During the meeting, both parties discussed potential collaboration on various research topics, such as subsurface water management, mangrove restoration, retaining ponds as flood prevention measures, and managing reservoirs in the USU Arboretum area. Additionally, USU's role in the Great Sea Wall project, a coastal protection initiative aimed at reducing the risk of abrasion and flooding in North Sumatra's coastal areas, was also discussed.
This collaboration is expected to strengthen USU's contribution to environment-based research and provide innovative solutions to address climate change challenges and water resource management. With Deltares' experience and expertise in hydrology and environmental resilience, this partnership is anticipated to produce applicable research directly impacting society.
USU and Deltares are committed to following up on these discussions and preparing a more concrete cooperation plan, including the possibility of implementing pilot projects in several strategic locations. This collaboration will enrich academic research and open opportunities for USU students and lecturers to engage in international-scale research relevant to regional needs.