Efforts to preserve the Lake Toba ecosystem require synergy and commitment from various stakeholders. This was the main topic of discussion at a meeting between the Faculty of Forestry, Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU), PT Jasa Tirta, and PT Indonesia Asahan Aluminium (INALUM), held at the USU Faculty of Forestry on Monday (2 November 2026). The meeting discussed plans for collaboration to support environmental conservation and preservation programs in the Lake Toba area.

One of the main agenda items discussed was the planned Focus Group Discussion (FGD), which will be accompanied by a ceremonial tree-planting activity. Both activities are planned as part of efforts to raise collective awareness of the importance of environmental conservation while strengthening inter-institutional commitments to supporting the conservation of the Lake Toba ecosystem.

The FGD is expected to provide a platform for discussion and the exchange of ideas among stakeholders to identify challenges and formulate strategic steps for environmental management in the Lake Toba area. Meanwhile, the tree-planting activity will serve as a concrete expression of environmental concern and support for ecosystem restoration and conservation efforts.

The meeting also discussed the importance of involving institutions with technical and academic expertise to ensure that conservation programs can be designed comprehensively. The USU Faculty of Civil Engineering is planned to be involved in providing technical and academic support. In addition, the Public Works Agency (PU) is expected to contribute to planning and provide technical support for infrastructure related to the implementation of the conservation program.

The involvement of these various stakeholders is expected to strengthen coordination and bring together each institution's expertise in formulating an integrated conservation approach. Collaboration among PT Jasa Tirta, PT INALUM, USU, and the Public Works Agency represents a strategic step toward promoting programs that are not only focused on short-term activities but also provide sustainable benefits for the environment and communities around Lake Toba.

Through this planned cooperation, Lake Toba conservation is expected to become a collective movement involving government institutions, businesses, and universities. Such synergy is essential to ensuring that environmental preservation efforts are supported by thorough planning, a strong scientific foundation, and the sustained commitment of all stakeholders.

This collaborative initiative aligns with the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) through support for water resource conservation; SDG 13 (Climate Action) through concrete environmental initiatives; SDG 15 (Life on Land) through conservation and tree-planting efforts; and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through strengthened inter-institutional collaboration. With a spirit of partnership, efforts to protect Lake Toba are expected to make a meaningful contribution to environmental sustainability and the well-being of future generations.