Karo, July 2026 – The Diploma Program in Metrology and Instrumentation, Faculty of Vocational Education, Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU), conducted a Community Service Program under the theme "Community Empowerment to Improve the Economic Well-Being of the Juma Balik Farmers Group" in Kidupen Village, Juhar District, Karo Regency. The initiative reflects the Faculty of Vocational Education's commitment to empowering local communities and supporting sustainable rural development.
The program was organized in response to a request from Husin Ginting, Head of the Juma Balik Farmers Group, and received support from Sudirman Pinem, Head of Kidupen Village. The community highlighted the urgent need to renovate the access road leading to the group's agricultural land, recognizing its importance for improving mobility and facilitating farming activities.
Led by Junedi Ginting, S.Si., M.Si., the community service team, consisting of lecturers and students from the Faculty of Vocational Education, worked alongside local residents through a spirit of mutual cooperation (gotong royong) to renovate the road using reinforced concrete construction. As of the completion of the activity, approximately 100 meters of road with a width of 2.5 meters had been successfully improved, providing safer and more reliable access to the agricultural area.
Representing the Juma Balik Farmers Group, Husin Ginting, together with members Pelita Tarigan, Mitut, and Lajor, expressed their appreciation for the Faculty's contribution. Husin Ginting thanked USU for its support in improving access to the group's farmland, emphasizing the positive impact of the initiative on the farming community.
Meanwhile, Sudirman Pinem, Head of Kidupen Village, stated in an official letter that the community service program had generated tangible benefits for residents. The improved road access is expected to support the economic activities of the Juma Balik Farmers Group while also benefiting transportation service providers operating in the area.
This initiative primarily supports SDG 1 (No Poverty) by strengthening rural livelihoods and improving economic opportunities for farming communities. It also contributes to SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) through support for local economic activities, SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) by improving rural infrastructure, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through collaboration between the university, local government, and the community.
Through this community service initiative, the Diploma Program in Metrology and Instrumentation, Faculty of Vocational Education, USU reaffirms its commitment to delivering community engagement programs that create meaningful and lasting benefits. The spirit of collaboration among lecturers, students, and community members is expected to continue strengthening university–community partnerships while contributing to sustainable rural development and economic empowerment.