16 April 2026
Raisha Andini
Medan, April 10, 2026 — Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU), through its Directorate of Partnership and Internationalization, received an official visit from the Marsipatiru Hutanabe Education Foundation to discuss strategic collaboration opportunities in education, particularly in improving student access to higher education and developing academic partnerships.
The meeting, held at the Equity Meeting Room, 3rd Floor of the USU Rectorate Building, was attended by the Director of Partnership and Internationalization, Prof. Dr. dr. Dewi Masyithah Darlan, DAP&E., MPH., Sp.Park, along with Partnership Manager Amalia Meutia, M.Psi., Psychologist. Meanwhile, the Marsipatiru Hutanabe Education Foundation was represented by its Chairman, Ir. H. Kumala Siregar, along with his team, and the Principal of SMA Negeri 2 Plus Sipirok, Akhiruddin Halomoan Harahap, S.Sos., M.Pd.
The discussion focused on potential collaborations between USU and SMA Negeri 2 Plus Sipirok, particularly in increasing the number of graduates pursuing higher education at USU. It was revealed that students from SMA Negeri 2 Plus Sipirok have a strong interest in continuing their studies at Universitas Sumatera Utara. Therefore, the school expects to gain relevant information and effective strategies to enhance students’ chances of being admitted to USU.
As a follow-up, both parties proposed organizing outreach programs on university admission pathways and strategies at USU. Information regarding registration schedules and mechanisms is already available through the official USU admission website.
Data shows that in 2025, seven students from SMA Negeri 2 Plus Sipirok were successfully admitted to Universitas Sumatera Utara through the invitation pathway, marking a significant increase compared to the previous year. This achievement serves as a positive indicator and motivation to further strengthen students’ academic development.
In addition, research collaboration opportunities were also discussed. The strategic location of SMA Negeri 2 Plus Sipirok, surrounded by forest potential, is considered highly supportive for research development, particularly in forestry and agriculture. Currently, research collaboration has begun through the Faculty of Pharmacy at USU. In the future, it is expected to expand through Cooperation Agreements (PKS) with the Faculty of Agriculture and the Faculty of Forestry.
Both parties also agreed to accelerate the renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) as a foundation for more sustainable collaboration.
The Director of Partnership and Internationalization at USU, Prof. Dr. dr. Dewi Masyithah Darlan, emphasized that USU is highly open to supporting partner schools in enhancing the quality and readiness of students for higher education.
“USU warmly welcomes the enthusiasm of SMA Negeri 2 Plus Sipirok students. We are ready to support them through outreach programs to provide comprehensive understanding of admission pathways and effective strategies for entering USU. Additionally, the existing research collaboration potential presents a great opportunity for further development,” she stated.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Marsipatiru Hutanabe Education Foundation, Ir. H. Kumala Siregar, expressed his hope that collaboration with USU will continue to strengthen, both in education and research.
“We see USU as a strategic partner in improving the quality of our graduates. The high interest of students in pursuing their studies at USU motivates us to continuously guide them better. We also hope that collaboration can be expanded, including in research that utilizes the environmental potential of Sipirok,” he said.
Through this meeting, it is expected that stronger synergy will be established between Universitas Sumatera Utara and the Marsipatiru Hutanabe Education Foundation in supporting educational quality improvement, research development, and expanding access for the younger generation to achieve quality higher education.
