The Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) participated in Indonesia Palm Oil Research Week 2026 (PERISAI 2026), represented by Prof. Dr. Ir. Renita Manurung, M.T., Dean of the Faculty of Engineering. PERISAI 2026 also featured Brian Yuliarto, Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology; Yudhi Sadewa, Minister of Finance; and Airlangga Hartarto, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs. The event brought together representatives from industry, research institutions, and universities to exchange knowledge and discuss strategies for advancing Indonesia's palm oil sector.

Through its participation, the Faculty of Engineering gained valuable insights into opportunities for enhancing the value-added potential of palm oil and promoting a more environmentally sustainable industry. The knowledge and discussions generated during the event are expected to benefit research and development institutions, palm oil researchers, industry practitioners, smallholder farmers, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and the wider community. However, the long-term impact of these discussions will depend on subsequent implementation and further evaluation.

As a follow-up to the event, the Faculty plans to map the expertise of its academic staff in palm oil-related fields to support the development of its Knowledge-Based Economy (KBE) program. The Faculty also intends to strengthen research collaborations with government agencies and industry partners as part of the KBE initiative while encouraging greater participation in the 2027 Palm Oil Research Grant competition.

This initiative primarily supports Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure by strengthening research directions, fostering innovation, and enhancing collaboration between higher education institutions and the palm oil industry. Efforts to promote value-added utilization and environmentally responsible palm oil production also contribute to SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, while collaboration among government, industry, research institutions, and universities advances SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

Through its participation in PERISAI 2026 and the planned follow-up initiatives, the Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Sumatera Utara, reaffirms its commitment to strengthening research, innovation, and strategic collaboration in support of sustainable palm oil development. These efforts are expected to expand the Faculty's academic contribution in addressing industry needs while promoting sustainable development.