20 March 2023
Fenny Julistine Tarigan
Kabanjahe, Karosatuklik.com – The Regent of Karo, Cory Sriwaty Sebayang, received a discussion visit from the Center for Excellence in Science and Technology for Sustainable Tourism of Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) in the regent’s meeting room, Karo Regent’s Office, Jalan Letjen Djamin Ginting, Kabanjahe, on Monday (18/03/2024).
Also present at the discussion were Prof. Ir. Nurlisa Ginting, M.Sc., Ph.D., IPM, Head of the Center for Excellence in Sustainable Tourism Technology at USU; Prof. Sarah Gardiner, representative of the Griffith University Institute for Tourism, Australia; and heads of regional offices within the Karo Regency Government.
This discussion focused on ongoing research conducted by the Center for Excellence in Sustainable Tourism Technology at USU, titled “Study on the Implementation of Sustainable Tourism in Merek, Karo, Indonesia.” The visit also introduced Prof. Sarah Gardiner from the Griffith University Institute for Tourism, Australia, who serves as a research partner in the study.
In her remarks, the Regent of Karo warmly welcomed the visit. She emphasized that academic contributions are crucial in providing recommendations for tourism development, particularly through scientific studies.
She expressed hope that the team from USU and the Griffith University Institute for Tourism Australia would be able to offer insights and ideas related to the development of tourism attractions in Karo Regency, especially in Merek District.
At present, the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy/Agency for Tourism and Creative Economy (Kemenparekraf/Baparekraf) is no longer focused solely on increasing tourist arrivals in Indonesia, but is placing greater emphasis on efforts to promote sustainable tourism.
In brief, sustainable tourism is a concept of tourism development that produces long-term impacts—environmental, social, cultural, and economic—for present and future generations, including both local communities and visiting tourists.
The sustainability of tourism relies heavily on collaboration among tourism managers, local communities, stakeholders, and visitors.
Regent Cory Sebayang also had the opportunity to present traditional Karo souvenirs to Prof. Sarah Gardiner, which was followed by a photo session.
It is well known that, in response to contemporary challenges in science and technology, Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) has established several Study Centers and Centers of Excellence.
Since 2018, USU has established 14 centers in total, consisting of 8 Centers of Excellence, 5 Study Centers, and 1 working group.
Several of USU’s Centers of Excellence include the Center for Sustainable Energy and Biomaterial Development, the Stem Cell Center of Excellence, the Local Wisdom Center of Excellence, and others.
Meanwhile, the Study Centers established by USU include the Halal Study Center, the Tuber and Root Crop Study Center, the Anti-Corruption Study Center, among others.
Additionally, one working group has been formed: the Working Group on the Lake Toba Tourism Area and Sustainable Tourism (KK-PKDT&PB).
“The establishment of these study centers and centers of excellence is a recommendation from the government through the Ministry of Research, Technology, and Higher Education. This is considered necessary in universities so that research outputs do not remain only within the institution, but can also be utilized by society,” said Prof. Ir. Nurlisa Ginting. (R1)
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