The Faculty of Forestry, Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU), received an academic visit from Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, through an event themed “Jalinan Serumpun: From Roots Routes UUM x USU”. The visit, held at the Faculty of Forestry, USU, was part of a series of activities and served as an academic and cultural meeting space for both institutions to broaden their insights, share knowledge, and strengthen cooperative relations between Indonesia and Malaysia.

The visit was attended by the Vice Dean for Education, Student Affairs, and Alumni Affairs of the Faculty of Forestry, USU, Dr. Tito Sucipto; Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Cooperation, and Internationalization, Dr. Anita Zaitunah; Head of the Forestry Study Program, Dr. Evalina Herawati; Secretary of the Forestry Study Program, Dr. Deni Elfiati; as well as several lecturers from the Faculty of Forestry, USU, and UUM. Students from the Faculty of Forestry, USU, also accompanied UUM students throughout the series of activities, creating a friendly and enthusiastic atmosphere of interaction.

The series of activities began with an opening session and remarks from the Vice Dean for Education, Student Affairs, and Alumni Affairs, Dr. Tito Sucipto. The event continued with a joint tree-planting activity involving representatives from Inhutani V, UUM, and the Faculty of Forestry, USU. This activity symbolized their shared commitment to supporting environmental conservation while strengthening the spirit of collaboration across institutions.

Strengthening forestry knowledge was an important part of the visit's agenda. The General Manager of Inhutani V also delivered a presentation on forest restoration, seedling provision, and nursery management. This presentation provided an overview of various efforts to restore forest ecosystems, from the provision of planting materials to the implementation of restoration activities in the field. The participation of Inhutani V in this event represented its contribution and commitment to environmental conservation and fostering a conservation-minded younger generation.

Next, Prof. Arif Nuryawan, S.Hut., M.Si., Ph.D., presented material on non-timber forest products (NTFPs) and their utilization, with an emphasis on bamboo and sugar palm commodities. Through this presentation, participants gained knowledge about the potential of forest resources that can be utilized sustainably, as well as opportunities for their development to support economic value and community welfare. The knowledge-sharing session continued with discussions and an interactive exchange between students and the speakers.

Participants' enthusiasm was also evident in the responses from UUM lecturers, who stated that the event provided many benefits and new knowledge. They appreciated the opportunity to learn about various aspects of forestry, including topics outside their academic backgrounds. This exchange of experiences demonstrated that environmental and forestry issues are interdisciplinary fields of learning relevant to various members of the academic community.

The visit became even more memorable when the UUM delegation was invited to explore the USU Arboretum. During this activity, students were introduced to the various plant collections and diversity found in the arboretum area. They also participated in a healing forest activity through direct interaction with nature, such as hugging trees and taking selfies amid the greenery. This activity provided a different learning experience while inviting participants to feel a closer connection with the natural environment.

Focusing not only on academic and environmental aspects, the visit also featured a creative activity involving the creation of do-it-yourself (DIY) brooches and bookmarks using plant waste preserved with resin, in collaboration with Nauli Ecoprint. This activity introduced participants to the use of natural materials to create functional and valuable creative products, while fostering an understanding of the importance of creativity and waste management. The series of activities concluded with participants sharing their impressions and messages as a reflection on the experiences and knowledge gained during the visit.

Through the “Jalinan Serumpun: From Roots Routes UUM x USU” event, the Faculty of Forestry, USU, not only introduced its academic environment and forestry potential to an international partner but also created an interactive space bringing together students and lecturers from both institutions. The combination of academic discussions, tree planting, arboretum exploration, and creative activities made this visit a comprehensive learning experience while strengthening friendship and cultural exchange between Indonesia and Malaysia.

This event also supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) through healing forest activities that promote well-being and a closer connection between people and nature; SDG 4 (Quality Education) through inter-institutional learning and knowledge exchange; SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) through creative initiatives that transform plant waste into functional products; SDG 15 (Life on Land) through tree-planting activities and the introduction of biodiversity; and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through strengthening academic relations and international collaboration between USU and UUM.