The Aceh Regional Development Planning Agency (Bappeda) and the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA) of Universitas Syiah Kuala (USK) held a strategic discussion on the theme “The Application of Science in Regional Development” on July 24, 2025, at the Bappeda Aceh Office. This initiative aimed to strengthen synergy between local government and academia to promote development grounded in science, technology, and sustainability. The session was attended by the Head of Bappeda Aceh, Dr. Husnan Harun, ST, MP, accompanied by Dr. Teuku Ahmad Dadek, SH, MH, Principal Policy Planner, and faculty members of FMIPA USK. The discussion was moderated by Muhajir, ST, M.T, Head of the Research and Development Division at Bappeda Aceh, who guided the conversation toward practical follow-up and cross-sector collaboration opportunities.
In his remarks, Dr. Husnan emphasized that Bappeda’s responsibility extends beyond planning it also includes ensuring effective implementation. He underlined that planning is not merely bureaucratic but a strategic process of choosing activities based on the region’s potential and available resources. He also noted that program proposals may now be initiated directly by Bappeda, creating broader room for collaboration with academic institutions. However, he also highlighted the human resource limitations within Bappeda, particularly in applying research findings in planning processes. “Presentations like this are rare at Bappeda, but they are exactly what we need,” he said.
Dr. Husnan also addressed Aceh’s untapped potential in natural resources. He pointed out that while global oil contracts span hydrocarbon chains from C1 to C22, Aceh currently operates only up to C8. Additionally, valuable minerals such as gold have been found in Class C mining activities, yet regulations are lacking. He urged the drafting of a Qanun (local regulation) to protect these resources. Drawing a comparison with Penang, once supported by Aceh during its early port development, he stressed how Aceh has fallen behind. Quoting the Qur’an, he reminded that “the power to pierce the skies and the earth” can only be achieved through knowledge. “Help us restore Aceh’s glory through science and technology,” he said.
In response, FMIPA USK Dean Prof. Dr. Taufik Fuadi Abidin, S.Si, M.Tech, expressed readiness to serve as a strategic partner to Bappeda. FMIPA consists of seven departments and sixteen study programs, with expertise in data science, artificial intelligence (AI), landscape ecology, remote sensing, instrumentation, modeling, biotechnology, renewable energy, waste management, and pharmaceutical sciences. FMIPA is also prepared to support applied research, technical training, and GPU-based advanced analytics to strengthen evidence-based public policy.
During the session, various strategic topics were discussed including carbon trading, greenhouse gas (GHG) monitoring, vegetation as carbon sinks, and spatial analysis using geographic information systems (GIS). Heads of departments at FMIPA presented collaboration opportunities in urban pest control, bioremediation, bioinformatics, data science, and biotechnology to support the food and health sectors. FMIPA expressed its full commitment to providing scientific data and analysis to aid in regional policymaking.
Dr. Teuku Ahmad Dadek, SH, MH, highlighted the importance of having high-quality technical training accessible in Aceh. He noted with concern that many essential trainings such as environmental impact assessments (AMDAL), remote sensing, disaster modeling, and drone mapping are still being conducted by institutions outside Aceh. “FMIPA USK should be the training center for science and technology required by local government personnel,” he said. FMIPA responded that it has already developed certified training modules across various domains and is currently awaiting the official Rector’s decree on the pricing scheme for the use of laboratory assets and data.
As a concrete follow-up, FMIPA and Bappeda Aceh agreed to formulate a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) covering areas such as joint research, technical training, human resource capacity development, policy support systems, and integration of scientific knowledge into Aceh’s development planning. This collaboration is closely aligned with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly:
- SDG 4 – Quality Education (through research and technical training),
- SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (via science-based planning),
- SDG 13 – Climate Action (GHG monitoring and carbon sink initiatives),
- SDG 15 – Life on Land (through biodiversity and landscape ecology),
- SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals (academic-government synergy).
This meeting marks a pivotal step in building a science-based, inclusive, and sustainable development ecosystem for Aceh.
