USU PR—Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU), together with the Technical University of Berlin (TU-Berlin), held an International Seminar with the theme “Water and Environmental Management in Southeast-Asia Challenges of Sustainable Development Goals.” The seminar was held in the Academic Senate Conference Room, USU Central Administration Bureau Building, on Tuesday (02/27/2024).

The purpose of organizing this seminar and collaboration is to increase our awareness of using water on Earth. In addition, it is a means of information about clean water management for the community so that it remains sustainable in the future and the intensity so that wastewater can be managed properly. If water is not used as well as possible, it will be a catastrophe that threatens human life in the future.

USU Rector, Prof. Dr. Muryanto Amin S.Sos., M.Si., in his speech, expressed the importance of working together with cross-sectoral, cross-country, and even cross-community to understand the challenges in maintaining a sustainable ecosystem.

He added that this seminar is the right forum to discuss and find the best solution to overcome these problems by working together and presenting innovative, integrated, and sustainable solutions.

“This seminar provides valuable insights and inspiration for all who attend, motivating us to move forward, fulfill our responsibilities, and continue the environmental legacy to be conducive and sustainable for future generations,” said the USU Rector in his remarks.

Prof. Sven-Uwe Geißen, the representative of TU Berlin, mentioned that there are two things that will be achieved through this cooperation, namely the existence of a bond between Indonesian and German scientists. In addition, there is an exchange of knowledge with Germany, which can teach the challenges of maintaining water quality. Indonesia can learn about environmental protection and clean water management, especially around the sea, considering many human activities around it.

Prof. Dr. Ing. Ir. Johannes Tarigan, chairman of the Committee, said that this seminar was initiated several years ago to collaborate, but it could only be realized this year after the COVID-19 period had passed.

He added, “This seminar was also implemented in Lake Toba to conduct research on the quality of water there.”

The Chairperson of the Committee hopes that USU can find and formulate the latest research useful for protecting the environment in collaboration with TU-Berlin.

Author: Bambang Riyanto - Public Relations
Interviewee: Prof. Muryanto Amin - USU Rector
Photographer: Amri Simatupang - Public Relations