educational institutions, healthcare services, and community social and religious activities in affected areas.

“This highlights the need for more studies on disasters in Indonesia, particularly those that focus on strengthening community preparedness capacity. Therefore, through GARDA KSATRIA, we can work to improve preparedness, strengthen cross-sectoral coordination, speed up emergency responses, support evacuation and rescue operations, and facilitate early post-disaster recovery,” Madyan said.

Role of GARDA KSATRIA Airlangga

GARDA KSATRIA Airlangga is led by Dr Bambang Pujo Semedi, dr SpAn-TI SubspTI(K), as Chair, and Dr Sri Widati, SSos MSi, as Secretary, under the guidance of six UNAIR leaders. The GARDA KSATRIA Airlangga management comprises lecturers and UNAIR leadership, doctors from Dr Soetomo General Hospital and the Ksatria Airlangga Ship Hospital (RSKKA), as well as representatives from the Airlangga University Alumni Association (IKA UNAIR), organised into the Mitigation Unit, the Emergency Response Unit (Land, Sea and Air Sub-units), and the Rehabilitation Unit (Economic, Social, Mental Health and Environmental Sub-units), all designed to strengthen integrated disaster management and response capacity.

The professor from UNAIR’s Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) outlined the strategic role of GARDA KSATRIA Airlangga. He explained that the team will organize regular disaster-awareness campaigns, educational programs, simulations, and emergency preparedness training. These initiatives aim to enhance the literacy, knowledge, skills, and preparedness of the university community in responding to emergency situations. He further noted that UNAIR will strengthen coordination with relevant stakeholders, including regional disaster management agencies (BPBD), hospitals, fire departments, and other related institutions to ensure a rapid, coordinated, and effective response.

“Through the establishment of GARDA KSATRIA Airlangga, UNAIR hopes to foster a culture of disaster awareness, improve disaster literacy, and strengthen the preparedness of the academic community, whilst also reinforcing UNAIR’s role as an institution that consistently delivers tangible benefits to society,” said Prof Madyan.

Author: Fauziah Kandela

Editor: Khefti Al Mawalia��