HUMAS FAHUTAN - The Faculty of Forestry, Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU), organized the Bina Korsa Rimbawan Tree Planting Program at the Universitas Sumatera Utara Arboretum on Saturday (13/6/2026). The activity, which involved all students from the 2024 cohort, was part of the implementation of the Bina Korsa Rimbawan Course, aimed at developing character, leadership skills, and environmental awareness among students regarding the conservation of forest resources and the environment.
The event was attended by the Dean of the Faculty of Forestry USU, Prof. Arida Susilowati, along with the faculty leadership team, namely Vice Dean I Dr. Tito Sucipto, Vice Dean II Dr. Luthfi Hakim, and Vice Dean III Dr. Anita Zaitunah. Also present were the Coordinator of the Bina Korsa Rimbawan Course, Dr. Achmad Siddik Thoha, and the course lecturer, Dr. Yunus Afifuddin.
During the activity, students, lecturers, and faculty leaders planted more than 100 tree saplings in the USU Arboretum area. The tree-planting activity served as a tangible contribution by the academic community of the Faculty of Forestry USU in supporting conservation efforts, increasing vegetation cover, and strengthening the role of the USU Arboretum as a center for education, research, and biodiversity conservation.
In addition to the tree-planting activity, participants also harvested durian fruits found within the arboretum area. This activity served as a learning medium for students to understand the concept of utilizing Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) as an important component of sustainable forest management. Through this activity, students gained firsthand experience on how forest resources can be utilized productively without reducing their ecological functions and sustainability.
The implementation of Bina Korsa Rimbawan was not only oriented toward strengthening students’ technical competencies in forestry but also served as a platform for developing the character of future foresters who possess environmental awareness, teamwork skills, and responsibility for preserving natural resources. The active involvement of students throughout the program demonstrated the commitment of the younger generation of foresters to supporting sustainable development through concrete actions in the field.
The activity proceeded smoothly and was met with great enthusiasm. The spirit of togetherness fostered throughout the event reflected the core values of Bina Korsa Rimbawan, namely discipline, leadership, solidarity, and environmental stewardship. Through this program, the Faculty of Forestry USU continues its efforts to produce graduates who are not only academically excellent but also possess the character and integrity required of professional and sustainability-minded forest resource managers.
The 2026 Bina Korsa Rimbawan Tree Planting Program aligns with the commitment of the Faculty of Forestry, Universitas Sumatera Utara, to support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The planting of more than 100 tree saplings represents a tangible contribution to SDG 13 (Climate Action) through increased vegetation cover that contributes to carbon sequestration and climate change mitigation. The activity also supports SDG 15 (Life on Land) by strengthening biodiversity conservation efforts and preserving terrestrial ecosystems through the management of the USU Arboretum as an educational and conservation area.
Furthermore, the implementation of the Bina Korsa Rimbawan Course contributes to SDG 4 (Quality Education) through experiential learning, enabling students to develop technical competencies, leadership character, and environmental values directly in the field. The durian harvesting activity, as part of learning about Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs), also supports SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by introducing the concept of utilizing forest resources wisely and sustainably without compromising their ecological functions.
Moreover, the active participation of students, lecturers, and faculty leaders in this activity reflects a spirit of collaboration in promoting sustainable natural resource management, in line with SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). Through the Bina Korsa Rimbawan program, the Faculty of Forestry USU not only develops academically competent future foresters but also prepares a generation capable of becoming agents of change in preserving forests and the environment for the sustainability of future life.
The tree planting and non-timber forest product harvesting activities carried out during the program represent a concrete manifestation of the principles of sustainable forest management, namely maintaining a balance between conservation and the utilization of natural resources to support community welfare and environmental sustainability for future generations.
