The presence of the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) of North Sumatra Province at the Faculty of Forestry USU was part of an effort to obtain data on out-of-town students pursuing their education in North Sumatra. Through this data collection, various details regarding students' backgrounds and circumstances were recorded as part of the information required for the implementation of the 2026 Economic Census.

The activity, held in the meeting room of the Faculty of Forestry USU, was attended by faculty leaders and all faculty employees. The Dean of the Faculty of Forestry USU, Prof. Dr. Arida Susilowati, S.Hut., M.Si., was accompanied by Vice Dean for Education, Student Affairs, and Alumni Affairs Dr. Tito Sucipto; Vice Dean for Administration, Finance, Human Resources, and Academic Infrastructure Dr. Luthfi Hakim, S.Hut., M.Si., IPM., ASEAN Eng.; and Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Cooperation, and Internationalization Dr. Anita Zaitunah, S.Hut., M.Sc.

Participants in the activity came from the Faculty of Forestry, USU; the Faculty of Agriculture, USU; Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (UMSU); and international students from Nigeria. The activity was also attended by students from the Philippines, Thailand, and Pakistan, creating a space for academic interaction that brought together diverse perspectives and experiences.

The agreement serves as the foundation for cooperation between the University of the Philippines Tacloban and the Faculty of Forestry, USU, in developing international-scale community service programs. This collaboration also represents a strategic step toward expanding academic networks and strengthening the contributions of both institutions through cross-border cooperation.

The series of activities began with mangrove planting as a symbol of the shared commitment to maintaining the sustainability of coastal ecosystems. The action was then followed by the Opening Ceremony of the International Community Service, marking the commencement of international community service activities in the Pantai Mangrove Sejarah area.

The activity involved participants from five countries: Indonesia, Thailand, Nigeria, Malaysia, and Pakistan. The participation of people from different countries strengthened the international dimension of the community service activity while creating opportunities for exchanging knowledge and experiences on sustainable coastal ecosystem management.

The excitement grew as the children had the opportunity to play and bathe in the stream. After receiving guidance from their parents and volunteers, the children entered the stream and enjoyed the refreshing water while playing together. Laughter and joyful cheers echoed along the stream, creating one of the most memorable moments in their journey of getting to know nature.

The opening ceremony was enlivened by a traditional dance performance that introduced Indonesia's rich cultural heritage to participants. The atmosphere became even more vibrant with the screening of profile videos of the Faculty of Forestry USU and the Mangrove Center of Excellence for Science and Technology (PUI Mangrove), showcasing the contributions of both institutions to scientific development, mangrove conservation, and collaboration with various stakeholders in environmental preservation.

This spirit was then put into action through the planting of eight benzoin tree seedlings (Styrax paralleloneurum) on the campus grounds of the Faculty of Forestry, USU. The planting was carried out together with several student organizations: the Student Association (HMJ), and the North Sumatra Nature Lovers Association (Mapalasu).

The participation certificates for the 2026 Introduction to Campus Life for New Students (PKKMB) at Universitas Sumatera Utara are now available for online access and download.