International Community Service (PKM) by UNPRI Faculty of Economics: Restocking 5,000 Tilapia Seeds in Lake Toba to Support SDGs and Food Security

Sowing the Seeds of Life: UNPRI Faculty of Economics International Community Service Supports Sustainable Food Security

Parapat, November 14, 2025 – In line with its vision as a World Class University, the Faculty of Economics at Universitas Prima Indonesia (UNPRI) Medan conducted an international-scale Community Service (PKM) activity. The event, titled “Restocking Nila Fish in Toba Lake,” was held in Batu Gantung Village, Simalungun Regency, together with strategic partners from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) and the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), South Africa.

The program focused on strengthening education for the coastal communities of Lake Toba, aligning with global commitments to SDGs 4, SDGs 9, SDGs 17, and specifically supporting Point 14: Life Below Water. The objective is to provide a tangible contribution to aquatic environment conservation and enhance local food security in the region.

The activity began with an educational session featuring Ir. Robert Tua Siregar, Ph.D., as the speaker. He emphasized the importance of maintaining the balance of Lake Toba's ecosystem for both fish farmers and traditional fishermen by implementing environmentally friendly methods. The event was also attended by representatives from the Simalungun Regency Food Security and Fisheries Office and local community leaders.

The education was followed by a concrete action: the release of 5,000 tilapia (Nila) fingerlings into the waters around Batu Gantung, Parapat. Lake Toba tilapia was chosen as it is a flagship product that plays a vital role in the economy and local food security potential.

This international collaboration involved Dr. Kajal Ramnannun from UKZN and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zulnaidi Bin Yaacob from USM. Together with the UNPRI team, they aimed to bring a global perspective to community empowerment and lake conservation. “This collaboration is a clear manifestation of the institution's commitment to improving the quality of the Tridharma of higher education and expanding global networks for a more significant social impact,” stated the Dean of the Faculty of Economics at UNPRI, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Fajar Rezeki Ananda Lubis, S.E., M.S.M.

Representatives from USM and UKZN expressed their appreciation for this productive collaboration. They hope that similar programs can become sustainable routine activities to support Lake Toba as a top-tier tourist destination and a conservation area. Through this activity, UNPRI reaffirms its commitment as the best private campus in North Sumatra, providing real contributions to society and the environment.

Interested in joining a campus with an international network and real impact? For more information about our study programs and registration, visit the official UNPRI website at: www.unprimdn.ac.id.

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