20 June 2026
Threesna Sharfina
HUMAS FAHUTAN USU – The Faculty of Forestry, Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU), carried out an International Community Service Program on June 18–19, 2026, at Taman Eden 100 in Toba Regency, North Sumatra. The initiative brought together universities, conservation area managers, local communities, and international partners to support environmental conservation and sustainable community development based on natural resources.
The event was attended by the Head of Taman Eden 100, Marandus Sirait, along with the management team and local farmer groups. Representing the Faculty of Forestry USU were the Dean, Prof. Arida Susilowati, accompanied by Vice Deans Dr. Tito Sucipto, Dr. Luthfi Hakim, and Dr. Anita Zaitunah, as well as faculty members, administrative staff, and students. The program also involved lecturers and students from Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) and Universitas Tarumanagara (UNTAR). In addition, Lum Wei Chen from the University of Malaysia Kelantan participated as a lecturer and researcher, further strengthening the international dimension of the program.
On the first day, activities began with welcoming remarks and participant introductions. The Faculty of Forestry USU and Taman Eden 100 then presented information on their programs, the area's potential, and opportunities for collaboration in conservation, education, research, and community service. The interactive discussions provided a valuable platform for knowledge sharing and the exchange of experiences among participants from various institutions.
As a practical implementation of the community service initiative, participants conducted a bamboo planting activity at Taman Eden 100, including the planting of yellow bamboo, which holds ecological and aesthetic value for the surrounding area. The planting initiative is expected to contribute to land rehabilitation efforts, enhance the ecological functions of the area, and symbolize a shared commitment to environmental preservation.
In addition to tree planting, participants worked together to construct a gateway at the community service site. Beyond serving as supporting infrastructure for the area, the gateway stands as a symbol of collaboration among academics, conservation managers, and local communities in promoting sustainable environmental management.
On the second day, participants visited the Sipinsur Nature Tourism Area and the Toba Caldera. These field visits provided opportunities to directly observe ecotourism potential, biodiversity, and landscape management practices that play a significant role in the sustainable development of the Lake Toba region.
Through this International Community Service Program, the Faculty of Forestry USU reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening national and international partnerships while encouraging the active role of higher education institutions in supporting environmental conservation, community empowerment, and sustainable ecotourism development.
The program also made meaningful contributions to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The bamboo planting activities, aimed at environmental rehabilitation and increasing vegetation cover, support SDG 13 (Climate Action) by enhancing carbon sequestration capacity and SDG 15 (Life on Land) through ecosystem restoration and conservation. The involvement of local farmer groups and communities reflects the implementation of SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by promoting sustainable natural resource-based economic development and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by strengthening community participation in environmental stewardship.
Furthermore, the participation of academics and students from universities across Indonesia and abroad created opportunities for intercultural learning and knowledge exchange, supporting SDG 4 (Quality Education). The collaboration among the Faculty of Forestry USU, Taman Eden 100, local farmer groups, national universities, and international partners from Malaysia also represents a concrete implementation of SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). This synergy demonstrates that environmental conservation efforts can achieve greater impact when carried out through multi-stakeholder collaboration that integrates education, conservation, community empowerment, and sustainable ecotourism development.
Through this initiative, the Faculty of Forestry USU continues to demonstrate its role as an institution committed to fostering environmental sustainability, strengthening global partnerships, and creating meaningful benefits for communities and ecosystems alike.
Strengthening Collaboration: USU Faculty of Forestry Conducts International Community Service Program at Taman Eden 100
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