USU PUBLIC RELATIONS – Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) held a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) on the Formulation of Knowledge-Based Clusters to Strengthen the USU World Class University Roadmap 2027 on Monday (October 12, 2026). The event, held in the Senate Room on the 3rd Floor of the USU Rectorate Building, was moderated by the Head of the USU Institute for Research and Community Service (LPPM), Prof. Mohammad Basyuni, S.Hut., M.Si., Ph.D., and attended by deans and vice deans from all faculties at USU.

The FGD discussed the formulation of knowledge-based clusters as a step toward focusing the direction of the development of knowledge, education, research, and innovation at USU in support of the 2027 World Class University target.

In his remarks, USU Vice Rector for Research, Innovation, and Collaboration, Prof. Dr. Eng. Himsar Ambarita, S.T., M.T., explained that the establishment of clusters aims to provide a more focused direction for knowledge development at USU.

“So, through these knowledge-based clusters, we want to further focus the direction of knowledge development as well as education at USU,” he said.

(Photo: Muhammad Andriansyah)

He explained that the establishment of the clusters would also serve as a step toward directing strategic programs so that their implementation would be more focused and aligned with established priorities. According to him, USU wants to ensure that its activities do not proceed in multiple directions without a clear focus.

“So, first, we will focus on establishing these clusters. These clusters will then be directed toward strategic programs or strategic initiatives,” he explained.

Furthermore, Prof. Dr. Eng. Himsar Ambarita, S.T., M.T., added that each cluster would have a leader or chairperson responsible for achieving its targets. The appointment of cluster leaders is expected to help USU monitor program progress and ensure that the established targets are achieved.

“So, we will appoint a cluster chairperson or leader. The leader will be assigned indicators to ensure that the expected outcomes are achieved,” he added.

(Photo: Muhammad Andriansyah)

In an interview, Prof. Dr. Eng. Himsar Ambarita, S.T., M.T., explained that, in addition to focusing on the development of knowledge and research, the establishment of knowledge-based clusters is also expected to encourage USU to continuously improve its quality. Prof. Himsar stated that the initiative is in line with USU’s commitment to demonstrating its best capabilities in achieving its university development targets.

“This is the time to demonstrate the best that we can possibly do. So, this is part of our effort to support The Era of Ultimate Excellence,” he concluded.