USU PUBLIC RELATIONS – Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU), in collaboration with Rumah Sawit Indonesia (RSI), held a public consultation entitled “Formulating a Farmer–Company Partnership Model to Build Competitive Farmers through Land Intensification and Industrialization” at the Digital Learning Center Building (DLCB) USU on Tuesday (September 15, 2026). The event discussed the development of a partnership model between farmers and companies to support capacity building among farmers and the development of the palm oil industry.

In his remarks, USU Vice Rector for Research, Innovation, and Cooperation, Prof. Dr. Eng. Himsar Ambarita, S.T., M.T., stated that the public consultation was one form of collaboration between USU and Rumah Sawit Indonesia. He explained that many USU researchers have a strong interest in palm oil-related research, making the event important for strengthening cooperation in the development of the sector.

“This activity is important because many USU researchers focus on palm oil, and this is also part of our collaboration with Rumah Sawit Indonesia,” he said.

He also stated that the activity is in line with the agro-industry targets outlined in USU’s Strategic Plan. Following the public consultation and FGD, USU could develop a Center of Excellence focusing on partnership models between the palm oil industry and the government. He expressed hope that the resulting recommendations could serve as a basis and provide solutions for the government in developing the palm oil industry.

“We hope that this activity will produce recommendations that can serve as a basis and provide solutions for the government in developing the palm oil industry,” he said.

Meanwhile, Chairman of Rumah Sawit Indonesia, Ir. Kacuk Sumarto, MBA., stated that farmers are key actors in achieving food and energy sovereignty through the plantation sector. He expressed hope that the forum, which involved higher education institutions, would produce recommendations on partnership models and strengthen cooperation among farmers, companies, the government, and other relevant stakeholders.

“Farmers are key actors in achieving food and energy sovereignty through plantations,” he said.

Furthermore, Director of Partnerships and Plasma at PT Agrinas Palma Nusantara (Persero), Seger Budiardjo, S.E., M.M., expressed his appreciation for the organization of the event. He stated that Agrinas Palma Nusantara, as a relatively new company, needs input from various stakeholders and hopes that the forum will produce recommendations that support the development of partnerships with farmers.

“As a relatively new company, we certainly need input from various parties, and we hope that this forum will produce valuable recommendations,” he said.

Ahmad Munir, S.E., M.Si., a representative of BPD/BPDP, also discussed support for building integrated partnerships between farmers and companies, particularly in the upstream palm oil plantation sector. The discussion formed part of efforts to strengthen the development of farmers and the palm oil industry.

“Support for the upstream sector is an important part of building an integrated partnership between farmers and companies,” he said.

Yusfahri Perangin-angin, S.P., M.P., Secretary of the Agriculture and Food Security Agency of North Sumatra Province, representing the Governor of North Sumatra, stated that industrialization must provide benefits to farmers. He emphasized the importance of improving farmers’ welfare and capacity so that they can become more competitive.

“Industrialization must benefit farmers, and its benefits should not be enjoyed only by certain parties,” he said.