Medan, August 19, 2026 — The Public Administration Study Program, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP), Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU), sent 103 students, divided into 13 groups, to undertake Fieldwork Practice (PKL) in Karo Regency. The students are assigned to 11 villages across five sub-districts: Kabanjahe, Berastagi, Tigapanah, Simpang Empat, and Merdeka.

The participating villages are Ketaren, Samura, Mufakat, and Kacaribu in Kabanjahe; Sempajaya in Berastagi; Tigapanah, Sukadame, and Suka Sipilihen in Tigapanah; Gajah in Simpang Empat; and Semangat in Merdeka. The PKL program is being conducted from July 22 to August 22, 2026, under the theme “Assistance in Preparing Draft Village Regulations (Perdes) and Policy Briefs.”

The program aims to provide students with practical experience in identifying issues at the village level, developing policy recommendations through Policy Briefs, and preparing Draft Village Regulations as a contribution to more effective, participatory, and community-oriented village governance.

The reception of USU students for the PKL program represents a concrete collaboration between higher education and local government. It also provides students with an opportunity to develop their professional character, apply knowledge gained in the classroom, and gain practical experience in addressing public policy challenges.

Deputy Regent of Karo, Komando Tarigan, S.P., welcomed the students’ participation and highlighted the benefits of the program for local communities.

“We are pleased to welcome USU students who have chosen Karo Regency as the location for their PKL. This program is highly beneficial for village communities, including by increasing knowledge and public awareness.”

He also expressed his hope that the students would contribute practical, data-based ideas and solutions through Policy Briefs that could be considered and implemented by village governments.

Meanwhile, Head of the Public Administration Study Program at FISIP USU, Dr. Simson Ginting, S.Sos., MPA, explained that the 2026 PKL program focuses on strengthening village governance and improving responsive public services.

Through the program, students have the opportunity to directly observe the process of preparing village regulations, although initially in draft form. They also interact directly with local communities, allowing them to better understand the roles and responsibilities of village governments in improving community welfare. The preparation of Draft Village Regulations is complemented by the development of Policy Briefs to provide policy recommendations based on conditions and needs identified in the field.

The activity was attended by the Regional Secretary of Karo Regency, Dr. Gelora Kurnia Putra Ginting, S.STP., M.M.; expert staff to the Regent of Karo; the Head of the Karo Regional Development Planning, Research, and Innovation Agency (Bappedalitbang); relevant sub-district heads; village heads; and field supervisors from the Public Administration Study Program, FISIP USU.

Through this PKL program, FISIP USU continues to strengthen experiential learning while encouraging students to contribute directly to improving village governance and public services. The program also reflects the university's commitment to SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, and SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions through practice-based education, community engagement, and strengthened public governance.

Writer: Nala Septiliana