16 December 2025
Threesna Sharfina
The joint program featuring a Book Launch, the Closing of the Student Scientific Writing Program (PKTM) Phase II, and the Inauguration of the USU Migas Center by SKK Migas Sumbagut – KKKS Sumbagut Region was held at the FISIP Hall, Universitas Sumatera Utara. This event marked an important milestone in strengthening collaboration between SKK Migas and higher education institutions in advancing energy literacy and social research related to upstream oil and gas activities.
The event was attended by SKK Migas leaders, representatives of KKKS, lecturers, and students. The establishment of the fifth Migas Center at Universitas Sumatera Utara reflects the synergy and tangible contributions of Production Sharing Contract Contractors (KKKS) in the Sumbagut Region in supporting human resource development and strengthening academic–industry collaboration. SKK Migas Sumbagut expressed its highest appreciation to EMP Bentu, EMP Energi Riau, EMP Energi Gandewa, EMP Gebang, EMP Tonga, Harbour Energy, Medco E&P Natuna, Star Energy (Kakap) Ltd., PT BSP, Pertamina EP Pangkalan Susu, and PT APGWI.
This contribution demonstrates a shared commitment to nurturing a generation that is competent, competitive, and ready to contribute to national energy security through the presence of the Migas Center as a hub for education, literacy, and sustainable collaboration. The USU Migas Center is designed as a center for information, education, and public dialogue on oil and gas issues, particularly those related to social impacts and community empowerment in operational areas.
In the discussion session, which was also attended by the Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Cooperation, and Information of FISIP USU, Dr. Harmona Daulay, S.Sos., M.Si., emphasized that sociological competence plays a crucial role in student research, especially in the PKTM program conducted in collaboration with SKK Migas. According to her, researchers must understand cultural contexts, norms, and patterns of social interaction to ensure effective and ethical data collection.
“Sociological competence does not have to be possessed only by a sociologist; anyone conducting research must be able to apply it, particularly through good interaction and communication approaches in the field,” said Dr. Harmona.
She explained that sociological understanding helps students conduct more accurate social mapping, from designing targeted CSR programs to identifying potential conflicts that may affect the sustainability of oil and gas activities. Thus, student research outputs are not only academically valuable but also provide practical insights for stakeholders. The event continued with the presentation of awards to PKTM participants and their academic supervisors, followed by a discussion session highlighting students’ field experiences and their relevance to oil and gas sector management.
Furthermore, Dr. Harmona noted that the presence of the USU Migas Center will serve as a continuous learning space for students. In addition to strengthening connections between academics and oil and gas practitioners, the center is expected to encourage the emergence of more applied research ideas.
“The Migas Center can serve as a mediator between academics and oil and gas practitioners. Students can learn, discuss, and develop research ideas that may later receive funding and provide benefits to society,” she added.
With the establishment of the USU Migas Center, collaboration among SKK Migas, KKKS, and FISIP USU is expected to grow stronger in preparing students who are socially aware and capable of contributing to sustainable energy sector management.
Author: Tabitha R. Simbolon
