The Faculty of Forestry, Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU), received a visit from the Center for Hydrometeorological Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Development, Ministry of Forestry, for a discussion on strategies for mitigating and adapting to hydrometeorological disasters, particularly floods in North Sumatra. The meeting took place at USU Campus 2, Kwala Bekala, Deli Serdang, on Thursday, August 13, 2026.
The visiting delegation included R.M. Mulyadin, S.P., M.Si., Forest Ecosystem Controller; Indah Bangsawan, S.P., M.Si., Forest Ecosystem Controller; Dr. Budi Hadi Narendra, S.Hut., M.Sc.; and Rio Irfan Rajagukguk, S.E., First Expert-Level State Budget Financial Administration Analyst.
Representing the Faculty of Forestry USU were Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Cooperation, and Internationalization, Dr. Anita Zaitunah, S.Hut., M.Sc.; Dean’s Expert Staff, Dr. Nelly Anna, S.Hut., M.Si.; and several lecturers with expertise in forestry, hydrology, and spatial analysis, namely Dr. Yunus Afifuddin, S.Hut., M.Si., Dr. Bejo Slamet, S.Hut., M.Si., and Dr. Ir. Samsuri, S.Hut., M.Si.
The meeting served as a platform for exchanging knowledge and ideas to identify appropriate measures for addressing potential flood disasters in Sumatra, particularly North Sumatra. The discussion focused not only on disaster response but also on preventive measures through strengthening ecosystem functions and promoting sustainable environmental management.
One of the ideas highlighted was the importance of involving communities in greening and environmental restoration efforts. Community involvement is considered an important part of building a more resilient ecosystem while fostering shared awareness that disaster prevention is a responsibility requiring collaboration among various stakeholders.
In addition to community- and ecosystem-based approaches, the use of technology was also discussed. Satellite imagery and spatial data can be developed as tools to map regional conditions, identify areas with potential risks, and support decision-making in disaster mitigation planning.
The collaboration between the Ministry of Forestry and the Faculty of Forestry USU is expected to create opportunities for developing more applicable studies and innovations to address hydrometeorological disaster challenges. The combination of academic knowledge, forestry management experience, technology, and community involvement provides an important foundation for building regions that are better prepared and more resilient to disasters.
These efforts are aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 13: Climate Action, through strengthening adaptive capacity and resilience to climate-related disaster risks; SDG 15: Life on Land, through efforts to conserve and restore terrestrial ecosystems; and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, through strengthening collaboration among the government, higher education institutions, academics, and communities to promote sustainable environmental development.
This activity was also published on the faculty’s social media and can be accessed through the following link:
https://www.instagram.com/p/Db-6Ek2D-oP/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==&igsi=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==