Tag: Universitas Sumatera Utara

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.

Anthropology has become an increasingly vital field in addressing today’s complex public issues. As many societal challenges intersect with public interests, there is a growing need for professionals who can analyze problems through an anthropological lens, respond effectively, and propose solutions that are both context-sensitive and socially acceptable. This perspective emerged during a meeting of founders and lecturers of the Master’s Program in Anthropology at the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU). The discussion highlighted the strategic importance of anthropology in shaping inclusive and evidence-based policies. “We need graduates who are strong in research and critical thinking skills, capable of encouraging stakeholders to accept and implement more inclusive policies across various social arenas,” said Dr. Zulkifli Lubis, MA, a senior lecturer, when asked to share his views.

The meeting served as a final preparation for the launch of the Master’s Program in Anthropology, which is set to welcome its first cohort this year. The program aims to position itself within the global academic landscape by fostering collaboration and advancing public anthropology.

“We welcome collaboration in education and research. We are open to faculty and student exchanges with universities worldwide. We hope the values and core principles of public anthropology can contribute to global social science discourse,” said Dr. Fotarisman Zaluchu, Head of the Department. This year, the program has attracted dozens of applicants, reflecting a strong and growing interest in anthropology as a field of study.

Leading organizations within an academic environment presents a distinct set of challenges. The ability to make strategic decisions while maintaining the quality of graduates has become a key priority. In this context, leaders at the foundational level, namely Study Programs and Departments, are expected to act as drivers of knowledge transformation while simultaneously enhancing global reputation. This perspective was highlighted by Dr. Sri Alem Br. Sembiring, Head of the Undergraduate Program in Social Anthropology, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, following a leadership briefing delivered by the Rector of Universitas Sumatera Utara, Prof. Muryanto Amin.

During the presentation on the university’s strategic direction, the Rector emphasized that USU has now entered the Era of  Ultimate Excellence. This milestone reflects a long journey over recent years and opens significant opportunities for further advancement in the future.

Meanwhile, the Head of the Master’s Program in Anthropology, Dr. Fotarisman Zaluchu, noted that new approaches are required in organizational management. He stressed the importance of adopting technological advancements, strengthening networking, and engaging with the industrial sector as part of institutional development.

The three-day leadership briefing was attended by hundreds of heads of Study Programs and Departments across Universitas Sumatera Utara.

The 1st International Conference on Population and Family Development (ICoPoF) 2026 underscored the critical role of social structures, particularly the family, in sustaining a nation’s future, with a special emphasis on Indonesia. This central theme emerged consistently throughout presentations and discussions during the conference. The event, held at the Universitas Sumatera Utara campus, was attended by more than 100 participants from various academic and professional backgrounds.

One of the participants, Nadya Fortuna Gunawan, a master’s student in anthropology, highlighted the importance of strengthening family institutions. She noted that in Indonesia, where the family remains a central socio-cultural unit, preparing and empowering families is essential for long-term national development. Reflecting on the conference, Nadya emphasized that socio-cultural values should be integrated into government programs aimed at achieving Indonesia Emas 2045. Inspired by the discussions, she expressed her intention to conduct field-based research as part of her academic projects in the anthropology master’s program.

The Master’s Program in Anthropology at Universitas Sumatera Utara, which welcomed its first cohort in 2026, is designed to strengthen research capacity. The program aims to produce graduates who are credible and competent in applying anthropological perspectives to public policy at both national and global levels. In addition to Nadya, the conference was also attended by Dr. Fotarisman Zaluchu, Head of the Master’s Program in Anthropology.

Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU), through its Institute for Research and Community Service, has initiated a community engagement programme to support disaster resilience planning in Sidoharjo I Pasar Miring Village, Deli Serdang, North Sumatra.

The first meeting was held on 25 June 2026 at the village head office and brought together the USU’s partner village and the village government. The discussion focused on the village’s environmental conditions and recurring disaster risks, particularly tornado-like strong winds and flooding.

Village Head Santoso, S.Sos., S.H., said the risks faced by the community were not merely potential threats, but recurring incidents that had affected residents directly.

“This year alone, there have been two strong wind disasters, around February and May 2026. Flooding also occurred when several areas in Sumatra were inundated, and we were affected as well, with hundreds of houses impacted,” he said.

The meeting highlighted the relevance of USU’s Desa Binaan programme, which aims to strengthen disaster governance, risk communication, community capacity, and resilience at the village level. Although Sidoharjo I Pasar Miring already has a DESTANA, or Disaster Resilient Village programme, the initiative has not yet operated effectively and requires further institutional and technical support.

The USU team was led by Dra. Februati Trimurni, M.Si., Ph.D., with members from the USU’s partner village. According to Dra. Februati, the next phase will involve a Focus Group Discussion with village officials, community representatives, DESTANA administrators, the Regional Disaster Management Agency, and the district education office.

“After this, we will hold an FGD involving Sidoharjo village officials, community representatives, DESTANA administrators, BPBD, and the district education office. One of the expected outputs is a Disaster Risk Assessment, which we hope can later be implemented in the village,” she said.

The planned FGD, scheduled for August 2026, will help identify local vulnerabilities, map community needs, and develop practical disaster risk reduction measures. The programme will later continue with monitoring and evaluation to ensure that the outcomes can be used sustainably by the village government and local community.

Through this initiative, USU aims to connect academic expertise with local knowledge and community experience. The collaboration is expected to help Sidoharjo I Pasar Miring move beyond having a disaster resilience programme in name, towards building a more active, participatory, and practical system for disaster preparedness.

A Political Science student from the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Sumatera Utara (FISIP USU), participated in the MBKM Global Volunteer program organized by AIESEC in USU in Vietnam. The program took place in Hai Phong City for 50 days, from December 21, 2025, to February 8, 2026. During the program, Chairunnisa joined the Happy Bus Project, which focuses on teaching students from preschool to senior high school.

Her interest in joining the program was driven by curiosity about Vietnam’s rapidly developing education system. “Since my second semester, I have been volunteering to teach underprivileged children in Medan. From that experience, I realized that education plays a huge role in shaping someone’s future,” she explained.

In the Happy Bus Project, she taught English using interactive and engaging learning methods adapted to different age groups. For younger students, activities such as games, storytelling, and singing were used to make learning more enjoyable. Meanwhile, older students practiced writing, discussions, and role play to improve their English communication skills.

Besides teaching, she also introduced Indonesian culture to the local community by performing the traditional Tor-Tor dance while wearing kebaya and ulos. The performance received an enthusiastic response, with several participants even joining her on stage to dance together.

During the program, she also had the opportunity to visit the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Hanoi, where she met Minister Counsellor Made Santi Ratnasari. The experience gave her broader insight into the connection between education, culture, and international cooperation.

She believes the program not only enriched her academic experience but also helped her grow personally. “This program really pushed me to leave my comfort zone and learn how to adapt in a completely new environment,” she said.

The role of women and grassroots communities continues to gain attention in efforts to strengthen climate resilience. This was reflected in a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) titled The Bloom Project: Safe and Climate Resilient Shelters in Medan 2026, coordinated by Yuli Efriani, founder of Seabolga and an alumna of the Environmental Engineering program at Universitas Sumatera Utara, bringing together interfaith communities to discuss climate change, disaster preparedness, and community-based resilience.

As part of the Harmony in Action initiative by the Wahid Foundation and Temasek Foundation, the Bloom Project focuses on strengthening the capacity of interfaith communities in disaster preparedness. The initiative also encourages houses of worship to function as centers for protection and social activities for surrounding communities.

Participants highlighted the importance of collaboration in building a society that is more resilient to various disaster risks. The discussion emphasized that resilience is not only built through infrastructure, but also through strong community engagement and shared responsibility.

 

According to Laila Sari, founder of the Ila Education Foundation and a family education coach, women play a crucial role in addressing a wide range of issues, particularly those related to disasters. She noted that women often take on leadership roles within families and communities, making them key agents in disaster mitigation and recovery efforts.

 

Women are capable of overcoming many obstacles, especially in times of emergency. They can play a significant role in disaster mitigation and post-disaster recovery by empowering themselves and guiding their families and communities,” she said.

 

She also emphasized that the true strength of a community lies at the grassroots level. When individuals at this level take initiative, coordination becomes more effective and solutions can be implemented more quickly.

 

“We see that the greatest strength lies within grassroots communities. Once they start moving, it becomes easier to organize efforts and improve people’s lives,” she added.

 

Laila further explained that women’s involvement is essential, as they often lead within family structures and influence broader community participation. Their initiative can help mobilize collective action more effectively.

 

“Women are like the heart. When the heart pumps blood, it sustains life and enables many functions. In the same way, women often become the driving force of family and community life,” she said.

 

Through initiatives like the Bloom Project, there is a growing emphasis on shifting from reactive disaster response to preventive measures. Environmental awareness, waste management, and social responsibility are encouraged to begin within families and be strengthened through community action.

 

By fostering interfaith collaboration and empowering women-led grassroots movements, such initiatives are expected to contribute to building more resilient and inclusive communities in Medan, better prepared to face the ongoing challenges of climate change.

The Faculty of Social and Political Sciences at Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) advances its commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals through Sesama Project, a student initiative focused on strengthening mental health awareness among young people. The program supports SDG 3 on good health and well-being and SDG 4 on quality education by encouraging self-awareness, empathy, and personal development through experiential learning.

Mental health remains a pressing issue as data from the World Health Organization and Indonesia’s Basic Health Research (RISKESDAS) show a steady increase in depression and anxiety cases. In response, students from the Department of Communication Science, FISIP USU, created Sesama Project to inspire youth to practice self-love as a foundation for maintaining mental balance and spreading positivity within their communities.

The activities were conducted at Car Free Day Medan on September 21 and at the FISIP USU campus on September 29, supported by DiscoverMe and CIMSA Faculty of Medicine USU. The campaign featured interactive experiences such as free psychological consultations, a confession box for emotional expression, and reflective games promoting self-acceptance and social connection.

By transforming mental health discussions into accessible and engaging public activities, Sesama Project bridges academic knowledge with social impact. It emphasizes that self-love is not only a personal mindset but also a collective practice contributing to inclusive mental well-being.

The initiative cultivated a supportive environment that empowered participants to share openly, recognize their worth, and connect with others facing similar struggles. This engagement strengthened solidarity among young people while aligning with national and global efforts to promote mental resilience and reduce stigma surrounding psychological issues.

Through Sesama Project, students of FISIP USU reaffirm their role as changemakers who integrate communication science with social responsibility. The program exemplifies the university’s ongoing contribution to the SDGs by fostering healthier communities, empowering youth leadership, and embedding compassion and self-awareness into the broader pursuit of sustainable development.

Inside a journalism classroom at the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Sumatera Utara (FISIP USU), only four seats are filled for the 2023 journalism cohort. In 2022 there were nine, and two years before that, eighteen. These steadily shrinking numbers seem to hold a bigger question: why are fewer young people choosing to study journalism, at a time when the world arguably needs credible information and professional journalists more than ever?

For many students, choosing journalism feels like choosing a lonely road. One journalism student shared that she often has to answer questions like, “Why bother becoming a journalist when everyone can make news on social media?” Most of her classmates opt for public relations or advertising—paths seen as more “secure” career-wise.

“I still believe journalism matters, but honestly, the idea of becoming a journalist scares me a bit. The pay is low, the risks are high, and even my parents asked me to reconsider,” she said.

This worry is not unique to Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU). Across campuses in Indonesia, the number of students majoring or concentrating in journalism continues to fall. Antara News (2023) reported that several major universities now have fewer than ten journalism students per cohort. The trend isn’t exclusive to Indonesia either: a Pew Research Center survey (2022) in the United States found that 72% of young people prefer jobs in digital creative industries over traditional newsrooms.

The Era of Disruption and a Shaken Media Industry

The media industry itself is in turmoil. Print advertising revenue keeps plummeting, while online outlets compete fiercely with social media algorithms. Many newsrooms have downsized; some have shut their doors entirely.

Meanwhile, the content creator profession appears far more promising: higher potential income, flexible hours, easier visibility. It’s no surprise that many young people are reconsidering their options.

A Paradox: Needed, Yet Abandoned

And yet, in this age of information overload, journalism’s role is more vital than ever. The World Press Freedom Index 2024 emphasizes that democracy cannot survive without free and high-quality journalism.

“Journalistic ethics are our foundation. They guide journalists in the field to produce accurate, balanced reporting that does not harm others,” said Adi Warsidi, a member of AJI Indonesia, as quoted by WASPADA during a journalist consolidation event in Bireuen.

Non-Journalism Students’ Perspectives

Views on journalism aren’t exclusive to communication students. Rezkina, a non-journalism student at USU, said she chose public relations over journalism.

“In my opinion, public relations has better career prospects. I also like that I can get involved directly in various field activities. Journalism feels narrower, like it’s only tied to media. But I know some journalism graduates who ended up working in PR because the skills are still related,” she explained.

Still, she added that both journalism and PR have potential—she simply sees PR as more promising.

Journalism Students: Holding On to Idealism

Zahra, a journalism student at USU, admits her choice wasn’t free of doubts. “From the start, I felt journalism suited my abilities. I already imagined how closely this major is tied to the world of reporting,” she said.

The challenge, she noted, is the intense competition—especially in a tech-driven era. “Now anyone can spread ‘news’, even without learning ethics. But that’s exactly where our value lies. We can tell which reports are real and which are just sensational. That’s why journalists are still needed.”

For Zahra, technology may enable “instant journalists,” but people will still seek information from credible sources. “Compared to people who just make things up, journalism graduates are far more trusted. So I believe journalism will keep its strategic place.”

Meanwhile, Haninah chose journalism because of her love for writing, a passion honed through student press activities.

“For me, journalism isn’t just a profession—it’s a moral responsibility. We have to be brave, sensitive, and committed to ethics. The challenge isn’t only technical; it’s about staying honest when so many interests are at play,” she said.

Her biggest realization came during her internship. “There were so many things I hadn’t understood before. Journalism taught me to appreciate life more, to be more inclusive. I hope I can become a bridge between people through the information I deliver.”

But Haninah also stressed that the sustainability of this profession can’t rely solely on student idealism. “The government must create safe spaces for journalists, and the public must stop normalizing bribery. Everyone has a role if we want journalism to survive.”

Relevance That Never Fades

Even as students turn away from it, journalism remains the backbone of communication studies. Without basic journalistic skills—accurate writing, research, critical interviewing, and data processing—communication would lose its depth. Even new professions like content strategists or social media managers rely on the same fundamentals.

In this post-truth era, professional journalists are increasingly essential. They are the ones who can verify facts, distinguish opinion from information, and maintain a healthy public sphere. As Bill Kovach and Tom Rosenstiel wrote in their classic book The Elements of Journalism: “Journalism’s first obligation is to the truth.”

The Future: Survive or Transform?

The question is: will journalism remain relevant? The answer depends on how well journalism education adapts. If universities continue to innovate—integrating technology, creating collaborative spaces with industry, and emphasizing critical thinking—journalism won’t just survive; it will become even more important.

But if journalism is only seen as “a pathway to an empty newsroom,” student interest will keep declining.

Inside that quiet classroom, a handful of students still sit, open their notebooks, and write down their dreams about the future of journalism. Their number may be small, but the role they choose is immense: safeguarding democracy, fighting disinformation, and witnessing history.

In an era where everyone can speak but not everyone can be trusted, journalism may be losing applicants—but it has never lost its relevance.