HUMAS FAHUTA – The Undergraduate Program in Forestry, Faculty of Forestry, and the Undergraduate Program in Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA), Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) officially sent eight students to participate in the PUI Mangrove USU Community Development Program, which will take place from August 2–10, 2026, in Lau Buluh Lepar Hamlet, Telagah Village, Sei Bingai District, Langkat Regency, North Sumatra. The send-off ceremony was held at the Institute for Research and Community Service (LPPM) of USU as a form of institutional support for research-based and multidisciplinary community service initiatives.
Led by Prof. Mohammad Basyuni, the Community Development Program carries the theme “Leuser Buffer Zone Independent Village Model: Integrating Multi-Purpose Tree Species (MPTS) Agroforestry and Community-Based Ecotourism Branding Strategies.” The program aims to develop an independent village model based on local potential through the implementation of agroforestry systems, biodiversity conservation, and community capacity building for the development of community-based ecotourism in the buffer zone of the Leuser Ecosystem.
The send-off ceremony was attended by the Head of the Undergraduate Program in Forestry at USU, Dr. Evalina Herawati, S.Hut., M.Si.; the Head of the Undergraduate Program in Biology at USU, Prof. Dr. Yurnaliza, S.Si., M.Si.; Head of the PUI Mangrove USU Community Development Program, Prof. Mohammad Basyuni; as well as members of PUI Mangrove USU, Prof. Dr. Delvian, S.P., M.P. and Dr. Agr. Faujiah Nurhasanah Ritonga, S.Hut., M.Si.
In their remarks, the study program leaders expressed their appreciation to the students who would be directly involved in community activities. They emphasized that the Community Development Program serves as a learning platform that provides students with practical experience in integrating education, research, and community service. In addition to broadening their academic perspectives, the activity is expected to foster adaptable and collaborative students with a strong commitment to community development and environmental conservation.
During the program, the students will be involved in various activities, including the identification and development of Multi-Purpose Tree Species (MPTS), assisting communities in managing agroforestry systems, developing community-based ecotourism branding strategies, environmental education, and various community empowerment activities supporting the development of an independent village as a buffer area for the Leuser Ecosystem.
The eight participating students consist of four students from the Undergraduate Program in Forestry and four students from the Undergraduate Program in Biology. This cross-disciplinary collaboration is expected to produce a more comprehensive approach to supporting sustainable village development through synergy among ecological, social, and economic aspects of the community.
Through the PUI Mangrove Community Development Program, Universitas Sumatera Utara continues to strengthen the implementation of the Three Pillars of Higher Education (Tri Dharma Perguruan Tinggi), particularly in research-based and collaborative community service. The program is expected to serve as a sustainable development model for villages located in the buffer zones of the Leuser Ecosystem and to be replicated in other areas with similar characteristics.
The activity also supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education through experiential learning, SDG 15: Life on Land through efforts to conserve terrestrial ecosystems and manage biodiversity, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals through collaboration among higher education institutions, communities, and various stakeholders in advancing sustainable development.
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