Medan, September 7, 2026 — The Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Sumatera Utara (FP USU), welcomed a field study visit from students of the Undergraduate Program in Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Andalas (FP Unand), on Monday, September 7, 2026. Held from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. WIB, the activity aimed to provide students with firsthand experience of developments in technology, innovation, research, cultivation, pest and disease management, as well as the downstream development of plantation and horticultural commodities.
The activity was attended by 54 participants, consisting of faculty members, education staff, and students. The delegation was welcomed by the leadership and academic community of FP USU, including the Dean of FP USU, Vice Dean III of FP USU, Head of the Doctoral Program in Agricultural Sciences, Head and Secretary of the Undergraduate Program in Agrotechnology, faculty members of the Undergraduate Program in Agrotechnology, Head of the Plant Diseases Laboratory, Head of the Plant Biotechnology Laboratory, and Manager for Research, Community Service, Cooperation, and Internationalization at FP USU. The activity also involved the Palm Oil Research Center (PPKS).
In his remarks, the Dean of FP USU expressed his appreciation for the visit from FP Unand while emphasizing the importance of collaboration among higher education institutions in broadening students’ experiences and competencies.
“Collaboration is the way forward today, especially for students. You are encouraged to collaborate without being limited by study programs, faculties, or universities, and even across global boundaries,” he said.
He also encouraged students to take advantage of various collaborative opportunities as a means of broadening their academic knowledge and experiences.
Meanwhile, Head of the Undergraduate Program in Plant Protection at FP Unand, Dr. Eka Candra Lina, S.P., M.Si., stated that the visit was not only an opportunity to strengthen institutional ties but also a momentum to explore various opportunities for cooperation among FP Unand, FP USU, and PPKS.
“We would like to establish various forms of collaboration that can be carried out together, particularly in supervision, internship programs, and community service,” she said.
She also highlighted opportunities to develop cooperation through student exchange programs and various education funding schemes that could provide benefits to both institutions.
Following the welcoming session and remarks, the activity continued with visits to several laboratory facilities at FP USU, namely the Plant Diseases Laboratory, Plant Pests Laboratory, and Plant Biotechnology Laboratory.
Through these visits, students had the opportunity to learn more about laboratory facilities, research activities, and the application of plant protection and biotechnology knowledge in supporting agricultural resource management. The activity also strengthened experiential learning by connecting academic knowledge with practical applications and technological developments in the agricultural sector.
This field study visit also contributed to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education through strengthening student learning and competencies; SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure through exposure to agricultural technology and innovation; and SDG 15: Life on Land through strengthening understanding of plant pest and disease management and sustainable agriculture.
In addition, aspects of cultivation and commodity downstream development supported SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, while strengthening cooperation among FP USU, FP Unand, and PPKS was aligned with SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.
Through this activity, FP USU and FP Unand are expected to continue strengthening their academic networks and developing collaboration in education, research, community service, internships, student exchanges, and competency development in agriculture and plant protection.