The Department of Agriculture and Plantation (Distanbun) of Aceh has expressed a strong commitment to supporting higher education programs, particularly through student internship initiatives and broader academic collaboration. In a cordial meeting between Distanbun and the leadership of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Syiah Kuala (FMIPA-USK), several key points were agreed upon, laying the groundwork for synergistic partnerships between academia and the agricultural sector.
Head of Distanbun, Ir. Cut Huzaimah, MP, accompanied by the department’s secretary and several officials, conveyed their readiness to host student internships from various academic programs. She emphasized that Distanbun manages numerous technical implementation units (UPTDs) that serve as ideal learning environments for students, offering real-world experience in the agriculture and plantation sectors. “We fully support educational initiatives, and our units are open for students to learn and contribute directly,” she said.
Representing FMIPA-USK, Dean Prof. Dr. Taufik Fuadi Abidin, S.Si, M.Tech., attended the meeting along with Vice Dean for Student Affairs, Alumni, and Partnerships Dr. Ir. Wira Dharma, S.Si, M.Si, M.P, and Head of the Department of Biology, Prof. Dr. Lenni Fitri, S.Si, M.P. The Dean expressed his optimism that this collaboration would involve not only the Department of Biology but also other relevant programs within FMIPA, such as Statistics and Informatics, which offer valuable expertise in big data processing, agricultural modeling, and digital transformation.
The Department of Biology at FMIPA-USK has notable expertise in plant tissue culture, with several researchers capable of supporting innovation in sustainable agriculture and regional commodity development. This collaboration presents opportunities for joint research, technology transfer, field-based community service, and curriculum development, in alignment with global goals for sustainable development.
As a tangible outcome of the meeting, both parties officially signed a Cooperation Agreement (PKS) that outlines their commitment to implementing collaborative programs such as seminars, workshops, internships, curriculum development, knowledge-sharing through practitioner lectures, and joint research. It also supports the Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) program, scientific article co-publications, and other agreed initiatives. These collaborative activities contribute significantly to SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
Distanbun reaffirmed its openness to other forms of collaboration with academic institutions, supported by a clear legal framework that enables long-term and mutually beneficial partnerships. This strategic collaboration is expected to enhance human capital development, stimulate agricultural innovation, and support Aceh’s efforts toward inclusive and sustainable development.
This event marks an important step toward stronger synergy between government and academia, ensuring that educational programs remain relevant, impactful, and responsive to real-world challenges.
