PUBLIC RELATIONS USU - Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) has demonstrated its commitment to preserving institutional memory through strengthening archive management, particularly the academic records of past students. This was discussed during the Archive Development and Supervision Meeting for the Graduate School, held at the USU Archive Office on Thursday (June 12, 2025).

USU's Vice Rector I, Prof. Dr. Edy Ikhsan, S.H., M.A., stated that under the leadership of Rector Prof. Dr. Muryanto Amin, S.Sos., M.Si., strengthening archival management has become an important part of the university's policy direction. The USU Archives Office has demonstrated significant progress, including its National Best Network Hub award nomination by the National Archives of the Republic of Indonesia.

“Here lies the history of higher education that is not only beneficial for North Sumatra but also for Indonesia and the world,” Prof. Edy remarked.

The University Secretary, Prof. Dr. dr. Muhammad Fidel Ganis Siregar, M.Ked (OG), Sp.O.G, Subsp.F.E.R., added that archives are not merely piles of documents but the institutional memory reflecting accountability, legality, and historical value. He emphasized the importance of cross-unit collaboration in creating an adaptive, transparent, and integrated archiving system that aligns with digitalization trends.

“We cannot discuss modern governance without first strengthening organized and accessible documentation,” stated Prof. Fidel.

The Head of the USU Archives Office, Dr. Aisyah, S.E., M.Si., outlined various challenges in raising awareness of archives among the academic community. Although it is not yet a priority program or a key performance indicator (KPI), she emphasized that archiving is directly related to students, from academic records to transcripts to diplomas.

“Archiving is not merely an administrative task. It is a matter of legal responsibility and can result in penalties if misused,” explained Dr. Aisyah.

In her presentation, Dr. Aisyah, S.E., M.Si., also noted that the USU Archives Office continues to operate despite limited resources. With only 10 staff members, they manage 52 departments and 166 academic programs. Despite budget constraints, the Archives Office remains innovative, including through an annual award program for units that effectively manage archives.

“Digital archives are not an excuse to neglect physical documents. Both must be managed professionally on equal footing,” she emphasized.

This meeting also served as a moment for joint evaluation and a reminder of the importance of systemic improvements. In addition to strengthening archive management, USU is also targeting developing a GLAM (Gallery, Library, Archives, and Museum) system to strengthen the institution’s scientific and cultural ecosystem.