The Faculty of Forestry, Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU), welcomed a delegation from the USU International Office (KUI) on Thursday, July 23, 2026, for a site inspection of the USU Arboretum in preparation for the 5th IMT-GT University Network (UNINET) Meeting Council, scheduled to take place on July 30–31, 2026.

The KUI delegation, led by Lui Ribka Hutagalung, was welcomed by the Dean of the Faculty of Forestry, Prof. Arida Susilowati, accompanied by the Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Cooperation, and Internationalization, Dr. Anita Zaitunah, along with laboratory staff, the faculty's Public Relations team, representatives of the RIMBAPALA Student Organization represented by Okto Alfredi, and the Faculty of Forestry's security team.

The purpose of the visit was to evaluate the preparedness of the USU Arboretum, which has been selected as one of the field excursion sites for delegates attending The 5th IMT-GT University Network (UNINET) Meeting Council. During the inspection, representatives from KUI and the Faculty of Forestry assessed the planned visitor routes, designated stopping points, and overall site conditions to ensure that the field visit can be conducted safely, comfortably, and provide a meaningful experience for international participants.

Accompanied by the Faculty of Forestry team, the delegation explored the lush Arboretum, navigating muddy trails beneath dense vegetation. The visit also provided an opportunity to introduce the USU Arboretum as a natural laboratory that supports education, research, conservation, and field-based learning activities.

The USU Arboretum is a secondary forest ecosystem that has gradually developed characteristics resembling a natural forest. It serves as a habitat for a wide variety of plant species, wildlife, and fungi, reflecting its rich biodiversity. Beyond its academic function, the Arboretum also represents Universitas Sumatera Utara's commitment to environmental conservation and the sustainable management of natural resources.

Through this site visit, the Faculty of Forestry and the USU International Office strengthened their coordination in preparation for welcoming international delegates to The 5th IMT-GT University Network (UNINET) Meeting Council. The field excursion to the USU Arboretum is expected to showcase the rich biodiversity of North Sumatra while demonstrating Universitas Sumatera Utara's commitment to advancing international collaboration in education, research, innovation, and environmental conservation.

This initiative also supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 15 (Life on Land) by promoting the conservation of terrestrial ecosystems and biodiversity, as well as SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through strengthening international collaboration among universities within the IMT-GT network.