HUMAS FAHUTAN - The Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) welcomed representatives from Perhutani and Agrinas for a strategic meeting aimed at strengthening institutional relations and exploring collaborative opportunities in the forestry sector. Held at the Rectorate Building of the Universitas Sumatera Utara in Medan on Friday, 3 July 2026, the meeting served as a platform for the three institutions to establish synergies in promoting sustainable forest resource management through collaboration between academia and industry.
The meeting was attended by USU Vice Rector III, Prof. Dr. Eng. Himsar Ambarita, S.T., M.T., accompanied by the Dean of the Faculty of Forestry, Prof. Dr. Arida Susilowati, S.Hut., M.Si., and the Vice Dean III of the Faculty of Forestry, Dr. Anita Zaitunah, S.Hut., M.Sc. Representing Agrinas were President Director Mohammad Abdul Ghani and his delegation, while Perhutani was represented by Commercial Director Anggar Widyatmoko and his team.
As a strategic networking event, the meeting was conducted in a warm and friendly atmosphere. The discussions not only reinforced institutional relationships but also laid the foundation for closer communication to develop various forms of collaboration in the forestry sector. By fostering synergy among academia, state-owned enterprises, and industry, the partnership is expected to contribute meaningfully to sustainable forest resource management.
During the meeting, participants also discussed several strategic issues concerning the forestry sector in North Sumatra. One of the topics highlighted was the assessment of several forest product utilization business permits in the region, including those related to PT Toba Pulp Lestari (TPL). The discussion was conducted at a general level as an initial step toward exploring collaborative opportunities among USU, Perhutani, and Agrinas to produce objective, comprehensive, and evidence-based scientific assessments that can serve as the basis for policy recommendations to relevant stakeholders.
Through this meeting, the Universitas Sumatera Utara reaffirmed its role as a higher education institution that not only carries out the Tri Dharma of Higher Education but also actively develops strategic partnerships with various stakeholders. The involvement of academics is expected to provide independent scientific perspectives in addressing challenges within the forestry sector while generating innovations and policy recommendations that support the advancement of Indonesia’s forestry development.
This initiative also reflects the Universitas Sumatera Utara’s commitment to supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 15 (Life on Land), through the promotion of sustainable forest resource management based on scientific research. In addition, the meeting contributes to SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by strengthening collaboration among higher education institutions, state-owned enterprises, and industry to develop science-based solutions for sustainable forestry development. Such cross-sector collaboration is expected to serve as a strong foundation for creating a forestry governance system that is more adaptive, innovative, and committed to preserving natural resources for future generations.