Berastagi, August 13, 2025 — Universitas Terbuka (UT) once again affirms its role as an Impactful Campus through international collaboration with Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), and the Karo Regency Government in the event “International Community Services 2025: International Community Service Program (PkM Internasional UT) 2025”. This program connects academic strengths with community needs, creating real impact in enhancing human resource capacity while promoting sustainable local tourism destinations.
The event was synergized with the Department of Culture, Youth and Sports, and Tourism and the Karo Regency Government, as the regional tourism icon. The program was carried out through two main activities: capacity-building support for tourism human resources and market infrastructure development.
Since May 2025, UT and its partners have been developing infrastructure at Berastagi Fruit Market, the tourism icon of Karo Regency. This was followed by training on August 12 and the official inauguration on August 13, 2025. The event carried the theme “Capacity Building Training for Human Resources in the Development of Tourism Destinations at Berastagi Fruit Market, Karo Regency.”
Participants—including fruit vendors, flower sellers, farmer groups, and horse business operators—received assistance in areas such as sustainable tourism management, digital promotion, and destination branding strategies. The initiative went beyond knowledge sharing; tangible actions included renovating a prayer room (musholla), providing prayer equipment, sanitation facilities, and amenities to support tourist comfort at the Mejuah-juah Park area.
This synergy reflects UT’s concrete contribution toward achieving the **Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)**—especially SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). More than just a community service activity, PkM Internasional UT 2025 illustrates how universities can act as catalysts for change, strengthen cross-border networks, and address regional development challenges with knowledge-based solutions.
In his speech, the Head of the Department of Culture, Youth and Sports, and Tourism stated, “This program not only improves human resource capacity but also strengthens international relations and academic collaboration, as well as regional development.” He emphasized that the presence of UT, USU, and USM leadership at the signing of the MoU, MoA, and IA underscores their shared commitment to continuing similar programs in the future, reinforcing the role of higher education as a driver of community empowerment.
The inauguration of the International Community Service and the signing of the Plaque, MoU, MoA, and IA on August 13, 2025, was attended by the Regent of Karo Regency, Brigadier General of Police (Ret.) Dr. dr. Antonius Ginting, Sp.OG., M.Kes., represented by the Assistant for Government and Public Welfare of the Regional Secretary of Karo Regency, Mr. Caprilus Barus, S.Sos.; Prof. Rahmat Budiman, S.S., M.Hum., Ph.D. (Vice Rector for Academic Affairs and Acting Vice Rector for Research, Innovation, Cooperation, and Business at UT); representative of the Dean of the School of Distance Education, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Dr. Norizan Binti Baba Rahim; Head of the International Collaboration Community Service Team from Universitas Sumatera Utara, Dr. Nurzainah Ginting; Dean of the Faculty of Law, Social and Political Sciences, Dr. Meita Istianda, S.IP., M.Si.; Dean of the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Prof. Dr. Ucu Rahayu, M.Sc.; Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology, Dr. Subekti Nurmawati, M.Si., represented by the Vice Dean for Student Affairs, Learning Services, and Cooperation at FST, Prof. Dr. Dewi Juliah Ratnaningsih, S.Si., M.Si.; Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Business, Dr. Meirani Harsasi, S.E., M.Si.; Director of Universitas Terbuka Medan, Mr. Yasir Riadi, S.S., M.Hum.; Vice Dean for Student Affairs, Learning Services, and Cooperation of FEB, Ms. Olivia Idrus, S.E., M.Sc.; and Head of the Institute for Research and Community Service, Prof. Dr. Dewi Artati Padmo Putri, M.A., Ph.D., represented by the Head of the Community Service Center, Dr. Heriani, S.IP., M.A.
Through open education and global networking approaches, UT demonstrates its excellence in bridging academic knowledge with local needs. This collaboration not only strengthens the competitiveness of human resources in the tourism sector but also empowers local communities to preserve, manage, and develop regional potential sustainably.
This program is part of the flagship initiative “DIKTISAINTEK BERDAMPAK” launched by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology, and serves as concrete proof that higher education can significantly contribute to community empowerment. Through PkM Internasional 2025, UT positions itself at the forefront as an Impactful Campus that not only produces competitive graduates but also delivers solutions for sustainable development—locally, nationally, and globally.
