EduAsiaNews, Sumatra Utara – The Vocational Faculty of Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) inaugurated the new management board of its Student Executive Board (BEM) at the Student Center on Monday (Aug. 10, 2026).
Director of USU’s Directorate of Student and Alumni Affairs, Prof. Dr. Ir. Agus Purwoko, S.Hut., M.Si., IPU, said the student election system, known as PEMIRA, serves as a learning laboratory for state governance and civic engagement. Through BEM, students gain valuable hands-on experience in developing leadership, managerial, public speaking, and communication skills while addressing various organizational challenges.
“Through BEM, students have a meaningful space for hands-on learning to develop their leadership, managerial, rhetorical, and public communication skills in dealing with various organizational challenges,” he said.
He also highlighted the commitment of USU’s Directorate of Student and Alumni Affairs, together with the university leadership and the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, to developing an integrated student achievement ecosystem. The university has introduced various forms of recognition and incentives, including a policy that allows organizational activities and competition achievements to be recognized as part of students’ academic credits (SKS).
Meanwhile, Murniati Br. Barus, S.S., M.Pd., Head of the D3 Japanese Language Study Program and a representative of the Vocational Faculty leadership, emphasized the importance of integrity, honesty, and responsibility in organizational leadership. She also encouraged BEM to maintain close and harmonious relations with the broader student community and to continue collaborating with the previous management board.
“I also want to remind you that it is very important to uphold integrity, honesty, and a sense of responsibility in carrying out your leadership, both in this organization and wherever you may be,” she said.
USU BEM Chair Angga Alma’arif Harahap reminded the newly inaugurated Vocational Faculty BEM board that serving in BEM is a significant responsibility entrusted to them by the entire student body. He encouraged the new leadership to develop concrete ideas that create opportunities for students and deliver tangible benefits.
Echoing this commitment, newly elected Chair of the Vocational Faculty BEM, Kidung Agung Rusanto Ujung, said he would make BEM an inclusive home for all students, including those who have been less active or have yet to find opportunities to develop their potential.
He stressed that the success of his administration would not be measured simply by the number of programs it implements, but by the extent to which BEM is present and provides tangible benefits to students.
“BEM will be a home that is inclusive for all students, not only those who are already active, but also those who have been less involved or have yet to find a space to grow,” he said.
