Aceh Tengah, September 2, 2024 – To enhance collaboration between academia and local government, the Biology Department of Universitas Syiah Kuala (USK) organized a synergistic event with the Aceh Tengah Regency Government on Monday, September 2, 2024. The event took place at two separate locations Pendopo Bupati and MAN 3 Takengon, and aimed to integrate biological sciences into various aspects of government policies and local development programs.
The event was attended by key figures from the USK Biology Department, including the Head of the Department, Prof. Lenni Fitri, S.Si., M.P., and the Head of the Master’s Program in Biology, Essy Harnelly, M.Si., Ph.D. The initiative seeks to apply biological sciences practically in areas such as agriculture, forestry, environmental management, and public health in Aceh Tengah. By working with multiple government agencies, the collaboration aims to support sustainable development in the region through science-based policies.
Biological Sciences and Sustainable Development
During the event, local government officials and USK representatives discussed potential applications of biological sciences to address regional challenges. Some of the key focus areas include sustainable natural resource management, biodiversity conservation, and biotechnology-based development of local products. The initiative is expected to bridge academic research and practical implementation to promote sustainable practices in Aceh Tengah.
In addition to the main event, the USK Biology Department also conducted a workshop on laboratory equipment usage at MAN-3 Aceh Tengah. This activity focused on building students’ and teachers’ competencies in utilizing laboratory tools effectively, ensuring they are well-equipped to conduct experiments and engage with scientific research. The USK team also presented the latest developments in biological sciences, highlighting recent discoveries and innovations that can be applied to local industries and education.
Remarks from the Regent of Aceh Tengah
The Regent of Aceh Tengah, Subhandhy, AP, M.Si., in his speech, underscored the importance of this collaboration for the region’s growth. “We highly appreciate the initiative taken by the USK Biology Department. We hope this collaboration doesn’t end as a mere ceremony but continues into real-world applications that directly benefit our community. The synergy between academia and the government is critical for achieving sustainable and environmentally conscious development,” he said.
The Regent also emphasized key areas requiring scientific input, such as environmentally friendly agriculture, sustainable land and forest management, and enhancing public health through the use of local medicinal plants.
Academic Perspectives
Prof. Lenni Fitri, S.Si., M.P., Head of the Biology Department, reiterated USK’s commitment to regional development through science. “We hope this collaboration will open new opportunities for our students and researchers to engage in projects that have a direct impact on the community. This is a golden opportunity to apply our research on a broader scale,” she stated.
Essy Harnelly, M.Si., Ph.D., added that this program provides a platform for master’s students to participate in community-oriented activities. “Through this collaboration, we aim not only to produce graduates with academic excellence but also those who are capable of contributing to society in a meaningful way,” Essy noted.
Dr. Ir. Wira Dharma, S.Si., M.Si, M.P., Assistant Dean for Student Affairs, Alumni, and Cooperation at FMIPA-USK, also provided guidance, stating that this collaboration could extend to other departments within FMIPA-USK that have closely related fields. “We believe this partnership can be expanded to involve other departments under FMIPA-USK, leveraging their expertise to further enhance the impact of our joint efforts,” he said.
Future Collaborations and Regional Support
In a separate statement, the Acting Regent of Aceh Tengah, Subhandhy, AP, M.Si., expressed his hopes for the continuation of similar collaborations in the near future. “We are looking forward to more collaborative activities with USK that can be realized soon. These partnerships are crucial for the development of our region, and we are committed to supporting them,” he said.
The synergy between USK and the Aceh Tengah Regency Government is expected to serve as a model for similar collaborations with other regions. The Biology Department has already outlined several projects, including training programs for local farmers, community-based forest conservation, and collaborative research involving students, faculty, and government agencies.
This partnership highlights the shared commitment to integrating science into public policy, with the ultimate goal of improving the welfare of the Aceh Tengah community through sustainable and scientifically informed approaches.
