01 December 2025
Threesna Sharfina
The Postgraduate School of Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) unconventionally celebrated its 40th Anniversary. Instead of holding a ceremonial event on campus, this year’s celebration took place directly at the Tangkahan Ecotourism area in Langkat Regency on Saturday, 22 November 2025. The unique approach was chosen as a symbol of the School’s strong commitment to strengthening academic initiatives that support environmental conservation and sustainability.
This anniversary event was designed not only as an annual gathering but also as a shared moment of reflection on the institution’s four-decade journey in advancing excellence in postgraduate education. The celebration unfolded in a warm and collaborative atmosphere, complemented by academic activities and nature exploration.
The event was attended by the entire leadership of the USU Postgraduate School, including Director Prof. T. Sabrina, Deputy Director I Prof. Ewanny Aritonang, Deputy Director II Prof. Hamidah Harahap, program heads, lecturers, education staff, and students. Also present were the Head of the Master’s and Doctoral Programs in Natural Resources and Environmental Management (PSL), Prof. Rahmawaty, and the Head of the Master’s Program in Property Valuation Management (MMPP), Prof. Elisabeth Siahaan, both of whom contributed significantly to the academic discussions throughout the event.
As one of the main speakers, Prof. Rahmawaty emphasized that Tangkahan was chosen not merely as a recreational site but as a strategic field-learning location. According to her, Tangkahan represents a concrete example of successful collaboration among local communities, conservation institutions, and government bodies in preserving the tropical rainforest ecosystem of Sumatra.
“Holding the anniversary celebration in this area is both symbolic and practical, demonstrating that the USU Postgraduate School is committed to playing an active role in environmental issues. Our presence here represents our appreciation for the environment as a living learning laboratory,” she stated in an interview with Borneonews on Sunday, 23 November 2025.
She added that the 40-year milestone serves as an important moment to re-evaluate the institution’s achievements while formulating new strategies to address future challenges. Moving forward, she emphasized the need for the Postgraduate School to strengthen applied research, develop curricula responsive to global issues, and enhance USU’s role in environmental advocacy and education.
“This is not just an institutional anniversary—it is also a call to strengthen our contribution to sustainability. The academic world bears significant responsibility in addressing increasingly complex ecological changes,” she affirmed.
In addition to academic discussions, the anniversary event also featured appreciation sessions, strengthened collaboration among units, and direct visits to conservation areas. Participants explored ecotourism trails, observed forest management practices, and engaged with conservation communities who have long played a vital role in maintaining Tangkahan as one of North Sumatra’s leading ecotourism destinations.
According to the organizing committee, this outdoor-learning concept is expected to offer participants a more immersive experience, particularly in understanding environmental issues not only through theory but also through direct empirical observation. This model also reinforces the Postgraduate School’s commitment to cross-disciplinary collaboration.
Through its 40th Anniversary celebration, the USU Postgraduate School expressed its aspiration to strengthen inter-program collaboration in fostering innovation and sustainable research. Prof. Rahmawaty concluded the event with the message that this moment should serve as the starting point for new ideas that benefit communities and regional development.
“May Tangkahan inspire new visions for the advancement of the university and broader contributions to the nation. The environment teaches us that sustainability can only be achieved through collective effort,” she remarked.
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