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Tag: Universitas Sumatera Utara

USU and India Foster Exchange

Posted on by Jemima Frieda Lumbantobing

Faculty of Social and Political Science of Universitas Sumatera Utara (FISIP USU) strengthened its international cultural engagement through a collaboration with the Consulate General of India in Medan. The event featured the screening of the acclaimed Indian film English Vinglish on September 26, 2025, at the FISIP Theater Room, attended by Consul General H.E. Ravi Shanker Goel, Dean of FISIP USU Dr. Hatta Ridho, S.Sos., MSP., and students from the Department of Communication Science.

The activity aimed to introduce students to Indian culture and cinema while fostering a shared appreciation of cultural diversity. The Consul General highlighted that film is not only a medium of entertainment but also a reflection of society, values, and traditions. Through this initiative, the Consulate General of India hopes to build stronger people-to-people ties with Indonesia, especially among young generations who will shape future collaboration between both nations.

The film English Vinglish tells the story of a woman’s determination to overcome language barriers and regain self-confidence by learning English. Its universal message on perseverance, self-respect, and empowerment resonated with students, sparking discussions on cultural identity and personal growth.

The event also served as a platform to promote educational exchange opportunities. The Consul General shared information on scholarship programs provided by the Government of India for Indonesian students pursuing undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral studies. This gesture reflects India’s long-standing commitment to fostering educational cooperation and academic mobility within the region.

FISIP USU and the Consulate General of India plan to continue their collaboration by hosting monthly film screenings featuring Indian cinema throughout the semester. Each screening will highlight a different aspect of India’s culture, society, and creativity, offering students a broader global perspective while enhancing the faculty’s international visibility.

This partnership aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4 (Quality Education) and Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), by promoting cultural learning and global partnerships. For FISIP USU, such initiatives contribute to building an academic environment that is globally connected, culturally inclusive, and supportive of student growth through meaningful international engagement.

Preserving Geopark Kaldera Toba

Posted on by Tabitha Riyani Simbolon

The Geopark Kaldera Toba (GKT) became the focal point of the Forum Diskusi Aktual Berbangsa dan Bernegara (FDABB) a National Dialogue Forum organized by the People’s Consultative Assembly of the Republic of Indonesia (MPR RI) in collaboration with the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Sumatera Utara (FISIP USU) on Friday, September 19, 2025. Carrying the theme “Affirming the Values of Local Wisdom in Preserving the Geopark Kaldera Toba,” the forum emphasized the significance of Batak cultural values as a foundation for sustainable geopark management.

Held at the FISIP USU Executive Meeting Room, the event brought together key figures from local government, academia, and civil society organizations. Among the attendees were Samosir Regent Vandiko Timotius Gultom, Head of the North Sumatra Office of Culture and Tourism Yuda P. Setiawan, representatives from the North Sumatra Environmental Agency, the Kaldera Toba UNESCO Global Geopark Management Agency, as well as scholars from various disciplines within USU.

The forum was attended in person by Deputy Speaker of the MPR RI, Dr. Lestari Moerdijat, S.S., M.M., who highlighted the importance of synergy among communities, government, and academia in maintaining the sustainability of the Lake Toba region.

“Although the Geopark Kaldera Toba has now received a Green Card from UNESCO, we must continue strengthening collaboration so that the geopark remains connected to the surrounding communities,” said Dr. Lestari Moerdijat.

This discussion followed UNESCO’s previous issuance of a “yellow card” to the Geopark Kaldera Toba in 2023 due to weak community engagement, environmental preservation, and cultural reinforcement. Although the status improved to a “green card” in 2025, stakeholders acknowledged that consistency and cross-sectoral collaboration remain the key to sustainable management.

Local wisdom within the Batak community such as the Dalihan Na Tolu philosophy that emphasizes social balance and reverence for ancestral lands was recognized as vital social capital. These values are not merely cultural heritage but also serve as instruments for environmental conservation.

“The Geopark Kaldera Toba should be approached through the social field perspective as a space of contestation and positioning. It must be understood as a shared space for all ethnic groups surrounding the lake, rather than being perceived solely as belonging to the Batak Toba,” stated Dr. Fikarwin, M.A., Anthropology lecturer at FISIP USU.

This perspective reinforces that the management of the Geopark Kaldera Toba should not only focus on environmental and tourism aspects, but also ensure the inclusion of all ethnic groups around the lake as part of an equitable social space. In line with this, several academics stressed the need to ensure that indigenous communities are not merely symbolically involved, but genuinely integrated into policies and management practices.

“The ITMP Kaldera program aims to integrate both environmental and social aspects of the communities surrounding Lake Toba. There needs to be a proper screening of indigenous communities. Around Samosir, cultural heritage remains alive, but it is not yet fully incorporated into village governance and other local systems,” explained Dr. Muba Manihuruk, M.Si., Sociology lecturer at FISIP USU and researcher for the National Tourism Strategic Area (KSPN).

Beyond addressing the challenges of modernization and mass tourism which risk eroding cultural values the forum also formulated several key recommendations. These include strengthening local wisdom within geopark management policies, promoting culture-based community empowerment, and following up through collaborative research, academic publications, and community engagement programs.

By involving diverse stakeholders, the FDABB is expected to help maintain the Geopark Kaldera Toba’s status as part of the UNESCO Global Geopark Network, while also ensuring that it becomes a source of sustainable prosperity for the surrounding communities.

FISIP USU Supports Local Coffee Growth

Posted on by Jemima Frieda Lumbantobing

From village fields to international markets, the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP) of Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) is helping coffee farmers in Desa Sinaman II, Sidamanik, Simalungun, improve product quality and expand global opportunities. Despite rich potential in coffee, horticulture, and local crafts, farmers face limited income due to traditional production methods and restricted market access. This initiative showcases how social science knowledge can create tangible community impact.

The program blends hands-on training, technology adoption, and mentoring. Farmers learn Good Agricultural Practices and operate modern equipment, including electric grinders and compact roasters with three-kilogram cooling airflow. These tools are expected to boost daily coffee production from fifty kilograms to between one hundred and one hundred fifty kilograms, while technical and machine handling skills increase by forty to fifty percent.

Business management is strengthened through coaching in financial recording, cost planning, organization, and marketing strategies. Digital marketing, attractive packaging, and identification of local and international markets extend the reach of Sinaman II coffee beyond traditional boundaries.

The initiative is led by M. Muhammad Arifin Nasution, Hatta Ridho, Sri Alem Br. Sembiring, Hafizhah Salsabila Harahap, and Nuri Jannaturrahmi Tambusai, with Desa Sinaman II as the main partner and technical support from the Tebing Tinggi Agriculture Department. Running from April to November, the project aims to increase farmers’ income, enhance product quality, and strengthen global competitiveness.

The program contributes directly to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, supporting poverty reduction (SDG 1) through higher income, sustainable agriculture (SDG 2) with improved farming practices, and decent work and economic growth (SDG 8) via entrepreneurial skills and market expansion. By integrating these goals, the project fosters social, economic, and environmental sustainability.

For the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences Universitas Sumatera Utara, the program highlights the application of academic knowledge in real-world community development. Students gain practical experience, leadership skills, and opportunities to implement theory, bridging education with meaningful social impact. This initiative sets a model for sustainable development while helping Sinaman II coffee farmers thrive in global markets.

Coalition for Justice

Posted on by Tabitha Riyani Simbolon

The Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Sumatera Utara (FISIP USU), hosted a meeting of the Civil Society Coalition in Medan, bringing together 18 organizations committed to advancing restorative justice in narcotics-related cases. The forum underlined that collaboration among universities, professional associations, and grassroots organizations can create more humane and effective alternatives to punitive approaches.

The event was organized in partnership with the Indonesian Addiction Counselors Association (IKAI) North Sumatra, Yayasan Karisma, Yayasan Galatea, and the Social Welfare Study Program of FISIP USU, with support from the Elton John AIDS Foundation. A wide range of organizations including LBH Medan, PUSAKA Indonesia, Yayasan Medan Plus, and Yayasan Rumah Harapan Sehat took part, reflecting the coalition’s inclusive and diverse character.

Structured around plenary presentations and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), the forum encouraged participants to exchange insights and develop practical strategies. From these discussions, three main priorities were identified: strengthening the coalition’s institutional capacity, improving documentation of restorative justice practices carried out by the police, and building sustainable advocacy frameworks that ensure long-term collaboration.

One FGD sparked particular interest by proposing the establishment of a Medan City branch of the National Narcotics Agency (BNN). Developed in cooperation with the Medan Regional Research Agency (BRIDA) and FISIP USU, the idea was viewed as an important opportunity to enhance local capacity in addressing narcotics issues through prevention, law enforcement, and rehabilitation programs.

Participants also emphasized that restorative justice should be seen not only as a legal mechanism but also as a pathway to broader social justice. They highlighted that this approach is more effective in repairing relationships between offenders, victims, and communities, while also reducing the recurrence of minor narcotics offenses. Such perspectives demonstrate a growing awareness that justice systems must be adapted to social contexts rather than relying solely on punitive measures.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to build stronger, more systematic, and sustainable cooperation between civil society organizations and law enforcement agencies. Participants expressed optimism that the outcomes of this forum will help shape a justice system that is legally sound, socially responsive, and rooted in values of fairness, inclusivity, and humanity.

By positioning restorative justice within both legal and social frameworks, the coalition seeks to advance reforms that not only address narcotics cases more effectively but also strengthen community resilience and compassion in the long run.

USU and UINSU Preserve Mangroves

Posted on by Jemima Frieda Lumbantobing

Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) through the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences carried out a community engagement program in collaboration with Universitas Islam Negeri Sumatera Utara (UINSU). The initiative focused on mangrove rehabilitation in the coastal area of Denai Kuala, Deli Serdang, North Sumatra. The activity contributes to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 13 on climate action and Goal 14 on life below water.

The program was coordinated by the Social Welfare Study Program of FISIP USU together with the Islamic Community Development Study Program of UINSU. Faculty members and students from both universities joined local community group pk. KEPLING to conduct socialization, environmental education, and the planting of 100 mangrove seedlings on Pulau Oong.

The activity began with an introduction from the leader of pk. KEPLING, who explained the ecological functions of mangroves in preventing coastal abrasion and supporting marine biodiversity. After the session, participants planted mangrove seedlings in designated areas. Despite heavy rain during the journey to the site, the activity continued with strong participation and commitment.

For students, the program provided a direct learning experience by combining academic knowledge with practical action. The collaboration between USU and UINSU encouraged them to engage with real issues of community empowerment and environmental preservation. It also nurtured awareness and responsibility toward sustainable development among young scholars.

The mangrove seedlings planted are expected to grow within three to five years and strengthen the coastal ecosystem of Denai Kuala. Beyond the ecological impact, the program highlighted the importance of university partnerships in addressing social and environmental challenges.

This initiative reflects FISIP USU’s continuous commitment to impactful community engagement. By working with partner institutions and local communities, the faculty demonstrated its role in advancing knowledge that benefits society and the environment while motivating students to contribute actively to sustainable futures.

USU Creates Impact in Remote Regions

Posted on by Fotarisman Zaluchu

The Indonesian Ministry of Education has introduced an “impact-driven education” policy, requiring all higher education institutions to demonstrate tangible benefits through their activities. In line with this directive, five lecturers from Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) carried out a capacity-building program for lecturers in remote areas of North Sumatra.

The program took place on Nias Island, which can only be reached by a one-hour flight, or an eight-hour land journey followed by an eight-hour sea trip. The USU delegation conducted training sessions and workshops for more than 100 lecturers from Universitas Nias and Sundermann Theological Seminary.

The five lecturers included Prof. Endang Sulistya Rini, Prof. Dr. Yeni Absah, Prof. Dr. R. Hamdani Harahap, Prof. Saharman Gea, and Dr. Fotarisman Zaluchu. The intensive training was held on August 7–8, 2025.

“This initiative will continue through collaboration with Universitas Sumatera Utara, ensuring that the university’s impact becomes increasingly significant,” said Prof. Saharman.

USU and USM Study Homelessness

Posted on by Jemima Frieda Lumbantobing

Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) through its Faculty of Social and Political Sciences strengthens its international research profile by collaborating with Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) in a cross border study. The project explores the survival strategies of homeless individuals and beggars in Medan, Indonesia and Penang, Malaysia. The research contributes to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 1 which focuses on the eradication of poverty in all its forms.

The study is led by Husni Thamrin, S.Sos., M.SP. from FISIP USU together with Dr. Paramjit Singh and Dr. Mohd Haizzan Bin Yahaya from USM. According to Husni Thamrin, “The collaboration between Universitas Sumatera Utara and Universiti Sains Malaysia has delivered a very positive impact. By combining the research strengths of both institutions we are able to produce studies that are more comprehensive and of international standard.”

The project investigates socio economic conditions that contribute to homelessness and observes how marginalized groups manage daily survival in challenging urban settings. The team applies qualitative methods including direct observation, in depth interviews and focus group discussions in both cities. The comparative approach allows the researchers to highlight differences in social support systems and policy responses between Medan and Penang.

The research outcomes are expected to inform evidence based policy that supports inclusive and sustainable solutions for vulnerable communities. Insights from the study will not only contribute to academic literature but also offer practical guidance for stakeholders in Indonesia and Malaysia. The project demonstrates how universities can provide knowledge that directly addresses global development priorities.

This initiative supports USU’s Strategic Plan 2020 to 2024 which positions the university as an internationally recognized institution. Collaboration with USM ranked second in Malaysia and 146th globally in the QS World University Rankings enhances the visibility of both institutions. The project is designed to produce high quality outputs including publications in international journals, conference proceedings, intellectual property rights and publicly available research resources.

Through this partnership USU and USM highlight the importance of regional academic collaboration in Southeast Asia. The study generates knowledge with direct impact on society and affirms USU’s commitment to research that matters for communities beyond national borders.

matters for communities beyond national borders.

From Waste to Rupiah (Wealth)

Posted on by Anastasya Hasugian

Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) conducted a Community Service Program in Pakam Village, Batu Bara, through focus group discussions (FGD) and community training & development held at the Hall of the Cooperative and Small and Medium Enterprises Office of Batu Bara Regency.

This community service program is part of Desa Binaan USU’s Program, carried out by a group of Faculty of Social and Political Sciences lecturers from various academic programs. The program is titled “Development of Village Regulations on Household Waste Management and Small Business Operations to Support Economic Empowerment in Pakam Village.”

Desa Binaan USU’s Program is a community service program run by the Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) with the aim of developing village potential through various empowerment activities. The program involves students and lecturers from various disciplines to provide solutions to problems in the villages and improve the quality of life of the villagers.

This series of community service activities consists of training and development programs for housewives, who are organized into groups of workers involved in the processing of shellfish waste. Additionally, the development of village regulations on household waste management is being undertaken to support the local economy. The FGD activity was conducted to explore the aspirations of local government officials and relevant parties to align perceptions regarding the formulation of village regulations on household waste management and small businesses to support community economic empowerment in Pakam Village.

This FGD invited relevant parties such as local governments, sub-districts, and districts, with a total of 17 participants. The training and development activities themselves were attended by 19 participants, predominantly housewives. The service team is led by Dra. Februati Trimurni, M.Si., Ph.D., with members comprising FISIP USU lecturers from various disciplines (programs of study), namely Dr. Muhammad Arifin Nasution, S.Sos., Wiro Oktavius Ginting, S.Sos., M.Si., Dra. Dara Aisyah, M.Si., Ph.D., and Siti Hazzah Nur. R, S.Sos., M.AP., from the Public Administration program. Additionally, there are Dr. Yovita Sabarina Sitepu, S.Sos., M.Si. from the Communication Studies program and Dr. Onan Marakali Siregar, S.Sos., M.Si from the Business Administration Program.

Dra. Februati Trimurni, M.Si., Ph.D., as the head of the community service program, explained that the initiative to draft village regulations and empower the community arose from community complaints about waste and the potential that exists. “The society’s complaints about waste reached us (the community service team), and we also saw potential here. Additionally, I had previously conducted a similar community service project, so we chose this village,” she said in an interview. Key points discussed in the FGD included an analysis of the village’s situation and potential, the presentation of solutions both regulatory and empowerment-related, and discussions regarding the Village Regulation (PerDes) presented by Dra. Februati Trimurni, M.Si., Ph.D., and Dr. Onan Marakali Siregar, S.Sos., M.Si.

Ratna Dewi (housewife) as a participant in the training and development program facilitated by this community service initiative also shared her insights on the journey of the waste processing process they have undertaken. Ratna explained that this program has had a significant impact on coastal women, both economically and in terms of fostering social connections. Ratna also expressed her hope that this activity could be conducted again by Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) with an increased number of working women, given the outcomes of this community service initiative.

Drs. Bambang Hadi Suprapto, M.Si., as the Assistant for Economy and Development at the Batu Bara Regency Secretariat, who was present to delivering opening remarks and kick off the FGD, shared his hopes following the completion of this activity. “We hope this activity can make Pakam Village a pioneer for other villages. We also need academic support to identify the basic potential and opportunities that can be managed, of course through a commitment to build synergy with USU,” Bambang said in his remarks. The activity received high enthusiasm from the community and participants in the training and empowerment program. 

Village Regulation Tackles Waste

Posted on by Anastasya Hasugian

Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) conducted a Community Service Program in Pakam Village, Batu Bara, through focus group discussions (FGD) and Community Training & Development held at the Hall of the Cooperative and Small and Medium Enterprises Office of Batu Bara Regency.

This community service program is part of Desa Binaan USU’s Program, carried out by a group of Faculty of Social and Political Sciences lecturers from various academic programs. The program is titled “Development of Village Regulations on Household Waste Management and Small Business Operations to Support Economic Empowerment in Pakam Village.”

Desa Binaan USU’s Program is a community service program run by the Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) with the aim of developing village potential through various empowerment activities. The program involves students and lecturers from various disciplines to provide solutions to problems in the villages and improve the quality of life of the villagers.

This series of community service activities consists of training and development programs for housewives, who are organized into groups of workers involved in the processing of shellfish waste. Additionally, the development of village regulations on household waste management is being undertaken to support the local economy. The FGD activity was conducted to explore the aspirations of local government officials and relevant parties to align perceptions regarding the formulation of village regulations on household waste management and small businesses to support community economic empowerment in Pakam Village.

This FGD invited relevant parties such as local governments, sub-districts, and districts, with a total of 17 participants. The training and development activities themselves were attended by 19 participants, predominantly housewives.

This service team is led by Dra. Februati Trimurni, M.Si., Ph.D., with members comprising USU lecturers from various disciplines (programs of study), namely Dr. Muhammad Arifin Nasution, S.Sos., Wiro Oktavius Ginting, S.Sos., M.Si., Dra. Dara Aisyah, M.Si., Ph.D., and Siti Hazzah Nur. R, S.Sos., M.AP., from the Public Administration program. Additionally, there are Dr. Yovita Sabarina Sitepu, S.Sos., M.Si. from the Communication Studies program and Dr. Onan Marakali Siregar, S.Sos., M.Si from the Business Administration Program.

 

Dra. Februati Trimurni, M.Si., Ph.D., as the head of the community service program, explained that the initiative to draft village regulations and empower the community arose from community complaints about waste and the potential that exists.

“Complaints (from the community) regarding this waste have reached us (the community service team), and we also see potential here. The hope is that after this, waste management will become part of village regulations, so that its management and results will be maximized,” said Februati.

According to Ratna Dewi (housewife), a participant in the training and development program, they have been managing tamin (shellfish) waste for approximately four years. Unfortunately, they are working independently. The local government provides support but does not have full authority over the activities carried out by Ratna and her colleagues.

Ratna hopes that the arrival of the USU community service team can improve the welfare of female workers at Tamin. “Our hope here is that this activity can be carried out again by USU, not just this once, so that the number of working mothers can increase because there is support,” added Ratna.

Drs. Bambang Hadi Suprapto, M.Si., as the Assistant for Economy and Development at the Batu Bara Regency Secretariat, who was also present to deliver a speech and open the FGD event, expressed his hopes following the completion of this activity. “We hope that this activity will enable Pakam Village to become a pioneer for other villages. We also need the support of academics to identify the basic potential and opportunities that can be managed, of course through a commitment to building synergy with USU,” said Bambang in his speech.

Given the natural resources and human capital available, proper management of waste could be developed into a new source of income for the community, thereby boosting the local economy. It is truly regrettable if existing resources are not managed effectively. The outcomes of community service initiatives advocating for waste management to be formalized into village regulations (perdes) mark the first step toward enhancing the economic well-being of the community.

FISIP USU Student Takes Global Step to Rome

Posted on by Tabitha Riyani Simbolon

Shafa Yasmin As Sajidah, a student from the Department of Political Science at the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU), has been selected to participate in a student exchange program at Sapienza University of Rome, Italy. She will spend one semester in Rome during the Fall term of the 2025–2026 academic year, as part of a bilateral collaboration between USU and Sapienza University of Rome.

Shafa was nominated by the Kantor Urusan Internasional (KUI) of Universitas Sumatera Utara after successfully passing a document-based selection process. The requirements included a minimum GPA of 3.00 and a foreign language proficiency certificate at the B2 level or higher. She independently managed the entire application process, including document preparation, form submissions, visa arrangements, and securing accommodation.

At Sapienza University of Rome, Shafa will take courses at the Faculty of Arts and Humanities. Although most Political Science classes at the host university are taught in Italian, the academic system allows exchange students to enroll in interdisciplinary subjects that are relevant to their major and eligible for credit transfer at Universitas Sumatera Utara.

The program adopts a co-funding model: tuition fees are waived by the host university, while expenses such as travel, visa, accommodation, and daily living costs are the responsibility of the participant. In preparing for her departure, Shafa also consulted with members of the Indonesian Student Association in Rome (ISAR) for guidance and support.

Her participation highlights how students at the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences actively pursue international opportunities with initiative and independence. While the faculty is not directly involved in the program’s administration, it supports academic flexibility to enable students to engage in similar initiatives when applicable.

“This is my first time going aboard. I felt nervous at first, but my excitement is even greater. I hope this becomes the starting point for more opportunities, both for myself and others on campus,” said Shafa.

Her journey reflects a broader trend of Indonesian students participating in international academic exchanges, underscoring the growing global engagement of institutions like Universitas Sumatera Utara.