Creating Harmony in Urban Development, Preserving Heritage, and Achieving a Future that Strengthens Indonesia

Public Access to Buildings

USU provides public access to buildings, monuments, and natural landscapes of cultural and educational significance. One prominent example is the Tambunan A Experimental Garden, covering around 4,000m², which serves as a living laboratory for agricultural, ecological, and environmental education. The garden is open to students, researchers, and the public, functioning as a hub for sustainability learning and biodiversity conservation. Additionally, the USU Cultural House facilitates exhibitions, art performances, and heritage-based academic activities that promote local wisdom and cultural preservation. These spaces support public engagement, knowledge sharing, and intergenerational learning, showcasing USU’s commitment to inclusive access, environmental stewardship, and the integration of cultural and scientific heritage into education and community life.

Public Access to Libraries

USU provides public access to extensive library resources through both physical and digital platforms. The USU Main Library, offers open access to e-books, research databases, academic journals, and digital repositories that serve students, researchers, and the general public. USU also manages the Online Journal System and Online Conference System to facilitate the publication and dissemination of scholarly works globally, supporting open science and research collaboration. Visitors are welcome to use physical library facilities according to established campus regulations. Through these initiatives, USU strengthens its role as a public knowledge hub that promotes lifelong learning, academic inclusivity, and the democratization of information, ensuring equitable access to scientific and educational resources for the wider community.

Public Access to Museums

USU provides public access to art, culture, and creative expression through exhibitions, performances, and thematic events held across various faculties. USU actively hosts public exhibitions, art showcases, and cultural festivals that feature student and community participation. One notable example is the Medan Digifest, which highlights student innovation, digital creativity, and cultural heritage, open for public visitation. Faculties such as Cultural Sciences, Design and Architecture, and Agriculture frequently organize exhibitions and art-related programs displaying artifacts, crafts, installations, and performances. These initiatives serve as community engagement platforms that promote sustainability, cultural literacy, and interdisciplinary collaboration strengthening USU’s commitment to making art, science, and culture accessible to the wider public.

Public Access to Green Spaces

USU demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainability and community inclusivity by providing free public access to open and green spaces across its main campus in Medan and satellite locations. These areas, including vegetated zones, tree-covered lands, water-absorption sites, and the Kebun Percobaan Tambunan A experimental garden, are open to the public for educational, recreational, and cultural activities. The campus features walking paths, shaded pedestrian lanes, and rest areas designed for leisure and social interaction, attracting local residents and visitors. USU’s open spaces function as a vital “green lung” for Medan, supporting biodiversity conservation, water management, and urban climate resilience. Through these initiatives, USU not only enhances environmental sustainability but also fosters community well-being, environmental education, and long term engagement with nature based learning and cultural interaction.

Arts and Heritage Contribution

USU actively contributes to the development and preservation of local arts and culture through numerous public performances, both nationally and internationally. Coordinated mainly by the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (and supported by other faculties, USU organizes over 40 annual performances involving student choirs, dance troupes, traditional music ensembles, and theatre productions that are open to the public. In2024, USU represented Indonesia at the Indonesian Cultural Night in Bangkok, featuring 165 student performers showcasing traditional music and dance to an international audience. Locally, flagship events such as the Bunkasai Festival, International Summer Course on North Sumatra Cultural Diversity, and the Japanese Language Presentation Competition promote Malay, Batak, and global cultural appreciation. These free performances foster creativity, community engagement, and USU’s mission as a leading cultural hub in North Sumatra.

Record and Preserve Cultural Heritage

USU actively contributes to the preservation of intangible cultural heritage through research, innovation, and community collaboration under the Faculty of Cultural Sciences. A key initiative is the student-led project “Ulos Heritage: Interactive Museum Based on Mixed Reality,” which digitally conserves Batak traditional Ulos cloth and was awarded at the 2024 National Student Science Week . USU also hosted the National Virtual Conference on Mother Tongue as Cultural Heritage, emphasizing the protection of endangered local languages and inclusive participation of researchers and indigenous communities. Other programs include workshops on traditional Karo musical instruments, gamelan training, and language documentation. Through its International Summer Course on Malay and Batak Cultural Diversity, USU fosters intercultural dialogue and strengthens the cultural resilience of indigenous and displaced communities across North Sumatra.

University Expenditure

Rp1,416,384,088,927

University Expenditure on Arts and Heritage

Rp25,780,365,000

Sustainable Practices Targets

USU promotes sustainable commuting through structured policies and measurable initiatives aimed at reducing transportation-related carbon emissions. USU operates 10 free shuttle buses serving students and staff with an average of 18 trips per day and approximately 35 passengers per trip. The university also provides free bicycles for students, electric motorbikes for staff , and maintains pedestrian-friendly paths, designated bicycle parking, and EV charging stations to encourage zero-emission mobility. Currently, 318 Zero Emission Vehicles operate on campus, while parking for private vehicles is restricted to under 4% of total campus area to discourage fossil-fuel use. USU has also established 2025–2030 targets to reduce transportation-related emissions by 15% and increase sustainable commuting (walking, cycling, shuttle use) by 25%, demonstrating a strong institutional commitment to low-carbon mobility and a sustainable campus environment.

Promote Sustainable Commuting

USU continues to strengthen its sustainable commuting initiatives as part of its low-carbon mobility strategy. the university’s broader 2025–2030 emission targets, USU operates the LinUS free shuttle service with 10 buses, 16 stops, and 18 daily routes, reducing dependence on private vehicles while serving thousands of students and staff. Complementing this, USU provides free bicycles for students, electric motorbikes for staff, bicycle parking areas, and pedestrian friendly paths with guiding blocks and accessibility ramps. To further limit fossil-fuel reliance, USU enforces a car access restriction policy and has reduced ground parking space by 10–30% alongside expanding car free zones and EV charging facilities. Currently, over 318 Zero Emission Vehicles operate on campus daily reflecting integrated sustainability eff orts aligned with low-carbon transport goals and inclusive mobility development.

Allow Remote Working

USU promotes flexible and adaptive work arrangements supported by a strong digital infrastructure. The university has established a comprehensive Learning Management System, cloud based administrative platforms, digital archives, and an Integrated Electronic Office System, enabling staff and faculty to manage academic and administrative tasks remotely. These systems are actively used during specific operational periods, such as admission, examinations, and academic breaks, allowing for efficient work from home practices. Although USU has not yet formalized a permanent remote working or compressed week policy, its digital ecosystem combined with tools like Zoom, Google Meet, and internal collaboration portals facilitates hybrid operations and significantly reduces commuting frequency. This approach aligns with the university’s sustainability and efficiency goals, promoting low emission operations, digital transformation, and improved work-life balance for its employees.

Affordable Housing for Employees

USU actively supports affordable housing for its employees through strategic campus planning and dedicated residential development. The main Medan campus is surrounded by low cost residential areas, enabling many faculty and staff to live within walking or cycling distance, which reduces commuting time and enhances work-life balance. Additionally, USU has initiated an affordable housing project in the Kwala Bekala area, specifically designated for university employees. This initiative is part of USU’s broader spatial development and social welfare strategy, reflecting a strong commitment to housing security and staff well-being. While not a direct subsidy, the allocation of affordable residential zones and land development support demonstrate USU’s long-term dedication to improving living conditions, promoting economic resilience, and fostering inclusive campus communities for academic and administrative personnel.

Affordable Housing for Students

USU provides affordable housing for students through university-owned dormitory facilities, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity. Based on the 2024 asset report, USU operates three dormitory buildings with a total area of 9,286m2, equipped to accommodate undergraduate and postgraduate students, particularly those from outside Medan and underrepresented regions. These dormitories provide essential amenities at low cost or subsidized rates, prioritizing scholarship recipients and students from low-income families. Furthermore, USU manages Wisma USU Berastagi, a residential complex serving as a student retreat center and short-term academic housing. This integrated approach supports student welfare and academic focus, minimizing financial pressure and promoting equal access to safe, affordable living spaces. The initiative strengthens USU’s inclusive, supportive learning environment and campus community well-being.

Pedestrian Priority on Campus

USU prioritizes pedestrian-friendly mobility as a key aspect of its integrated campus design and sustainable transportation planning. USU maintains an extensive network of covered pedestrian pathways throughout the main campus, providing protection from both sun and rain to ensure comfort and safety for students, staff , and visitors. These pathways are inclusive by design, equipped with guiding blocks, ramps, and accessibility features to support individuals with visual or physical disabilities, ensuring equitable access for all. The pedestrian routes are strategically connected to other low-emission mobility systems, including bicycle parking zones, electric motorbikes for staff , and free campus shuttle services. This coordinated approach reduces dependency on motorized vehicles, enhances campus air quality, and fosters a safe, inclusive, and environmentally conscious learning environment—demonstrating USU’s commitment to sustainable and human-centered campus development.

Local Authority Collaboration Regarding Planning and Development

USU maintains a strong institutional partnership with local and provincial authorities to address regional planning, sustainable urban development, and affordable housing. Through the Faculty of Engineering and Faculty of Forestry, USU collaborates with the Medan City Planning Agency and the Provincial Housing Department to integrate academic research into spatial planning and policy design. Collaborations include joint studies on sustainable low-cost housing, zoning frameworks, and environmentally adaptive construction standards aimed at improving community accessibility. Additionally, USU facilitates seminars, workshops, and policy dialogues, such as the International Seminar on Sustainable Tourism (2024), bringing together policymakers, planners, and researchers to discuss inclusive development strategies. These initiatives reinforce USU’s role as an evidence-based partner in advancing community-centered urban growth and promoting socially responsible housing planning.

Planning Development - New Build Standards

USU implements sustainable construction principles in all development/renovation projects, ensuring energy efficiency, comfort, and environmental responsibility. The 2024 Asset and Infrastructure Report shows USU allocated over Rp29.8 billion for the International Lounge, Library Department building, and Student Center, plus Rp38.2 billion for upgrading classrooms to smart/green standards. New facilities integrate smart lighting, centralized AC controls, and solar-powered installations (e.g., at Faculty of Engineering and Integrated Laboratory). These investments align with Green Building Council Indonesia (GBCI) guidelines and National Standards for Energy Conservation in Buildings (SNI 03-6389-2011). This demonstrates USU’s commitment to environmentally responsible campus development and sustainability planning.

Building on Brownfield Sites

USU actively implements sustainable land-use strategies by prioritizing the redevelopment of brownfield sites and the revitalization of existing areas, avoiding expansion into undeveloped land. example is the Bekala Campus, established on former Holding Company of Indonesian Plantation Estates plantation land. USU transformed this brownfield site into a multifunctional academic/research hub integrating classrooms, arboretums, and experimental plantations, as reported in the Faculty of Forestry’s 2024 records. on the main campus, USU focuses on revitalizing existing infrastructure, upgrading lecture halls, libraries, and pathways to meet energy-efficient and modern standards. Additionally, the expansion of the USU Dental and Oral Hospital reuses existing building footprints, minimizing land disturbance. These integrated initiatives reflect USU’s commitment to efficient land management, reduced environmental impact, and responsible campus development for long-term sustainability goals.