September 23, 2026, the Faculty of Engineering USU discussed to explore cooperation with PT Dairi Prima Mineral. The meeting was attended by Prof. Dr. Ir. Renita Manurung, M.T. (Dean of the Faculty of Engineering); Prof. Dr. Ir. Rosdanelli Hasibuan, M.T. (Vice Dean for Education, Student Affairs, and Alumni Affairs); Ir. Muhammad Agung Putra Handana, S.T., M.T. (Vice Dean for Administration, Finance, Human Resources, and Academic Infrastructure); Zaid Perdana Nasution, S.T., M.T., Ph.D. (Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Cooperation, and Internationalization); and lecturers from the Undergraduate Program in Mining Engineering, including Dr. Adri Huda, S.Si.; Edi Yasa Ardiansyah, S.T., M.T.; and Heri Adhahari, S.T., M.T., as well as representatives from PT DPM, namely Baiq Idayani (Deputy External Relations Manager) and Rudianto Arifin (Chief Legal & External Officer of PT Dairi Prima Mineral).
The discussion addressed opportunities to develop joint programs connecting engineering education, the needs of the mining industry, and the interests of surrounding communities.
The potential areas of collaboration discussed included the dissemination of underground mining technology, mining methods, occupational health and safety, and good mining practices. The discussion also covered environmental management and monitoring, resource conservation, and the use of technology and innovation to support environmentally responsible mining. Other opportunities included community development programs and economic empowerment in accordance with the local potential of Dairi Regency.
In the academic field, both parties discussed the possibility of applied research, community service, field practice, internships, as well as the involvement of lecturers and students. All of these points remain exploratory, as the materials do not yet include a formal agreement, implementation schedule, or program outputs.
This meeting primarily supports SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals through exploring cooperation between higher education institutions and industry. SDG 4 – Quality Education and SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth are also relevant through opportunities for field-based education, competency development, occupational safety, and community economic empowerment.
FT USU encourages the follow-up of the partnership to be designed responsibly and measurably while taking into account academic, social, and environmental aspects.