Amid the increasingly real threats of global warming and climate change, efforts to reduce carbon emissions have become an urgent necessity. Continuously rising carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions are cited as one of the main factors causing climate change. One mitigation measure believed to be effective is tree planting, which is capable of absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere while simultaneously improving environmental quality.

This awareness encouraged Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU), through the TALENT CIRAD program, to take part in a greening movement. On September 20, 2025, USU collaborated with the JHL Merah Putih Kasih Foundation, the Trubus Bina Swadaya Foundation, and Nature for Change to carry out a tree-planting activity in Timbang Lawan Village, Bukit Lawang area.

The activity involved 30 students from the Faculty of Agriculture, USU, who are recipients of the Merah Putih Scholarship. They planted a total of 1,000 tree seedlings, consisting of 500 durian seedlings and 500 avocado seedlings. This planting initiative is part of a larger program to plant one million trees across various regions in Indonesia. The entire process—from planting and maintenance to growth monitoring—will be digitally recorded through the TreeRcode application.

This program does not focus solely on environmental aspects, but also emphasizes education and sustainable development. This was conveyed by Prof. Ir. Diana Chalil, M.Si., Ph.D., from the Faculty of Agriculture, USU, through her official statement to the media. She explained that the global need for sustainable development has been a worldwide consensus since it was introduced through the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in 2000, which concluded in 2015. This agreement was subsequently updated through the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with targets set through 2030. Of the 17 SDG goals, education and awareness are among the most important aspects.

In line with these objectives, the Consortium Studies on Smallholder Palm Oil (CSSPO) USU, together with the Master of Agribusiness Program (MAG) of the Faculty of Agriculture, USU, implements an environmental education program to increase public awareness and inclusivity in preserving nature. One tangible effort undertaken is the development of the TreeRcode application as a tool for recording tree-planting activities. Through this documentation, continuous monitoring is expected to be carried out so that tree growth can be maintained until it contributes to carbon emission reduction.

In its implementation, CSSPO and MAG receive full support from the Directorate of Internationalization and Global Cooperation (DIKG). In addition, collaboration has been established with various partners. The Wampu Ular Watershed Management Center (BPDAS) plays a role in providing seedlings. The JHL Merah Putih Kasih Foundation and the Trubus Bina Swadaya Foundation provide funding support. Meanwhile, Nature for Change is responsible for engaging local communities to provide planting locations and establish a periodic monitoring team.

Prof. Diana explained that BPDAS has fruit tree seedlings that can be utilized by the community for greening activities. The JHL Merah Putih Kasih Foundation consistently runs a scholarship program for 100 Faculty of Agriculture students each year. The Trubus Bina Swadaya Foundation, as a community empowerment institution with the “me for tree” greening program, has also agreed to become a partner in this environmental education initiative. Meanwhile, Nature for Change has long been active as a local NGO conducting greening activities in the Gunung Leuser National Park area since 2015. In addition, CSSPO and MAG also receive financial contributions and non-financial support from various parties, particularly from MAG alumni.

Tree planting within this program can be carried out in various locations, provided that the land is not designated for future development. After planting, each planter is required to report the growth progress of their adopted tree through the TreeRcode application. It is expected that after two years, the trees will grow well, contribute to carbon emission reduction, and provide additional income for the community. All planting and maintenance activities, whether conducted individually or in groups, will be recorded and made openly accessible through the application.

As an initial step, a total of 1,000 trees have been planted on three hectares of community land in Timbang Lawan Village, Bahorok District, Langkat Regency. This activity received full support from the local village head. In fact, several residents living around the planting site have begun inquiring about opportunities to participate in similar activities.

Initial monitoring of the first planting has been conducted and shows a plant survival rate of over 95 percent within the first four months. Monitoring is also carried out by the BPDAS team, which is committed to continuously supporting seedling provision. Next January, through the USU Public Relations team, drone photography of the location is planned to be conducted as baseline data, which will later be compared with the area’s development over time. Evaluation of the implementation and the contribution of tree planting to carbon emission reduction will be conducted annually by the USU team after two years of planting, involving all partners involved.

Photo: Muhammad Shandy Nugraha