The Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Sumatera Utara (FT USU), conducted a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) in Lopian Urban Village, Central Tapanuli Regency, on August 8, 2026, as part of the Participatory Community-Based Disaster Management Planning program. The activity was carried out under the National Collaborative Community Service scheme as a response to the impacts of floods and landslides that affected several areas of Sumatra in 2025.
The community service team consisted of Dr. Anthoni Veery Mardianta, S.T., M.T., IAP., CIIQA; Hajar Suwantoro, S.T., M.T.; Dwi Debora Sitanggang, S.Ds., M.T.; and Narosu Siregar, S.T., M.Sc. from the Undergraduate Program in Urban and Regional Planning, as well as Yasmine Anggia Sari, S.Si., M.T. and Zaid Perdana Nasution, S.T., M.T., Ph.D. from the Undergraduate Program in Environmental Engineering. The activity also involved partners from Universitas Graha Nusantara, Alwendi and Siti Meutia Sari.
The FGD was attended by 30 residents representing six neighborhoods in Lopian Urban Village. In addition to gathering information directly from the community, the team conducted a physical survey of road networks, bridges, public buildings, and agricultural areas. The FGD served as an important instrument for obtaining up-to-date information from residents and applying a participatory planning approach to ensure that the recovery process is aligned with the community's actual needs.
Together with residents, the team mapped hazard-prone areas and identified protection and shelter locations as part of efforts to strengthen disaster preparedness. This activity represented the second stage of the program following the preliminary survey. The program will conclude with the formal handover of the disaster management planning document to the Lopian Urban Village administration.
The activity primarily supports SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities through the development of community-based disaster management planning and the strengthening of local resilience. It also contributes to SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth by supporting community resilience and recovery, SDG 13: Climate Action through improved preparedness for disaster risks, SDG 15: Life on Land through consideration of land and environmental conditions in disaster planning, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals through collaboration among FT USU, partner universities, and the local community.
Through this initiative, FT USU continues to strengthen science- and community-based community service programs to support recovery and promote more resilient and sustainable regional development.