05 April 2024
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Medan, Indonesia, 5 April 2024 — Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) is strengthening its role in sustainable water management by building strategic partnerships with government institutions and international organisations. Through joint programmes, technology transfer, and applied research, USU’s initiatives now extend beyond campus boundaries to support water security, pollution reduction, and access to clean water for communities across North Sumatra.
One of USU’s flagship partnerships is with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the City Government of Kitakyushu under the Environmental Education for Deli River programme. As part of this collaboration, a Johkasou wastewater treatment unit was installed at the Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering.
The Johkasou system is a high efficiency Japanese septic-tank technology that can decompose up to 90 percent of liquid waste. By bringing this system to campus, USU integrates international best practices into the local context. The unit functions as both a teaching facility and a demonstration site, allowing students and researchers to study modern wastewater technologies while contributing to efforts to rehabilitate the Deli River ecosystem.
This cross-border partnership reflects a shared commitment between USU, JICA, and Kitakyushu to reduce water pollution, enhance environmental education, and strengthen community resilience through better access to clean and safe water. It also supports capacity building in environmental engineering, expanding USU’s expertise in sustainable water resource management.
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At the regional level, USU collaborates with the North Sumatra Environmental Agency (DLH) and PT SUCOFINDO, a state-owned inspection and certification company, to ensure continuous monitoring of campus water quality in line with the Regulation of the Minister of Environment and Forestry (Permen LHK No. P.68/MENLHK/Setjen/Kum.1/8/2016).
These partnerships involve regular laboratory testing of key water quality parameters, including pH, ammonia, Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), and coliform bacteria, particularly for treated wastewater from USU Hospital and the Digital Learning Center. The results inform operational improvements and ensure that USU’s wastewater management consistently meets national environmental standards.
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By combining practical technology, research, and regulatory compliance, USU’s collaborations reinforce its position as a regional hub for environmental innovation and professional development. Students and staff gain first-hand experience with real-world environmental engineering systems, helping to develop the technical skills needed by Indonesia’s next generation of water management professionals.
These learning opportunities ensure that the benefits of partnerships are not limited to infrastructure alone, but also extend to human capacity development and long-term institutional competence.
All of these partnerships are closely aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and with USU’s broader Green Campus Movement, as mandated by Rector’s Regulation No. 3 of 2019.
Through coordinated engagement with local, regional, and international stakeholders, Universitas Sumatera Utara shows how academic institutions can connect policy, technology, and education to advance sustainable water infrastructure and protect natural ecosystems. This integrated approach positions USU as a key contributor to water security and environmental resilience in North Sumatra and beyond.
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