USU PR - The Center for Excellence in Science and Technology (PUI) Mangroves, Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU), together with PUI Universitas Prima Indonesia (UNPRI) held an International Summer Course entitled “Journey Among North Sumatran Mangroves”. The event opened at the USU Institute for Scientific Writing Innovation and Intellectual Property Rights (LIPIHKI) on Thursday (29/08/2024).

This Summer Course is the second time organized by PUI Mangrove USU. Held for six days, the activity consists of three days of lectures (August 29-31) and three days of International KKN (September 1-3) located in Langkat Regency and Langsa City.

The agenda for the first day after the opening of the event and the first lecture activities were also made, and a visit was made to the Faculty of Forestry (Fhut) at Campus II USU Kwala Bekala.

Head of PUI Mangrove USU, Prof. Mohammad Basyuni, S.Hut., M.Si., Ph.D, in his speech, revealed that the number of Summer Course participants was 30 participants and the International KKN was 90 participants. He said the International KKN was part of the Three Pillars of Higher Education. “The number of Summer Course participants was 30 participants, and the International KKN was 90 participants. International KKN is part of the Three Pillars of Higher Education,” said Prof. Mohammad Basyuni, S.Hut., M.Si., Ph.D.

UNPRI Vice Rector I, Abdi Dharma, S. Kom., M. Kom, on the same occasion, stated that mangrove forests have an important role and their preservation is a shared responsibility. Through this program, participants are expected to understand and collaborate and become a place to exchange knowledge between academics, practitioners, and local communities. “We hope that participants can deepen their understanding of the importance of mangrove ecosystems and their contributions. This program is intended as a platform to exchange knowledge and experience. We believe through this we can overcome challenges and create solutions,” said Abdi Dharma, S. Kom., M. Kom.

Prof. Mohammad Basyuni, S.Hut., M.Si., Ph.D explained that the purpose of this program is to introduce and internationalize USU. Activities are also assembled in a more varied manner to introduce Medan and its surroundings directly. “The goal is to introduce and internationalize USU. In terms of excursions, there are more this year. We introduce Medan and its surroundings. Because it is better for people to see things firsthand. So this year, the event is more varied, “explained Prof. Mohammad Basyuni, S.Hut., M.Si., Ph.D.

Furthermore, Prof. Mohammad Basyuni, S.Hut., M.Si., Ph.D said that he strongly supports the internationalization of USU. Prof. Mohammad Basyuni, S.Hut., M.Si., Ph.D emphasized that Indonesia, as the owner of the largest mangrove forest in the world, offers opportunities for deeper exploration because mangroves play a very important role. “In the past, USU was more outgoing, now we invite people from outside to come here. Participants from outside want to learn because Indonesia is the home of the world's largest mangrove. Mangroves are very interesting to explore more deeply,” said Prof. Mohammad Basyuni, S.Hut., M.Si., Ph.D.