02 January 2025
Fenny Julistine Tarigan
Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) played a key role as an implementation partner during the audience and socialization event of the Safe Food Goes to Campus Program (PAGC), part of the Merdeka Learning Campus Program (MBKM). The event took place on Thursday, January 2, 2025, at USU, with participation from academics and representatives of the Indonesian Food and Drug Authority (BPOM).
The event began with an informal gathering, followed by a presentation by Ms. Ema Setyawati, S.Si., Apt., M.E., Director of Community Empowerment and Processed Food Business Development at BPOM. She explained that the PAGC program is structured into three schemes: 20 credits, 10 credits, and the Thematic Community Service Program (KKN-T), all of which aim to increase students' awareness of food safety.
In the subsequent session, the Merdeka Learning Campus Program (MBKM) team from USU's Directorate of Education Development shared insights into their initiatives supporting this program. Active discussions between participants and speakers became a highlight of the event.
BPOM emphasized the vital role of academic communities in maintaining food safety within society. The program aims to increase student participation and provide mentorship for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in implementing Good Processed Food Production Practices (CPPOB).
Through this program, students are expected to expand their knowledge and enhance their competencies in food safety, aligning with MBKM's objectives. The event concluded with aspirations for continued collaboration between BPOM and USU to foster a generation more conscious of food safety.
