In his speech, Dr. Inosentius Samsul stated the importance of collaboration in developing academic studies that support decision-making in the House of Representatives. “This collaboration is a strategic step in improving the synergy between academics and the legislature, especially in formulating policies based on scientific research.”
USU Rector, Prof. Dr. Muryanto Amin, added that this collaboration will open opportunities for USU students and lecturers to engage in research activities and public policy development. “We hope that this collaboration can produce real contributions in the development of policies that favor the welfare of society,” he said.
In addition to the signing of the MoU, the event was filled with a forum group discussion (FGD) on the topic “Regulating Strategic Commodities in the Plantation Sector and its Processing Industry.” The speakers in the FGD included Prof. Dr. Ningrum Natasya Sirait, S.H., M.LI (Chairperson of the Doctor of Law Program), Prof. Dr. Ir. Elisa Julianti, M.Si (Vice Dean III of the USU Faculty of Agriculture), and Drs. Timbas Prasad Ginting (Chairman of the North Sumatra Branch of GAPKI).
In her presentation, Prof. Dr. Ningrum Natasya Sirait emphasized the importance of establishing a special law to protect and develop strategic commodities. “This law should be a strong legal basis to protect and encourage strategic commodities to be more advanced, competitive, and provide maximum benefits for the prosperity of the people,” she said.
Drs. Timbas Prasad Ginting from the North Sumatra Branch of GAPKI also expressed his views on the challenges and expectations in managing strategic commodities. He highlighted the importance of government policy support and farmer capacity building to achieve quality and sustainable production.