25 September 2025
Fenny Julistine Tarigan
After a long and challenging process, the youth of Nagori Saranpadang, Dolok Silau District, Simalungun Regency, have officially united under a youth organization named Karang Taruna Bersatu Saranpadang. This organization is a tangible outcome of the community development program initiated by the Institute for Research and Community Service (LPPM) of Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU).
This was conveyed in a press statement by the Head of the LPPM USU Village Development Team, Destanul Aulia, SKM, MBA, MEc, Ph.D., on Sunday (September 21, 2025).
He explained that the journey began in the first year of LPPM USU’s village program. The team conducted surveys revealing that most young people in Saranpadang spent their time playing online games or engaging in unproductive habits. Recognizing this untapped potential, LPPM USU, together with village authorities and community leaders have proposed the formation of Karang Taruna as a long-term solution.
The establishment process began with a series of public discussions involving local youth. USU Psychology lecturer Suri Mutia Siregar, S.Psi., M.Psi., facilitated sessions on the importance of organizations as platforms for leadership and teamwork development. Gradually, awareness began to grow. Youths who had previously been passive became active and enthusiastic, continuing discussions even in coffee stalls and on football fields.
Furthermore, the Head of the LPPM USU Village Development Team, Destanul Aulia, conducted a motivational session titled “Youth in Action, Villages in Progress”, emphasizing the importance of enthusiasm, long-term vision, and commitment as the keys to village advancement.
The culmination of this process was the inauguration of the Karang Taruna Bersatu Saranpadang committee, held at the Village Hall. The event was officiated by Panghulu Nagori Drs. Robinson Tarigan, who acted as advisor and officiator—and attended by Simalungun Regency DPRD member Efharis Juster Sinaga, SE; Dolok Silau Subdistrict Secretary Johannis Ginting; community and religious leaders; and representatives of Karang Taruna from both district and regency levels.
In his remarks, Robinson Tarigan emphasized that the word “Bersatu” (“United”) was chosen to symbolize unity across clans and social backgrounds. Meanwhile, LPPM USU reaffirmed that its role was purely as a facilitator, not a decision-maker that aligning with its core mission of community service: to build independence, not dependency.
Following the inauguration, the youth immediately began designing work programs, including sports activities, communal service (gotong royong), and plans for social and educational development. Karang Taruna Bersatu is also being encouraged to explore opportunities in the creative economy, agriculture, and village tourism. Support from village authorities and residents further strengthens the hope that this organization will become a driving force for change in Saranpadang.
“When young people unite, the village can move forward more easily.
This Karang Taruna is expected to become a place where our youth learn responsibility, cooperation, and leadership,” said Robinson Tarigan. The story of Karang Taruna Bersatu Saranpadang demonstrates that with the right approach, structured mentoring, and trust in the youth, real change is possible. What began as a simple survey has now evolved into a collective movement, bringing new hope to the village.
