Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (UMSU) has officially established a strategic partnership with PT Riset Perkebunan Nusantara (PT RPN), a subsidiary of the Plantation Holding Company (PTPN III Persero).
The partnership was formalized through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) by UMSU Rector Prof. Dr. Akrim, M.Pd., and PT RPN Director Dr. Iman Yani Harahap in Bogor on Tuesday (August 11, 2026).
The signing of the cooperation agreement, which focuses on strengthening education, research, and community engagement, marks an important step and reflects UMSU’s commitment following its achievement of “Excellent” accreditation under BAN-PT Decree No. 174/SK/BAN-PT/Ak.Ppj/PT/III/2024. The partnership also aims to expand UMSU’s academic and community contributions to the agro-industrial sector.
UMSU Rector Prof. Dr. Akrim, M.Pd., explained that the MoU was initiated by a shared commitment to improving the quality of human resources within both institutions. The two parties agreed to support one another and collaborate by leveraging their respective institutional strengths in education, research, and community engagement.
“Through this MoU, UMSU can implement its Kampus Berdampak (Impactful Campus) initiative, along with other strategic programs agreed upon by both parties,” said Prof. Akrim.
He explained that the partnership was designed to be inclusive and would eventually involve all faculties and study programs at UMSU, with its implementation dynamically adjusted to actual needs in the field.
As a research-based company managing nationally strategic commodities such as palm oil, rubber, coffee, cocoa, sugarcane, tea, and cinchona, PT RPN welcomed the potential for joint research downstreaming and commercialization in collaboration with UMSU academics.
Under the implementation clause, the parties agreed that the commitment would be followed up through technical Cooperation Agreements (PKS) by the heads of relevant work units or their designated representatives no later than six months after the signing of the MoU.
UMSU Rector Prof. Dr. Akrim, M.Pd., expressed strong hopes that the partnership would equip students with the skills and experience needed to face professional challenges while strengthening the implementation of the university’s Tridharma.
“We hope PT RPN can help prepare our students to compete more effectively in the industrial sector, particularly in the plantation industry, while also strengthening the implementation of the university’s Tridharma,” he emphasized.
PT RPN Director Dr. Iman Yani Harahap warmly welcomed the collaboration and expressed optimism that the partnership would create added value for both institutions.
“Hopefully, today’s opportunity will bring meaningful benefits to both parties. We also hope that UMSU students can be sent to the company to gain experience and contribute directly,” said Dr. Iman Yani Harahap.
The signing ceremony in Bogor was attended by management representatives and research teams from both institutions. Accompanying PT RPN Director Dr. Iman Yani Harahap were Senior Executive Vice President (SEVP) for Research, Innovation & Sustainability/Commercial Dr. Misnawi; Head of the Corporate Secretariat Division/Corporate Secretary Dr. Yabani; Head of Administration for Research, Innovation & Sustainability Ratnawati Nurkhoiry, M.Sc.; Head of the Bogor Unit of the Indonesian Oil Palm Research Center (PPKS) Dr. Agus Susanto; Head of the Research Planning and Valuation Subdivision Arif Ramadhan; and Head of the Dissemination and Sustainability Subdivision Polin Indra Siregar.
Representing UMSU, Rector Prof. Dr. Akrim, M.Pd., was accompanied by Vice Rector for Al-Islam and Muhammadiyah (AIK), Education, Teaching, and Digitalization Dr. Marah Doly Nasution, M.Si. The UMSU academic delegation also included Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture Prof. Dr. Ir. Wan Arfiani Barus, M.P., and Faculty of Agriculture lecturer Ira Apriyanti, S.P., M.Sc., Ph.D.
Through this partnership, UMSU and PT RPN are optimistic that they can develop cutting-edge innovations and produce graduates who are ready to make a tangible contribution to community development and the advancement and self-reliance of Indonesia’s plantation sector. At the same time, the collaboration is expected to further strengthen UMSU’s positive image and academic reputation.
