HUMAS FAHUTAN – The Faculty of Forestry, Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU), received a visit from the Endemic Indonesia Society (EIS) on June 2, 2026, at the Meeting Room of the Faculty of Forestry, USU. The meeting marked an initial step in building synergy and collaboration to support biodiversity conservation efforts in Indonesia, particularly the preservation of the Aceh flycatcher (Cyornis ruckii), one of the rarest and most endangered endemic bird species. The visit was welcomed directly by the Dean of the Faculty of Forestry USU, Prof. Arida Susilowati, accompanied by the Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Cooperation, and Internationalization, Dr. Anita Zaitunah; the Dean’s Expert Staff for Cooperation, Dr. Nelly Anna; and lecturers in forest resource conservation represented by Dr. Ma’rifatin Zahrah, Dr. Pindi Patana, and Dr. Ridahati Rambey.
From the Endemic Indonesia Society, Zulqarnain Assidiqqi, S.Pd., M.Sc., Director of EIS, attended together with Prajawan Kusuma Wardhana, S.Pd. Their presence was warmly welcomed as part of efforts to strengthen institutional relations while opening opportunities for collaboration in research, conservation, and human resource capacity development in the field of biodiversity.
During the meeting, Zulqarnain presented various initiatives undertaken by EIS in the effort to rediscover the Aceh flycatcher (Cyornis ruckii). This endemic bird species, also known as Rück’s Blue Flycatcher, has long been considered missing due to the absence of verified records of its existence for several decades. However, through several exploration and field survey activities conducted by the EIS team, several indications have been found that suggest the possible presence of the species in its natural habitat.
Nevertheless, to date, sufficient evidence has not yet been obtained to confirm that the observed individuals are indeed Aceh flycatchers. This situation has encouraged EIS to continue conducting intensive research and exploration to uncover the existence of one of Indonesia’s most mysterious and endangered birds. In his presentation, Zulqarnain emphasized the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration in supporting the conservation of rare species. The Faculty of Forestry USU is considered one of the higher education institutions with a strong commitment to biodiversity conservation, particularly in North Sumatra. In addition to possessing competent academic resources, the Faculty of Forestry at USU actively carries out research, education, and community service activities focused on environmental and biodiversity conservation.
Considering that the potential habitat of the Aceh flycatcher is located in forest areas stretching from North Sumatra to Aceh, EIS is seeking to engage various stakeholders in both regions to jointly support the search and conservation of this species. Through the established cooperation, it is expected that strong synergy can be created in data collection, field surveys, scientific research, and the formulation of more effective conservation strategies. The discussion took place in a warm and interactive atmosphere. Both parties exchanged information, experiences, and perspectives regarding the challenges and opportunities of biodiversity conservation in Indonesia. Various ideas concerning potential research collaboration, student involvement in conservation activities, and the strengthening of conservation networks in Sumatra were also discussed during the meeting.
The Dean of the Faculty of Forestry USU, Prof. Arida Susilowati, expressed appreciation for the initiative of the Endemic Indonesia Society in building partnerships with academic institutions. According to her, collaboration between conservation organizations and universities plays an important role in generating innovation and strengthening biodiversity conservation efforts in Indonesia through a sustainable scientific approach.
As a follow-up to the meeting, both institutions agreed to strengthen their cooperative relationship through the signing of an Implementation Arrangement (IA), which will serve as the foundation for implementing various collaborative programs in the future. The activity concluded with a group photo session as a symbol of their shared commitment to supporting biodiversity conservation efforts in Indonesia.
Through this collaboration, the Faculty of Forestry USU and the Endemic Indonesia Society hope to make a tangible contribution to the conservation of Indonesia’s rare species, particularly the Aceh flycatcher, while strengthening the role of academics and conservation practitioners in safeguarding the nation’s biodiversity for future generations. This activity is aligned with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 15: Life on Land, through efforts to protect and conserve endangered species and their natural habitats. In addition, the collaboration between the Faculty of Forestry USU and the Endemic Indonesia Society also supports SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, by building synergy between higher education institutions and conservation organizations to produce concrete actions for biodiversity conservation in Indonesia. Efforts to rediscover the Aceh flycatcher also contribute to strengthening scientific databases and advancing conservation research that supports science-based policymaking for the sustainability of Indonesia’s natural resources.