Holding Perkebunan Nusantara PTPN III (Persero) and Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (UMSU) have signed a cooperation agreement to collaborate in education, research, and community service.
The memorandum of understanding was signed by the President Director of Holding Perkebunan Nusantara PTPN III (Persero), Dr. Mohammad Abdul Ghani, and UMSU Rector, Prof. Dr. Agussani, MAP, at the UMSU Auditorium, Jalan Muchtar Basri No.3, Medan, on Saturday (May 17).
“We hope this partnership between PTPN Group and UMSU will strengthen student internship programs, collaborative research, and the alignment between universities and industry,” said Dr. Mohammad Abdul Ghani, who also delivered a public lecture titled “The Role of PTPN in Supporting National Food and Energy Security.”
Dr. Ghani expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to speak at UMSU and share insights and experiences. During his presentation to lecturers and students, he emphasized PTPN III’s commitment to supporting the government’s agenda on food and energy security.
“A nation is secure when it is food sufficient and self-reliant. Amid global uncertainties and geopolitical tensions, it’s time for Indonesia to achieve food sovereignty,” he stated.
He stressed PTPN’s responsibility in contributing to national food self-sufficiency, with palm oil and sugarcane being its key commodities. He noted that if Indonesia could achieve self-sufficiency in sugar, it would restore the nation’s historic dominance in the sugar industry, as it was a century ago.
“With the scale of production we’re targeting, Indonesia may soon eliminate the need to import sugar,” Ghani explained.
He also discussed palm oil development as part of the broader effort to ensure food security. Addressing UMSU students from various faculties, Ghani underscored the vital role of youth participation in supporting this national agenda. He called food self-sufficiency a strategic priority that shapes the nation’s future.
In his closing remarks, he encouraged students to prepare themselves for the future by building both strong academic competencies and professional networks. “Pursuing a high GPA is important, but 
communication skills and networking are just as essential,” he advised. Earlier, UMSU Rector Prof. Agussani spoke about the university’s growth and the development of a 25-hectare plot of land formerly managed by PTPN IV, now owned by Muhammadiyah. This land is the site for UMSU’s integrated campus and the venue for the 49th Muhammadiyah and Aisyiyah Congress (Muktamar) in 2027.
“Alhamdulillah, we are currently constructing an auditorium and sport hall at the integrated campus, which will also serve as a venue for the 2027 Muktamar,” said Prof. Agussani.
He also highlighted UMSU’s achievements, noting that out of 162 Muhammadiyah and Aisyiyah universities (PTMA), UMSU ranks among the top 10. With nine faculties and a graduate program, UMSU currently offers 43 study programs, including 21 with superior accreditation status.
“We hope this collaboration between PTPN III and UMSU will further enhance the performance of both institutions moving forward,” he added.
Following the public lecture, Dr. Mohammad Abdul Ghani and other senior PTPN III executives joined Prof. Agussani on a visit to the construction site of UMSU’s integrated campus and the 2027 Muktamar venue. During the visit, Dr. Ghani planted a Black Thorn durian tree as a symbol of green development for the campus and congress site.
Also in attendance were PTPN Regional Head Didik Prasetyo, Head of the Palm Oil Research Center Nanang Supena, UMSU Board of Trustees member Dr. Bahril Datuk, Vice Rectors, Deans, and hundreds of lecturers and students from various faculties.
