MEDAN – USU PR: As part of efforts to strengthen the downstream impact of research and community service outcomes, the community service team of Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) held a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) titled “Formulating Strategy and Sustainability of the Integrated Agricultural Capacity Building Program for Community Economic Resilience” at the end of January 2026. The activity took place in Rabuhit Village, Gunung Maligas District, Simalungun Regency.

This academic forum served as a platform for disseminating interdisciplinary community service results, as well as formulating applicable policy recommendations for rural development in Simalungun Regency. The program was a collaboration between the Institute for Community Service (LPPM) USU, Universiti Putra Malaysia, and the Rabuhit Village Government.

The Head of the Rabuhit Assisted Village Community Service Team, Dr. Amlys Syahputra Silalahi, SE., M.Si., explained that the activity adopted a collaborative framework connecting national and international academics, government, industry, and local communities. The primary focus of the FGD was analyzing the economic and environmental impacts of integrated agricultural technology interventions. The team also formulated a roadmap to ensure that livestock feed innovation and waste management in Rabuhit Village generate long-term impact.

The forum incorporated an international perspective through the participation of Associate Prof. Nuraini Abdul Azis from Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM). She presented case studies on the effectiveness of regional integrated agricultural systems and emphasized the importance of cross-country collaboration in addressing global food security challenges. Meanwhile, Ir. David Yasin, S.Pt., M.Pt., highlighted industrial implementation opportunities, outlining prospects for strategic partnerships with the national beef cattle industry.

To complement the academic analysis, Dr. Drs. Hariadi Susilo, M.Si., and Prof. Dr. Tulus, Vor.Dipl.Math., M.Si., Ph.D., from the Institute for Community Service (LPPM USU) delivered materials related to village community capacity-building methodologies.

On the same occasion, Ir. Peni Patriani, S.Pt., M.P., IPM., ASEAN Eng., and Ir. Farida Ariani, M.T., presented on the urgency of integrating the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as the foundation for the 2026 community service agenda, particularly focusing on SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. Considering that the creation of quality employment remains a significant challenge, the USU Community Service Team is committed to building an economic ecosystem in collaboration with government and industry to foster prosperity through stable rural economic growth.

Meanwhile, Dr. Ir. Ma'ruf Tafsin, M.Si., IPM., presented on Policy Outputs and Multisector Commitment Activities, resulting in key strategic points documented in a joint commitment agreement signed by major stakeholders, including the Head of Gunung Maligas District, Masrah, and the Pangulu Nagori (Village Head) of Rabuhit, Rohiman. The agreement covers integrated agricultural operational procedures, integration of community service outcomes into village policy, and continuous monitoring to maintain community economic stability.

The USU Community Service Team hopes that the model developed in Rabuhit Village can be replicated in other regions as a solution for managing rural community agribusiness potential. (RJ)