USU PUBLIC RELATIONS – Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU), through the USU Student Executive Board (BEM USU), held the Opening Ceremony of the First School of Student Movement and Propaganda for the 2026/2027 academic year on Tuesday (October 27, 2026), at the USU Student Center. The program serves as a learning platform for students to develop leadership skills, strengthen their understanding of student movements, and acquire advocacy skills relevant to issues facing society.

Director of the USU Directorate of Student Affairs and Alumni, Prof. Dr. Ir. Agus Purwoko, S.Hut., M.Si., IPU, said that the School of Student Movement is not solely focused on students’ ability to organize actions, but also prepares them with communication, leadership, and advocacy skills through various approaches, including the use of digital platforms. He emphasized the importance of program continuity so that participants can achieve competency development that can be applied in organizational activities and community life.

“Students need more than just hard skills. They also need soft skills, character, and leadership, which are not always acquired in the classroom. Leadership is essential, especially because students have a strategic role in overseeing and advocating for policies that serve the interests of the people,” he said.

Head of the USU Center for Student Achievement (Puspresma USU), Bambang Riyanto, S.S., M.Si., expressed his appreciation for the implementation of the School of Student Movement and Propaganda as a student development program expected to produce cadres with integrity, vision, and a commitment to sustaining the movement. He also encouraged participants to take each stage of the learning process seriously so that the knowledge they acquire can be passed on to other students.

“We hope this school will produce cadres who are not only militant, but also possess integrity, vision, and a commitment to sustaining the ideas behind the movement,” he said.

Chairperson of the USU Student Representative Council (DPM USU), Brian Rumasingap, welcomed the implementation of the School of Student Movement as a learning space for developing students who are more active and concerned about the issues around them. He expressed hope that the program would equip participants to continue the student movement and take part in promoting change both on campus and in society.

“Congratulations on the implementation of the School of Student Movement. I hope all participants can take part in the program successfully and continue the student movement as part of Indonesia’s transformation,” he said.

Chairperson of BEM USU, Angga Al Maaris Harahap, explained that the School of Student Movement and Propaganda is one of the programs prepared to strengthen the direction of the student movement so that it is more closely aligned with the needs of society. According to him, the program is expected to serve as a starting point for USU students to build a movement rooted in real issues and free from interests other than those of the community.

“This is a starting point for the student movement at Universitas Sumatera Utara to truly give rise to movements that align with the interests of society—not movements influenced by any particular interests, but movements that serve the interests of the Indonesian people,” he stressed.

Secretary of the BEM USU Ministry of Action and Propaganda, M. Syafril Imam S.A.R., said that students have responsibilities extending beyond academic activities on campus. Through this program, participants are expected to understand various forms of student movements, from research and writing to having the courage to speak the truth, so that their activities do not stop at ceremonial agendas but instead provide tangible benefits to society.

“Students must not limit themselves to campus affairs. Taking action does not always mean taking to the streets; it can also take the form of research, writing, and having the courage to speak the truth when others choose to remain silent,” he explained.

Through the First School of Student Movement and Propaganda organized by BEM USU for the 2026/2027 academic year, students can develop critical thinking, leadership, and skills for conveying aspirations through various forms of advocacy. The program is also expected to serve as a continuous development platform that encourages the emergence of student movements that are purposeful, responsible, and capable of making tangible contributions to society.