03 June 2026
Threesna Sharfina
HUMAS FAHUTAN - The Faculty of Forestry, Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU), welcomed a group of international students participating in the AIESEC program on Wednesday (June 3). The participants, representing Indonesia, Vietnam, India, Thailand, and Sri Lanka, visited the faculty as part of a cultural exchange and educational program focusing on environmental issues and sustainable natural resource management.
The participants were warmly welcomed by the Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Cooperation, and Internationalization of the Faculty of Forestry USU, Dr. Anita Zaitunah, along with Dr. Nelly Anna and Dr. Agr. Faujiah N. Ritonga, who serve as the Dean’s Advisors for Cooperation and Research. Several Faculty of Forestry students were also assigned to accompany and assist the visitors throughout the program.
The visit began with a presentation by Dr. Anita Zaitunah on the global climate crisis and the role of the forestry sector in climate change mitigation. During her presentation, she discussed various environmental challenges facing the world today, including the impacts of climate change on ecosystems and human life, as well as the importance of sustainable forest management as a solution for reducing carbon emissions and maintaining environmental balance.
The discussion session was lively and interactive. Participants showed great enthusiasm during the question-and-answer session, actively asking about environmental conditions in Indonesia, climate change mitigation strategies, and conservation efforts undertaken by the Faculty of Forestry USU. The exchange of ideas and experiences from different countries created a dynamic learning environment and enriched the perspectives of all participants.
Following the presentation, the group joined a guided tour of the Faculty of Forestry USU. Participants were introduced to various academic and research facilities that support teaching, learning, and scientific activities within the faculty. Through the tour, the international students gained insight into the faculty’s educational processes, laboratory activities, and student programs.
The visit continued to the Faculty of Forestry’s Greenhouse, a facility used for the collection, conservation, and study of various plant species. There, participants were introduced to several unique and high-conservation-value plants, including pitcher plants (Nepenthes), corpse flowers, various orchid species, caladiums, and other plant collections. The experience provided firsthand exposure to Indonesia’s rich tropical flora and highlighted the importance of plant conservation in preserving biodiversity.
After visiting the Greenhouse, the participants were taken to the USU Arboretum, located near the campus. The arboretum serves as a conservation area and natural laboratory used for education, research, and biodiversity preservation. During their visit, participants expressed strong interest in exploring the area and learning about the diverse tree species maintained within the arboretum.
With guidance from students and academic staff of the Faculty of Forestry, participants learned about the characteristics of various tree species, the ecological functions of forests, and the role of arboreta in supporting conservation efforts and environmental education. This experience provided international students with a valuable opportunity to directly appreciate Indonesia’s rich tropical biodiversity.
The visit served as an effective platform for strengthening international relations while showcasing the Faculty of Forestry USU as a higher education institution actively engaged in forestry education, research, and sustainable natural resource management. The intercultural interactions fostered throughout the program not only broadened participants’ understanding of global environmental issues but also strengthened the spirit of collaboration in addressing future challenges related to climate change and environmental conservation.
The Faculty of Forestry USU hopes that this AIESEC international student visit will serve as a foundation for expanding international networks, creating opportunities for academic and research collaboration, and promoting sustainable knowledge exchange among young people from different countries.
This activity also supports the achievement of several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) through cross-cultural learning and international knowledge exchange; SDG 13 (Climate Action) through education on the climate crisis and mitigation efforts; SDG 15 (Life on Land) through the promotion of biodiversity conservation and forest ecosystem awareness; and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through strengthening global cooperation in education, environmental sustainability, and sustainable development.
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