PUBLIC RELATIONS USU - Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU), in collaboration with the National Defense University of Malaysia (UPNM), held a discussion forum entitled "Strategy and Diplomacy; Building Indonesia-Malaysia Synergy." In addition to holding a seminar, the two also initiated a collaborative research project. The event took place at the USU Digital Learning Center Building on Tuesday, July 29, 2025.

 

USU Vice Rector IV, Prof. Dr. Drs. Opim Salim Sitompul, M.Sc., stated that this forum was not merely an academic event but also a strategic platform to align perspectives and strengthen a collective vision for maintaining a stable and secure region. The collaboration between UCHPOLM and UPNM fosters awareness that regional development must be multidimensional.

 

"Today's forum serves as a meeting point between academic perspectives and strategic policymaking," said Prof. Opim in his remarks.

 

Dr. Drs. Zulfendri, M.Kes., Head of the USU Center of Health Politics and Management (UCHPOLM), stated that the topic of this discussion forum is highly relevant to the political dynamics and global health challenges we are currently facing. There will be collaborative research involving USU and UPNM.

 

"There will be lecturer exchanges. Long-term research between USU and UPN. Future research is also planned," said Dr. Zulfendri in an interview.

 

Furthermore, Dr. Norhalizna Fairuz B.Soc.Sc., M.Soc.,Sc., Ph.D., Head of the Strategy and Defense Studies Department at the National Defense University, stated that this research will focus on resources in the Batubara area. Further discussions are currently underway regarding the research and future studies.

 

"This research is more traditional and focused on the communities in Batubara. Further collaborations will be discussed," she said.

 

The forum was also attended by the Regent of Batubara, H. Baharuddin Siagian, S.H., M.Si., who is part of the Indonesia-Malaysia collaboration. Batubara, a regency rich in natural and human resources, is a promising sector. Furthermore, Batubara borders the Strait of Malacca, one of the world's busiest shipping lanes.

 

"Batubara has a lot of potential, but this has been considered in the vision and mission for the next five years. This collaboration will also significantly impact the Batubara region," said Baharuddin.