Anastasya Hasugian
Published on 28 July 2026
Through the Medan Angkot Route Mapping pilot project, Dr Yovita Sabarina Sitepu mentors students from diverse academic backgrounds in promoting public transport that is sustainable, safe for women, and accessible to people with disabilities.
Public transport is about more than simply travelling from one place to another. It also encompasses environmental sustainability, accessibility, safety, and every citizen’s right to adequate mobility services. This perspective underpins the involvement of Dr Yovita Sabarina Sitepu, S.Sos., M.Si., Head of the Communication Studies Programme at the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU), in mentoring the Medan Angkot Route Mapping pilot project.
Medan is one of six cities implementing the Future Leaders in Sustainable Transport (FIRST) program. FIRST is a training, mentoring, and pilot project support program for university students, initiated by the World Resources Institute (WRI) Indonesia and the Institute for Natural Resources, Energy, and Environmental Management (IREEM), and supported by UK PACT (Partnering for Accelerated Climate Transitions). From January to July 2026, five students representing Medan carried out the program under the guidance of Dr. Yovita Sabarina Sitepu, S.Sos., M.Si.
The five students come from various academic programs and universities, including the Architecture Program at the University of North Sumatra (USU). This interdisciplinary collaboration brings diverse perspectives to the analysis of public transportation issues, ranging from communication, urban planning, and the environment to user needs. This diversity serves as a strength in designing transportation solutions that are more inclusive and aligned with the characteristics of Medan’s community.
Throughout the programme, Dr Yovita guides the research process, evaluates the campaign, connects the team with relevant partners, and supports its field activities. She encourages the students not only to communicate their messages effectively but also to understand the experiences and challenges faced by people who rely on public transport.
The pilot project is carried out by Transgo Medan, a team comprising Muaz Al Fatah Fadhani, Zaky Atila C. Hutabarat, Putri Wadda Nabila, Amanda Wibowo, and Widya Suci Yulandari. The team promotes public transport through social media, conducts a mini field study during a Car-Free Day event, and develops a visual map of public minibus (angkot) routes across Medan.
These activities highlight the importance of developing a public transport system that is not only environmentally sustainable but also safe for women and accessible to people with disabilities. Clear route information, adequate supporting facilities, and safe and comfortable services are essential to encouraging more people to shift from private vehicles to public transport.
According to Dr Yovita, the initiative is particularly significant because student-led movements that engage directly with environmental issues remain relatively limited, especially those focused on raising public awareness.
“I hope that more people in Medan will recognise the importance of reducing carbon emissions. The government is also expected to support the provision of environmentally friendly transport facilities that are safe for women and accessible to people with disabilities,” said Dr Yovita.
Her mentorship demonstrates how universities can play an active role in addressing urban challenges. Through field research, digital campaigns, and interdisciplinary collaboration, students are not only extending their learning beyond the classroom but also helping to raise public awareness of sustainable mobility.
Guided by the spirit of “Connecting Roads, Easing Journeys,” the Medan Angkot Route Mapping pilot project is expected to mark an important first step towards a more informative, inclusive, and sustainable public transport system for everyone in Medan.
