The Faculty of Forestry, Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU), welcomed representatives of the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) of North Sumatra Province for the Independent Data Collection for the 2026 Economic Census among Out-of-Town Students on Monday, September 28, 2026. The activity took place within the Faculty of Forestry USU and was attended by students who had been invited to participate in the data collection process.

The presence of BPS North Sumatra Province at the Faculty of Forestry USU was part of an effort to obtain data on out-of-town students pursuing their education in North Sumatra. Through this data collection, various details regarding students' backgrounds and circumstances were recorded as part of the information required for the implementation of the 2026 Economic Census.

Students of the Faculty of Forestry USU responded positively to the activity. Those who received invitations participated in the data collection process in an orderly manner and provided the required information in accordance with the provisions established by BPS.

This data collection was not merely an administrative process but also provided students with an opportunity to contribute to the provision of accurate data. For out-of-town students, participation in the census formed part of their experience as members of society who help support the availability of information about the social and economic conditions of the population.

The data collected through the census is expected to serve as one of the information sources for providing a more comprehensive picture of societal conditions. The availability of high-quality data is essential for supporting development planning and policymaking that are more accurately targeted.

The Faculty of Forestry USU supports this activity as part of the university's commitment to raising awareness among the academic community about the importance of data for development. Student participation also demonstrates that the campus environment can serve as a strategic space for encouraging young people's involvement in various national development initiatives.

The Independent Data Collection for the 2026 Economic Census among Out-of-Town Students at the Faculty of Forestry USU proceeded smoothly. Student participation is expected to help strengthen data availability while fostering awareness that every piece of data plays a role in supporting more targeted and sustainable development.

This activity aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, through strengthening governance and the availability of information to support data-driven decision-making. It also contributes to SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals through synergy between government institutions and higher education institutions in supporting data-driven development initiatives.