USU PR - The Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) held a Socialization of Regulations and Permit Processing Flow related to Foreign Service Travel and Cooperation Reporting. It took place in the 8th Floor Hall, Digital Learning Center Building (DLCB) USU, on Thursday (25/01/2024).

PDLN and international cooperation are an integral part of USU's efforts to improve quality, visibility, and engagement at the global level. Through overseas business trips, USU can build a wider network, establish more intense cooperation and communication and gain valuable experience that can advance USU's mission and vision.

In her remarks, Vice Rector III for Research, Community Service, and Cooperation of the Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) Prof. Dr. Poppy Anjelisa Zaitun Hasibuan, S.Si., M.Si., Apt. stated that this socialization aims to provide an understanding based on applicable regulations, regarding PDLN management procedures and the importance of reporting every international cooperation carried out, both faculties, study programs and other work units.

“International cooperation can make a positive contribution in terms of research innovation, publications, development, as well as the exchange of knowledge and other information that is needed,” explained Prof. Poppy.

In reporting cooperation, transparency is key. Therefore, Prof. Dr. Poppy Anjelisa Zaitun Hasibuan, S.Si., M.Si., Apt. emphasized that through accurate and timely reporting, every achievement and international cooperation carried out will get the appropriate appreciation. In addition, through this reporting, trust can be built and motivate the entire team to continue to creatively innovate and collaborate.

“Hopefully, all work units, especially work unit leaders and all study programs, will understand better and follow the directions that have just been given,” Prof. Poppy appealed.

Yayat Hendayana, S.S., M.Si as Head of the Public Relations and Cooperation Working Team at the Directorate General of Higher Education, Research and Technology, explained that an important requirement for PDLN licensing is an invitation letter, in accordance with the rules submitted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of State Secretariat. Furthermore, there must be a clear schedule, which will be mentioned in the SP Setneg (State Secretariat Approval Letter), then last but not least is to make a TOR (Term of Reference).

“When the file is complete, the USU PDLN operator must submit it to the State Secretariat's Foreign Service Travel Information System (SIMPEL), so that we can issue a recommendation letter, then we can make sure that the State Secretariat SP will come out,” Yayat explained.

Muhammad Irhash Aliya, S.H. as the Foreign Service Travel Cooperation Staff of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology (Kemendikbudristek) highlighted that in 2023, there was a rapid increase in PDLN applications of approximately 8,500 applicants. The change is a challenge, because it creates a change in the dynamics of PDLN applications, requiring an earlier time of about 2 to 3 weeks before entering the SIMPEL system.

“So, in the future, hopefully the PDLN submission can be done earlier. Well, how will it go or not, it's just a matter of canceling it,” said Irhash.

Author: Bambang Riyanto - Public Relations

Interviewee: Prof. Poppy Anjelisa Zaitun Hasibuan - Vice Rector III USU

Photographer: Amri Simatupang - Public Relations