The Faculty of Forestry, Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU), officially opened SPARTAN (Forestry Academic, Sports, Arts, and Talent Festival) 2026 on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at Campus II Bekala, Deli Serdang. This event is part of the series of celebrations commemorating the 12th Dies Natalis of the Faculty of Forestry, USU, and the 27th anniversary of the Forestry Study Program, while also serving as a platform to strengthen unity, develop potential, and foster a spirit of sportsmanship within the academic community.

The opening of SPARTAN 2026 was attended by the Dean of the Faculty of Forestry, USU, Prof. Dr. Arida Susilowati; Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Cooperation, and Internationalization as well as Chair of the Dies Natalis Committee of the Faculty of Forestry, Dr. Anita Zaitunah; Secretary of the Dies Natalis of the Faculty of Forestry, Dr. Ir. Bejo Slamet; and Vice Dean for Education, Student Affairs, and Alumni Affairs as well as Chair of SPARTAN 2026, Dr. Ir. Tito Sucipto.

Also present were the Head of the Master's Program in Forestry, Prof. Ir. Siti Latifah; Chair of the Faculty Advisory Board (DPF), Prof. Apri Heri Iswanto; Chair of SPARTAN representing the students, M. Nur Salim; as well as educational staff and students of the Faculty of Forestry, USU.

The series of activities began with the official opening by the Dean of the Faculty of Forestry, USU, Prof. Dr. Arida Susilowati. In her remarks, the Dean expressed her hope that SPARTAN 2026 would serve as a momentum to strengthen the sense of unity and solidarity among all members of the Faculty of Forestry, USU. This event is expected to foster closer interactions among students, lecturers, and educational staff through various positive activities that not only feature competitions but also cultivate a spirit of togetherness.

Following the opening, the event continued directly with various competitions as part of SPARTAN 2026. On the first day, the tug-of-war competition among students was one of the opening events, creating a lively atmosphere filled with enthusiasm. Beyond the competition between teams, this contest also taught the importance of cooperation, coordination, strategy, and sportsmanship in achieving common goals.

Through various competitions in sports, arts, academics, and talent, SPARTAN 2026 provides students with opportunities to explore their abilities and develop their potential beyond classroom activities. More than just a competition, this event serves as a means of character building, strengthening relationships among different elements of the faculty, and fostering a sense of belonging to the Faculty of Forestry, USU.

The organization of SPARTAN 2026 also reflects the commitment of the Faculty of Forestry, USU, to building an educational environment that is not only oriented toward academic achievement but also supports students' health, creativity, and character development. The spirit of togetherness fostered through this event is expected to be sustained and become part of the positive culture within the faculty.

This event is in line with the commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) through the promotion of physical activity and healthy lifestyles; SDG 4 (Quality Education) through the development of students' character, creativity, and social skills; and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through strengthening collaboration, solidarity, and unity among all members of the academic community. Through SPARTAN 2026, the Faculty of Forestry, USU, continues to promote the creation of a healthy, inclusive, and harmonious academic environment.