Thursday, 03 September 2026
MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM - The Medan City Government (Pemko Medan) is further expanding its cooperation with universities to promote urban development based on scientific knowledge and research findings. The partnership between the government and academia is considered important to ensure that various development initiatives produce appropriate solutions while addressing the needs of the community.
Medan Mayor Rico Tri Putra Bayu Waas made the statement after attending the public session marking the 74th anniversary of the Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) at the USU Campus Auditorium on Thursday, August 20, 2026.The 74th Dies Natalis of USU was held under the theme "Listening to Science for Global Impact." The theme highlights the importance of science and research in creating tangible impacts for society at both local and international levels.
Rico Waas considers the Universitas Sumatera Utara a strategically important partner in the development of Medan. As one of the oldest and largest universities outside Java, USU possesses academic resources, scientific expertise, and research findings that can be utilized to strengthen various regional development programs.According to Rico, the city administration needs support from universities to ensure that government policies are not focused solely on addressing short-term problems, but are also grounded in scientific evidence and capable of delivering long-term benefits to the community.
On the occasion, Rico Waas praised USU's commitment to improving the quality of education. He also highlighted the expansion of modern facilities and the provision of spaces where students can further develop their creativity and entrepreneurial skills.
"Numerous facilities and forms of support have been established for students. They can learn creatively using the latest technology and even have access to a business incubator as preparation for their future," Rico Waas said.In his view, the development of educational facilities and the strengthening of business incubators are important steps in preparing students for changes in the workforce and economic development. Universities are not merely places for formal education, but can also serve as spaces for innovation, the creation of new businesses, and the development of solutions to various social challenges.
Rico also sees the business incubation program as a platform for connecting students' potential with the needs of the business sector. Such cooperation can expand opportunities for students to develop their ideas into products or services with economic value.The Medan City Government, Rico added, is open to broader cooperation with USU, particularly in utilizing research findings to support development programs. The government needs scientific studies that can assist in formulating policies while accelerating solutions to problems faced by the community.
One form of this cooperation concerns environmental management and strengthening economic opportunities for residents. Rico explained that USU research findings could support the development of Integrated Waste Processing Facilities (TPST) in Medan, as well as the development of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through the university's business incubation program."One application of USU's research findings concerns the construction of Integrated Waste Processing Facilities (TPST) in Medan, as well as the development of MSMEs through the campus business incubation program," Rico Waas said in conclusion.
Rico stressed that the relationship between the Medan City Government and universities must go beyond the exchange of ideas and evolve into cooperation that produces concrete programs. The government can identify problems requiring scientific support, while academics can develop research tailored to actual conditions in society.
This approach allows research findings to move beyond the academic sphere and be implemented in everyday life. At the same time, the government can rely on data-driven insights and scientific studies when planning development programs.In Medan, various challenges-including waste management, MSME development, human resource improvement, and economic strengthening—require innovative and knowledge-based approaches. Therefore, cooperation with universities is an important component of sustainable urban development.
The theme of USU's 74th Dies Natalis also reinforces this message. "Listening to Science for Global Impact" places science at the center of change capable of generating broader benefits for society.For the Medan City Government, closer ties with USU can also open new opportunities for innovations that reflect the character and needs of the city. The government can serve as a partner in implementing research findings, while the university can continue directing its research toward concrete challenges faced by society.
Through such a cooperation model, regional development is expected to focus not only on physical and infrastructure progress, but also on innovation, sustainability, and improvements in the quality of life of residents."The USU campus must become a new center of economic growth because it is located within the business district of Medan," Muryanto said.
The approach reflects USU's efforts to expand its role in economic development. Integrating academia, industry, and society can create an ecosystem that promotes innovation while opening opportunities for cooperation across various sectors.Developing the educational area into a center of economic growth could further strengthen USU's position in supporting Medan's development. The presence of students, academics, entrepreneurs, and various innovation activities has the potential to stimulate new economic activities around the campus.
By strengthening this ecosystem, USU aims not only to produce graduates but also to serve as a center for developing ideas, research, entrepreneurship, and innovations that benefit society.The public session marking USU's 74th Dies Natalis was also attended by the Minister of Immigration and Corrections and Chairman of the USU Board of Trustees, retired National Police General Agus Andrianto. Minister of MSMEs Maman Abdurrahman was also present and delivered a scientific address.
The presence of representatives from government and academia at the event underscores the importance of cross-sector cooperation in strengthening the contribution of universities to development. Synergy among government, universities, industry, and society is an important foundation for innovations capable of addressing urban challenges while increasing Medan's competitiveness.With a commitment to listening to and utilizing scientific knowledge, the Medan City Government and USU have significant opportunities to deepen their research cooperation and implement various innovations. The partnership is expected to facilitate more measurable and adaptive development while creating tangible benefits for the people of Medan. (IDNC)
REPORTER: Teguh Panjaitan | EDITOR: Fik Sagala
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