Central Tapanuli, July 31, 2026 — The Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) continues to demonstrate its commitment to implementing the Three Pillars of Higher Education through Community Service activities. The activity was carried out in Neighborhoods I and III, Lopian Urban Village, Badiri District, Central Tapanuli Regency, North Sumatra, with the theme “Utilization of Coconut for the Production of Virgin Coconut Oil and Nata de Coco to Support the Economy of Disaster-Affected Communities.”

The activity, held on July 31, 2026, was intended for disaster-affected communities in the area and was attended by 35 participants. This activity represented the concern of the Faculty of Pharmacy USU in helping the community improve their skills while developing the potential of local resources as part of post-disaster economic recovery efforts.

This community service activity was led by Dwi Lestari P, S.Si., M.Si., Ph.D., Apt., with members Dr. Hetty Lendora Maha, S.Farm., M.Si., Apt.; Dr. Apt. Denny Satria, S.Farm., M.Si.; Imam Bagus Sumantri, S.Farm., M.Si., Apt.; and Mariadi, S.Farm., M.Si., Apt.

The activity was conducted in the form of training and hands-on practice in producing Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) and Nata de Coco. The community not only received information about the potential and benefits of coconuts but was also directly involved in processing coconut raw materials into products with added value and economic potential.

Through the hands-on practice, participants gained experience in the stages of producing VCO and Nata de Coco and are therefore expected to be able to develop these skills independently within the community. The utilization of coconuts as a raw material also represents an effort to optimize the potential of resources available in the local area.

This activity is expected to serve as an initial step in promoting the economic independence and productivity of disaster-affected communities. VCO and Nata de Coco have opportunities to be developed into business products that can provide added value to local commodities. With the skills they have acquired, the community is expected to develop sustainable productive activities that have the potential to become an additional source of income.

In addition to providing technical skills, this Community Service activity also reflects the active role of the Faculty of Pharmacy USU in delivering applicable science and technology to the community. The transfer of knowledge from lecturers to the community is expected to strengthen the community's capacity to manage local potential more productively.

This community service activity is in line with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). First, SDG 1: No Poverty, through efforts to empower disaster-affected communities so that they have productive skills that can support family economic recovery.

Second, SDG 4: Quality Education, through the transfer of knowledge and skills to 35 participants through training and hands-on practice. In addition, the utilization of coconuts into various value-added products also supports community learning and skills development.

This activity also supports SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, through improving community skills and developing business opportunities based on local resource potential. Training in VCO and Nata de Coco production is expected to serve as a foundation for the community to develop productive and sustainable economic activities.

It also supports SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, particularly through the optimization of local resources and the development of processed products.

Through this activity, the Faculty of Pharmacy USU continues to strive to make tangible contributions to the community, particularly groups affected by disasters. Collaboration between higher education institutions and the community is expected to strengthen local capacity, promote economic recovery, and create a more independent and sustainable community.