Medan, 6 August 2026 – The Postgraduate School of Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU), together with the Dairi Regency Government, officially strengthened their collaboration through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA). This agreement serves as a follow-up to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) previously established, with the scope of collaboration covering education, research, community service, human resource development, and support for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The signing of the MoA was attended by a delegation from the Dairi Regency Government led directly by the Regent of Dairi, Ir. Vickner Sinaga, M.M. Also present were the Chair of the Dairi Regency TP PKK, Mrs. Rita Puspita Vickner Sinaga, Assistant for Economic and Development Affairs Drs. Junihardi, representatives of BAPPEDA, the Director of Sidikalang Regional General Hospital, and several officials within the Dairi Regency Government.

In his remarks, the Regent of Dairi emphasized that improving the quality of education and human resources is an important part of promoting regional development. With experience as a lecturer since 1980, he expressed his commitment to continuously building networks and collaborations with higher education institutions.

“Over the past 14 months, I have delivered public lectures at 14 higher education institutions. I believe that regional development is determined not only by physical development but also by the quality of human resources,” he said.

According to him, although local governments face budget efficiency challenges, development must continue to be carried out in a balanced manner, both in physical and non-physical aspects. Strengthening the capacity of government officials, professionalism, and work ethic are important components in supporting improvements in the quality of public services.

In this context, the collaboration between the Dairi Regency Government and USU also opens opportunities for developing internship programs for students, particularly medical students. The program is expected to provide students with practical experience while also supporting the need for healthcare professionals in Dairi Regency.

The collaboration also supports several SDG targets, including SDG 3 on Good Health and Well-Being, SDG 4 on Quality Education, SDG 8 on Decent Work and Economic Growth, and SDG 17 on Partnerships for the Goals.

Representing USU Rector Prof. Dr. Muryanto Amin, S.Sos., M.Si., USU Vice Rector III Prof. Dr. Eng. Himsar Ambarita, S.T., M.T., expressed his appreciation for the realization of the collaboration. He stated that during the Rector's second term of leadership, the university has adopted the theme “The Era of Ultimate Excellence” as a commitment to delivering increasingly broad and tangible contributions to society.

“As one of the oldest universities in North Sumatra, USU has a responsibility to continue providing tangible benefits for national development. We believe that Dairi Regency shares the same spirit of providing the best possible public services,” he said.

Prof. Himsar explained that the signing of the MoA represents a concrete implementation of the MoU that has been established between USU and the Dairi Regency Government. He also highlighted USU's efforts to expand its international networks and cooperation opportunities, including through a visit by representatives of 1,200 managers from the Netherlands who are committed to contributing to the development of developing countries.

According to him, these networks can open up broader opportunities for new collaborations. USU, Prof. Himsar continued, is open to various forms of productive cooperation that can help address regional development challenges through strengthening education, research, and innovation.

Meanwhile, Director of the Postgraduate School USU Prof. Dr. Ir. Evawany Yunita Aritonang, M.Si., expressed her gratitude for the signing of the MoA with the Dairi Regency Government. She explained that the collaboration was a continuation of the Postgraduate School USU's visit to the Dairi Regent's Official Residence on June 22, 2026, to introduce the study programs offered by the Postgraduate School USU.

“Our visit at that time was very warmly received by the Regent. Today, August 6, 2026, we are honored to welcome the return visit of the Dairi Regency Government to carry out the signing of the MoA. We hope that this collaboration will open up various broader opportunities for both parties to collaborate in supporting the development of Dairi Regency while strengthening USU's role as a higher education institution that provides tangible contributions to society,” she said.

Through the signing of the MoA, the Postgraduate School USU and the Dairi Regency Government are committed to developing various forms of collaboration in education, research, community service, capacity building for government officials, healthcare, and human resource development.

The collaboration is expected not to stop at an administrative agreement but to be realized through various programs that provide direct impacts on society. The synergy between the higher education institution and the regional government is also part of efforts to support sustainable development in Dairi Regency and the achievement of the SDGs through quality education, improved health and well-being, strengthened economic development, and sustainable partnerships.