Medan, September 9, 2026 — PT Perkebunan Nusantara (PTPN) IV Regional 2 and Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU), through the Faculty of Agriculture (FP), strengthened their synergy in supporting national food security through the signing of a Cooperation Agreement for Assistance in the 2026 Soybean Food Security Program. The activity took place at the PTPN IV Regional 2 Office on Wednesday (September 9, 2026).

The signing of this cooperation agreement marks a strategic step in supporting the development of soybean commodities while optimizing land utilization for food crops. The collaboration involves higher education institutions, the business sector, and farmer groups as part of efforts to build a productive and sustainable agricultural ecosystem.

The activity was attended by the Region Head of PTPN IV Regional 2, Budi Santoso, and the management team; the Dean of FP USU; Vice Deans I and III of FP USU; the Head and Secretary of the Undergraduate Program in Agrotechnology; the Head of the Undergraduate Program in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering; as well as the Head and Team of the Kontak Tani Nelayan Andalan (KTNA) of Langkat Regency, Sartono Amnas.

In his remarks, Region Head of PTPN IV Regional 2 Budi Santoso stated that PTPN IV Regional 2, which has so far focused on palm oil and tea commodities, also has a responsibility to support the government in strengthening food and energy security.

“In addition to focusing on commercial commodities, we are also entrusted with helping and supporting the government in food and energy security. One of these efforts is through the development of soybean commodities,” he said.

According to him, soybeans are one of the strategic food commodities with high national demand. The development of domestic soybean production is expected to strengthen food availability while reducing dependence on supplies from abroad.

Budi also stated that the involvement of FP USU is very important as a technical assistance partner in implementing the program. Academic assistance is expected to support the application of technology and knowledge in soybean cultivation, ranging from the use of superior seeds, planting techniques, and maintenance to the utilization of agricultural technology.

“We hope USU can serve as a technical advisor on how to properly manage soybean commodities. We will learn from the experts who have expertise in superior seeds, cultivation techniques, maintenance, and the use of technology,” he explained.

The Dean of FP USU welcomed the cooperation positively. According to the Dean, soybean development is not only related to increasing food production but is also part of efforts to strengthen relations among higher education institutions, industry, and the community.

“This cooperation is not only about how we produce soybeans, but also about preparing the human resources of North Sumatra. When the education sector and industry can work together, the economic growth of North Sumatra can take place more rapidly,” the Dean said.

FP USU is also committed to supporting the program through the involvement of lecturers and students in field-based learning and community service. Thus, the cooperation is expected to contribute to improving human resource capacity while developing the agricultural sector in partner areas.

The signing of this Cooperation Agreement is expected to serve as the beginning of broader and sustainable cooperation in soybean commodity development and the strengthening of food security in North Sumatra.

The collaboration is in line with SDG 2: Zero Hunger through strengthening food security and food commodity production; SDG 4: Quality Education through the involvement of students and lecturers in learning and field assistance; and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals through strengthening synergy among higher education institutions, the business sector, and the community.