Four professors from Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (UMSU) carried out a community service initiative titled “Professors in Action, Professors Making an Impact” in the coastal area of Lake Siombak, Medan Marelan, on Wednesday (May 28). This initiative focused on empowering coastal women by developing local economic potential.
The program was led by Prof. Dr. Ir. R. Sabrina, M.Si., alongside three other distinguished professors: Prof. Dr. Ir. Wan Arfiani Barus, M.P., Prof. Dr. Ir. Alridiwirsah, M.M., and Prof. Dr. Siti Mujiatun, S.E., M.M. Faculty members from UMSU’s Faculty of Agriculture and Faculty of Economics and Business also took part, along with Dr. Syaiful Amri Saragih, S.P., M.Sc., Secretary of UMSU’s Institute for Research and Community Service (LPPM).
The professors guided local women in utilizing nipah palm—an abundant coastal resource—to produce flour, which can be used as a base for food and other high-value products. This mentorship aims to increase product value, create new business opportunities, and ultimately boost the income and welfare of the coastal community.
The program also supports the government’s downstream industry agenda and aligns with the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology’s “Impactful Campus” initiative.
“Through this program, we want to show that professors are not limited to classrooms and laboratories—we are also here to directly address real-world challenges in our communities,” said Prof. R. Sabrina.
This initiative is expected to serve as a model for sustainable collaboration between universities and communities in harnessing local potential and delivering meaningful impact.
