About Goals
The inequality reduction program in Indonesia is one of the main focuses of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by the United Nations. In this diverse country, disparities in access to education, health, employment and public services remain serious challenges. This program aims to reduce social, economic and gender inequalities, as well as increase social inclusion in Indonesia. The Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) has an active role in supporting the Reduced Inequalities program in Indonesia through various initiatives and collaborations with various stakeholders. USU promotes inclusion in the campus environment by providing accessibility and fair opportunities for all students regardless of their background. In addition, USU also involves students and staff in social and advocacy activities to increase awareness of inequality issues and seek sustainable solutions. By focusing on reducing inequality in Indonesia, USU is committed to creating an inclusive, fair and equitable environment for the entire campus community and the wider community.
Universitas Sumatera Utara's Action to the SDGs
First-Generation Students
Number of Students
41,570
Number of Students Starting a Degree
9,350
Number of First Generation Students Starting a Degree
4,521
International Students from Developing Countries
Number of Students
41,570
Number of International Students from Developing Countries
1,247
Proportion of Students with Disabilities
Number of Students
41,570
Number of Students with Disability
21
Proportion of Employees with Disabilities
Number of Employees
4,010
Number of Employees with Disability
5
Measures Against Discrimination
Non-Discriminatory Admissions Policy
USU enforces a non-discriminatory admissions policy (Rector’s Regulation No. 13 of 2022) guaranteeing equal educational access regardless of religion, ethnicity, gender, age, disability, socioeconomic background, or region. This policy is publicly available, scheduled for review in 2027, and fully complies with national principles. USU uses three transparent national pathways: Achievement-Based, Testing-Based, and Independent Selection, with all criteria and quotas published. Affirmative measures are integrated: 20% of Achievement-Based seats are reserved for qualified disadvantaged students. USU supports the Indonesia Smart Card for Higher Education (scholarship), which covered 27.6% of Testing-Based participants in 2024. This structure promotes inclusive excellence. Non-discriminatory principles also apply to recruitment and employment.
Access to University Track Underrepresented Groups Applications
USU actively measures and tracks applications and admissions of underrepresented groups using demographic data (ethnicity, gender, income, disability, origin) to identify and support students from marginalized/rural communities, minorities, and individuals with disabilities. In line with Rector’s Regulation No. 13 of 2022, this ensures equitable access and continuous monitoring of diversity. USU’s Affirmative Action for Papua program provides scholarships, mentoring, and special orientation for students from disadvantaged regions. Targeted support is also extended to women and students with disabilities through skills programs and upgraded facilities. By2024, over 350 students benefited from these inclusive initiatives. This systematic tracking strengthens USU’s commitment to equity and non-discrimination in higher education.
Access to University Underrepresented Groups Recruit
USU undertakes planned actions to recruit students, staff , and faculty from underrepresented groups, reinforcing its commitment to equity and inclusivity. Through national admission pathways (Achievement-Based, Testing-Based, Independent Selection), USU prioritizes access for applicants from disadvantaged and rural areas. In 2024, 27.6% of Testing-Based applicants were beneficiaries of the Indonesia Smart Card for College program, which supports low-income students. USU also manages the Student Financial Aid Scholarship and actively recruits from 3T(Frontier, Outermost, and Disadvantaged) regions of Indonesia. These initiatives are overseen by the Directorate of Student Affairs and Alumni. For faculty and staff , USU enforces transparent, merit-based recruitment, ensuring equal opportunity regardless of background. As of 2024, 11students with disabilities were enrolled, reflecting growing inclusion measures.
Anti-Discrimination Policy (N)
USU has a formal anti-discrimination policy embedded in Rector’s Regulation No. 13 of 2022 (Chapter III, Article 4). The policy ensures equal educational rights and opportunities for all, regardless of religion, ethnicity, gender, age, social position, region, physical condition, or financial status. Admissions are strictly based on academic/non-academic merit. This non-discrimination principle also governs staff recruitment, ensuring transparent, merit-based selection. USU implements inclusive admission mechanisms (Achievement-Based, Testing-Based, Independent Selection) that incorporate affirmative support for applicants from low-income families and remote areas. These commitments demonstrate USU’s dedication to diversity, inclusivity, and equal opportunity in education and employment.
University Diversity Officer
USU maintains a formal structure dedicated to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and human rights through the SDGs Center and the University Senate. The SDGs Center, established by decree, functions as the diversity, equity, inclusion Office. Its responsibilities include developing policy briefs, conducting training/workshops, coordinating research, and evaluating equality initiatives. Focus areas are gender equality, reduced inequalities, and peace/justice/governance. The University Senate provides oversight and ensures compliance with Rector’s Regulation No. 13 of 2022, which upholds fairness, non-discrimination, and inclusive education. Together, the Center and Senate integrate inclusion principles into decision-making and culture, supporting underrepresented communities and advancing human-rights-based governance.
Support for Underrepresented Groups
USU provides comprehensive mentoring, counselling, and peer support programmes to help students, staff , and faculty—especially those from underrepresented backgrounds—succeed academically, personally, and professionally. These programmes are coordinated by the Counselling Centre, the Directorate of Student Affairs and Alumni, and various faculties. Mentoring, guided by academic advisors and senior students, involved more than 500 students in 2024. Additionally, over 300 staff and faculty joined entrepreneurship and professional development workshops. Counselling services address academic guidance, psychological well-being, and career planning, serving approximately 2,000 students in 2024. These initiatives emphasize inclusivity for low-income, rural, and minority groups, reflecting USU’s strong institutional commitment to a supportive, accessible, and equitable learning environment.
Accessible Facilities
USU is fully committed to ensuring accessibility and inclusivity for all community members, including individuals with disabilities. All university buildings and outdoor areas are equipped with features that promote safe, independent, and barrier-free mobility. These facilities include wheelchair-accessible ramps, elevators, accessible toilets, guiding blocks for visually impaired individuals, and covered pedestrian walkways. Additionally, maternity care and disability-friendly facilities are available in major campus buildings to support diverse needs. USU collaborates with the National Disability Commission, the Rectorate, and the Integrated Service Unit to strengthen accessibility policies, maintain infrastructure, and expand participation for individuals of all abilities. These collective eff orts demonstrate USU’s firm commitment to creating a universally accessible and inclusive campus environment for its entire academic community.
Disability Support Services
USU demonstrates a strong institutional commitment to inclusion by providing accessible facilities and support services for individuals with disabilities. Campus infrastructure ensures safe/independent mobility, featuring wheelchair-accessible ramps, guiding blocks for the visually impaired, elevators, and accessible restrooms across all major buildings. Beyond physical accessibility, USU promotes inclusive learning via its digital system. The university developed an online book platform specifically for students with visual impairments, allowing access through screen-reader-compatible and audio-based digital books. Furthermore, the Inclusive Education Team (under the Directorate of Education Development) provides direct assistance and guidance, ensuring equal access to educational resources and personalized support. These measures reflect USU’s comprehensive commitment to universal accessibility, inclusive education, and equal opportunity.
Disability Access Scheme
USU demonstrates strong, comprehensive commitment to accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities via infrastructure, technology, and support. Campus-wide features include wheelchair-accessible ramps, wider aisles, adjustable seating, and elevators with Braille/audible announcements. Guiding blocks aid visually impaired students. USU supports independent study for blind/low-vision students via the “Literaku” application, which converts materials into spoken audio formats navigable by voice command. For hearing impairments, USU integrates visual alerts and captioned media. The university library offers accessible workstations with screen reader software and large-print materials. A data-informed admissions process identifies students with disabilities to provide personalized academic assistance and equitable participation. These integrated initiatives reflect USU’s dedication to reasonable accommodation and universal accessibility.
Disability Accommodation Policy
USU demonstrates strong commitment to inclusive education and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities through a formal partnership with the National Commission on Disabilities of the Republic of Indonesia. This collaboration, established via a MoU on June 14, 2022, provides a strategic framework for implementing disability-inclusive practices across all programs. Through this initiative, USU enhanced campus accessibility by installing wheelchair-accessible ramps, guiding blocks for the visually impaired, and accessible toilets. A volunteer support program also assists persons with disabilities, ensuring mobility and academic participation. These measures promote equal opportunity, active inclusion, and empowerment, enabling individuals with disabilities to participate fully in academic and campus life.
Anti-Harassment Policy (N)
USU has a formal and comprehensive anti-harassment policy ensuring a safe, inclusive, and respectful academic environment. Established under Rector’s Decree No.2132/UN5.1.R/SK/KPM/2022 (2022), the Task Force for the Prevention and Handling of Sexual Violence (PPKS) was created to prevent, address, and resolve incidents of harassment, bullying, and sexual violence. This policy aligns with Permendikbudristek No. 30 of 2021 and mandates a survivor-centered, rights-based approach through confidential reporting, professional counseling, and fair investigation mechanisms. The PPKS Task Force actively conducts awareness campaigns, provides training for staff and students, and collaborates with faculties to build a culture of equality and respect. Through educational outreach, gender-sensitivity programs, and institutional enforcement, USU demonstrates consistent commitment to protecting all members from harassment while promoting human dignity and justice.
SDGs Articles
Activities
PRIORITY STATEMENTS
Indonesia membutuhkan Anda, para akademisi yang berkomitmen untuk membawa perubahan nyata. Kami mengundang Anda untuk berbagi penelitian, inovasi, dan ide-ide brilian Anda guna melawan kemiskinan, meningkatkan kesejahteraan sumber daya manusia (SDM) dalam negeri, dan menyukseskan masa depan Republik Indonesia.
Infographic
Research and Publications