Humbang Hasundutan — Efforts to build independent and sustainable villages continue to be strengthened through cross-sector and cross-country collaboration. This was evident in the International Community Development Program of Equity Focus Group Discussion (FGD) held in Habeahan Village, Lintong Nihuta Subdistrict, Humbang Hasundutan Regency.
This discussion forum served as a strategic platform for the government, academics, international partners, and the local community to integrate ideas in strengthening village institutions while promoting environment-based economic development.
The event was attended by representatives of the Regent of Humbang Hasundutan through the Regent’s Expert Staff, Parman L. Gaol, along with regional government officials, the Head of Lintong Nihuta Subdistrict Ronald Nababan, the Head of Habeahan Village Rusman Sihombing, as well as community leaders and local residents.
The FGD was led by the Community Service Team of Universitas Sumatera Utara under the coordination of Prof. Rahmawaty, S.Hut., M.Si., Ph.D., together with other academic team members. The activity also involved students and alumni as part of the implementation of collaborative community service.
The international dimension was further highlighted by the presence of academics from Universiti Putra Malaysia and Universiti Teknologi MARA. The involvement of these global partners provided new perspectives on sustainable village development and institutional capacity strengthening.
During the discussion, community members actively expressed various challenges and potentials of the village. The revitalization of the village reservoir (embung) became one of the main focuses, not only as a water source and for fish cultivation, but also as a potential tourism area that could support community social activities.
In the agricultural sector, residents highlighted the high cost of chemical fertilizers and encouraged the development of organic fertilizers based on village waste. This innovation is expected to improve the quality of leading commodities such as honey oranges and chili, enhancing their competitiveness in the market.
In addition, the development of self-produced feed based on corn through pellet machine technology was proposed as a solution. This initiative is considered capable of strengthening the fisheries sector while creating opportunities for economic growth through village cooperatives. Beyond economic aspects, social and spiritual dimensions were also emphasized. Religious leaders stressed the importance of ecological awareness as a shared responsibility in preserving the environment.
Through this FGD, Habeahan Village demonstrates a clear direction for development—one that is based on collaboration, local innovation, and sustainability. The synergy among the community, government, universities, and international partners is expected to serve as a strong foundation in realizing a resilient and productive village. The spirit of building from the village level is once again affirmed as a concrete step toward inclusive and sustainable national development.
