HUMAS FAHUTAN — The Faculty of Forestry, Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU), carried out an activity entitled Planting of MPTS Seedlings as an Effort for Post-Flood Environmental Recovery in Langkat, North Sumatra, as part of the academic community’s commitment to supporting ecosystem rehabilitation and strengthening environmental resilience in disaster-affected communities.
The activity was conducted in three flood-affected villages in Langkat Regency, namely Pematang Cengal Village, Pantai Cermin Village, and Pekubuan Village. The planting of various types of MPTS (Multi Purpose Tree Species) was undertaken as an effort to accelerate land recovery, enhance the ecological functions of the area, and provide long-term social and economic benefits for local communities.
In addition to the planting activities, the Faculty of Forestry USU also conducted environmental education for the community and younger generations regarding the important role of vegetation in maintaining ecosystem balance, reducing flood risks, and supporting sustainable natural resource management.
The activity was attended by the Vice Dean II of the Faculty of Forestry USU, Dr. Ir. Pindi Patana, S.Hut., M.Sc., IPU., and the Vice Dean III of the Faculty of Forestry USU, Prof. Dr. Ir. Agus Purwoko, S.Hut., M.Si. Also present were the Head of the Undergraduate Forestry Study Program at USU, Dr. Ir. Tito Sucipto, S.Hut., M.Si., IPU., ASEAN Eng., the Head of the Master of Forestry Study Program at USU, Dr. Ir. Samsuri, S.Hut., M.Si., IPM., ASEAN Eng., and the Secretary of the Master of Forestry Study Program at USU, Dr. Ir. Nurdin Sulistiyono, S.Hut., M.Si., IPU.
The involvement of the academic community was further strengthened by the presence of laboratory heads, namely Dr. Anita Zaitunah, S.Hut., M.Sc. (Head of the MNH Laboratory) and Dr. Ir. Luthfi Hakim, S.Hut., M.Si., IPU., ASEAN Eng. (Head of the THH Laboratory). A number of lecturers also participated, including Dr. Nelly Anna, S.Hut., M.Si., Dr. Agr. Faujiah Nurhasanah Ritonga, S.Hut., M.Si., Deanova Frestiana Br. Pelawi, S.Hut., M.Sc., Dwi Endah Widyastuti, S.Hut., M.Si., Onrizal, S.Hut., M.Si., Ph.D., as well as Dr. Achmad Siddik Thoha, S.Hut., M.Si., as Chair of USU Peduli Volunteers, along with educational staff of the Faculty of Forestry USU.
Through this activity, the Faculty of Forestry USU reaffirmed its role not only as an institution of education and research, but also as a strategic partner of the community in post-disaster environmental recovery. This vegetation-based rehabilitation effort is expected to strengthen environmental carrying capacity while increasing collective awareness of the importance of sustainable natural resource management.
This activity represents a tangible manifestation of the Faculty of Forestry USU’s commitment to implementing the Tri Dharma of Higher Education, while also strengthening synergy between academics and the community in addressing disaster challenges and environmental change in North Sumatra.