MEDAN, September 4, 2026 | The Mining Engineering Program at the Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Sumatera Utara (FT USU) and the Earth Sciences Program at the Faculty of Science and Technology, Universitas Jambi (FST UNJA) have initiated discussions to explore potential academic collaboration and strengthen cooperation in support of the university’s Three Pillars of Higher Education: education, research, and community service.
The cooperation initiative was discussed during a coordination meeting held online on Thursday, September 3, 2026, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. Western Indonesia Time (WIB). The meeting brought together academic leaders, program and department representatives, lecturers, and other relevant stakeholders from both universities to identify areas of mutual interest and opportunities for collaborative programs.
The meeting was attended by Prof. Dr. Ir. Rosdanelli Hasibuan, M.T., representing the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Sumatera Utara, and Drs. Jefri Marzal, M.Sc., D.I.T., Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology, Universitas Jambi. Also in attendance were the leaders of the respective programs and departments from both higher education institutions.
The meeting opened with remarks from representatives of both faculties, followed by presentations highlighting the academic profiles, areas of expertise, human resources, academic activities, and potential areas for collaboration.
The discussions highlighted the strong complementarity between Mining Engineering and Earth Sciences. The two academic programs share several areas of scientific and professional interest, creating opportunities for collaboration in education, research, innovation, natural resource management, and community engagement.
Three Priority Areas for Collaboration
The discussion focused on several potential forms of collaboration that could be developed between the two programs.
During the meeting, both parties agreed on several priority areas, particularly education, research, and community service.
In the area of education, potential activities include guest lectures, faculty and student exchanges, joint seminars and workshops, curriculum development, collaborative learning activities, and other academic programs that can enhance students’ academic and professional competencies.
In research, the two programs identified opportunities to develop joint research projects, collaborative scientific publications, research group development, laboratory and research facility utilization, and interdisciplinary studies related to mineral resources, geology, earth sciences, mining engineering, environmental management, and other related fields.
The area of community service was also identified as an important component of the proposed collaboration. Joint community service programs could utilize the academic expertise of both programs to address community needs, particularly in areas related to natural resources, environmental awareness, appropriate technology, community empowerment, and sustainable resource management.
Strengthening Collaboration Between Mining Engineering and Earth Sciences
The proposed partnership between the Mining Engineering Program at FT USU and the Earth Sciences Program at FST UNJA has strategic potential due to the complementary expertise of the two academic disciplines.
Collaboration between Mining Engineering and Earth Sciences can provide a broader platform for developing studies and research related to mineral exploration, geological assessment, mining technology, sustainable mining practices, environmental management, geohazards, and natural resource development.
The partnership is also expected to create greater opportunities for faculty members and students to participate in cross-institutional academic activities. For students, such collaboration can broaden academic perspectives, strengthen professional networks, and provide opportunities to develop competencies that are relevant to the evolving needs of the mining, energy, environmental, and natural resources sectors.
Moving Toward Concrete and Sustainable Collaboration
The coordination meeting was not limited to identifying potential areas of cooperation. It also served as an initial forum for discussing follow-up mechanisms and possible implementation strategies.
Both parties agreed to continue communication and coordination among the relevant academic leaders and units to determine specific programs, implementation mechanisms, and priority activities that can be developed in the next stage.
The two institutions emphasized that the proposed collaboration should go beyond administrative arrangements and lead to concrete programs, measurable outcomes, and meaningful impacts for students, faculty members, researchers, and the broader community.
Through this collaboration, the Mining Engineering Program at FT USU and the Earth Sciences Program at FST UNJA are expected to strengthen their academic networks, increase research productivity, expand opportunities for faculty and student development, and contribute to addressing challenges related to natural resources, mining, geology, and earth sciences.
The meeting marked an important initial step toward establishing a productive, sustainable, and mutually beneficial partnership between the Mining Engineering Program, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Sumatera Utara, and the Earth Sciences Program, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universitas Jambi.
The collaboration is expected to further strengthen academic excellence, promote interdisciplinary research, and expand the contribution of both institutions to science, technology, and society.