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Plastic waste management in rural areas, particularly in tourism villages, remains an environmental challenge that requires sustainable solutions. Negeri Tongging Village, as a tourism area around Lake Toba, has experienced an increase in household plastic waste that has not been managed optimally, potentially affecting environmental quality and community well-being. This community service activity aimed to enhance community awareness and capacity in plastic waste management through the implementation of a circular economy approach based on a waste exchange program and ecobrick production. A participatory approach was employed by actively involving the community in all stages of the activity, including socialization, program implementation, and evaluation. The program was carried out during the 2025 Community Service Program of Universitas Islam Negeri Sumatera Utara, consisting of circular economy socialization, collection of plastic waste through an exchange scheme with basic necessities, training on ecobrick production, and the provision of supporting facilities for environmental cleanliness. The results indicate an increase in community participation and environmental awareness, a reduction in improperly disposed plastic waste, and an improvement in community skills in processing plastic waste into useful products. In addition, the activity strengthened mutual cooperation and environmental responsibility among community members. In conclusion, the application of a circular economy approach through ecobrick-based activities can serve as an effective alternative solution for plastic waste management while simultaneously supporting sustainable community empowerment in rural tourism areas.

Economic empowerment of rural communities through the strengthening of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) is a crucial pillar in achieving national economic independence. One of the fundamental obstacles faced by MSMEs in rural areas is financial exclusion due to low digital literacy and dependence on conventional cash transaction systems. The Community Service Program (KKN) of students from the State Islamic University of North Sumatra (UIN SU) in Pematang Tengah Village was designed to bridge this gap by optimizing the Indonesian Standard Quick Response Code (QRIS). Through an intensive participatory mentoring approach, students acted as agents of digital transformation who educated, trained, and facilitated 10 local MSME actors in adopting non-cash payment technology. The results of the program show a significant shift from digital skepticism to digital trust. The implementation of QRIS has been proven to increase operational efficiency, financial management accuracy, and strengthen the image of business modernity in the eyes of consumers. This article emphasizes that the role of students is not merely as information deliverers, but as catalysts of social capital that is crucial for the sustainability of digitalization at the village level.

This study explores the influence of career factors and economic independence on the phenomenon of late marriage in early adult women (aged 25-35 years) in Indonesia, especially in urban areas of North Sumatra such as Medan. Adopting a mixed-methods design, the study involved a quantitative survey of 250 career female respondents (with age criteria above 25 years old, unmarried, and a minimum income of the city UMR) using the Likert scale to measure career priorities as well as the financial independence index, complemented by logistic regression analysis to test causal relationships. Semi-structural interviews with 20 key informants uncovered an in-depth narrative about the trade-offs between professional ambitions (such as job promotion and income stability) and traditional marriage expectations. Key findings show that women with a bachelor's degree and above and an income of 1.5 times UMR tend to postpone marriage until the average age of 31.4 years, driven by the desire to achieve economic independence (regression coefficient β=0.42, p<0.01) as well as the flexibility of living without partner dependence. However, moderator factors such as Batak or Malay cultural pressures in Medan create internal conflicts, with 68% of respondents reporting social stress from family. Theoretically, the results support role conflict theory in modern family dynamics, while implications include recommendations for work-life balance-based pre-marital counseling programs and corporate policies to support high-quality marriages. This research contributes to the Indonesian family relations literature by highlighting the paradigm shift from patriarchal norms towards gender equality.

Indonesia is the largest archipelagic country in the world, Belawan Ocean Fishing Port is one of the largest fishing ports in WPP-NRI 571, strategic position because it is located between the waters of the East Coast and the South China Sea. The status of fish resource utilization in Belawan Ocean Fishing Port which has been fully exploited makes a study to analyze the level of fishing gear use in Belawan Ocean Fishing Port. This study aims to determine the level of environmental friendliness of purse seine fishing gear. This study was conducted at Belawan Ocean Fishing Port in November-December 2025. The research method used was a survey method, direct observation and interviews using a questionnaire. The sample used was 30 respondents. The analysis of the level of environmental friendliness of fishing gear was carried out in accordance with the criteria of 9 Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries (CCRF). The results of the calculation of the environmental friendliness score were 30.2 out of a total of 908 points for the level of friendliness of purse seine fishing gear at Belawan Ocean Fishing Port, and this fishing method is categorized as a very environmentally friendly fishing gear.

Public Relations (PR) of the State Islamic University of North Sumatra (UINSU) is a strategic unit that manages various important documents in the institution's administrative and communication activities. However, document loan management in this unit is still done manually, making it vulnerable to data loss, late returns, and difficulty in monitoring document status. This community service research aims to design and implement an integrated web-based document loan information system in the UINSU Public Relations sector. The system was developed using the PHP programming language with a MySQL database, implementing a modern, responsive interface. The system's main features include item/document data management, loan and return recording, and real-time stock monitoring. The results of the community service show that the system is able to improve document management efficiency, reduce recording errors, and make it easier for officers to monitor loan status. This system is expected to become a document asset management model that can be adopted by other units within the UINSU environment.

Digital

Learning concentration is an important factor in supporting students’ academic success, particularly in Biology study programs that require high levels of accuracy and analytical skills. Learning concentration is influenced by various factors, including sleep quality and dietary patterns. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between sleep quality and dietary patterns and the level of learning concentration among Biology students of class T.BIO1/2022 at Universitas Islam Negeri Sumatera Utara. This study employed an analytic observational approach with a cross sectional design. The research sample consisted of 23 students selected using a total sampling technique. The research instruments included questionnaires on sleep quality, dietary patterns, and learning concentration. Data analysis was conducted descriptively and using cross tabulation. The results showed that students with good sleep quality and regular dietary patterns tended to have higher levels of learning concentration compared to those with poor sleep quality and irregular dietary patterns. Therefore, sleep quality and dietary patterns are important factors that need to be considered to support students’ learning concentration.  

Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) play a strategic role in accelerating regional economic growth and improving community welfare. However, MSMEs in North Sumatra Province continue to face various challenges, particularly limited access to capital, low adoption of digital technology, and insufficient business assistance. This community service program aims to strengthen the MSME ecosystem through integrated empowerment initiatives, including facilitating access to financing, enhancing the use of internet-based technologies, and improving the capacity of MSME actors. The methods applied include business mentoring, training activities, and analysis of MSME performance in both short-term and long-term perspectives. The results indicate that expanded access to capital and increased adoption of digital technology contribute positively and significantly to MSME income growth in both the short and long term. Interestingly, the absence of guidance, training, and extension services shows a positive correlation with income in the short term but has a significant negative impact on business sustainability and stability in the long term. Furthermore, reliance on bank loans consistently demonstrates a significant negative effect on MSME performance across both analytical periods. These findings highlight the importance of building a sustainable MSME ecosystem through continuous mentoring, improved financial literacy, and adaptive digital transformation to ensure long-term business resilience.

Listening skills are fundamental in English language learning because they are the main gateway to language proficiency. However, students often face obstacles such as differences in accents, the speed of native speakers, and limited vocabulary. This study aims to describe the use of the Spotify application as a learning medium to improve students' listening skills. This study uses a descriptive qualitative approach. The research subjects were third-semester students of the English Education Study Program at UIN Sumatera Utara (UINSU) in class TBI 2. Data were collected through questionnaires covering content usage patterns, duration, and application feature utilization. The results showed that: Students actively use Spotify (music and podcasts) as a source of authentic language input independently. Using Spotify has a positive impact on vocabulary comprehension, pronunciation, intonation, and conversation comprehension skills. The playback speed feature helps students control the audio speed according to their ability level, making the learning process more flexible and personalized. Consistent listening duration (15–30 minutes) is effective in supporting the development of listening skills without causing cognitive fatigue.

This study examines the utilization of social media in improving the competitiveness of cassava chips and lidah manis SMEs in Pematang Serai Village, Tanjung Pura District, Langkat Regency, North Sumatra Province. The rapid development of information technology has encouraged SMEs to shift from conventional marketing methods to more effective and efficient digital marketing practices. This research employs a descriptive qualitative approach, with data collected through field observations, in-depth interviews, and documentation involving SME actors. The results indicate that the use of social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram is able to expand market reach, increase product visibility, and strengthen relationships between business owners and consumers. Attractive promotional content, consistency in posting, and responsive communication are proven to influence consumer buying interest and trust. However, SMEs still face challenges, including limited digital literacy, time management constraints, and the lack of structured marketing strategies. Therefore, continuous training and assistance are needed so that SMEs can optimize the use of social media more effectively. This study is expected to serve as a reference for the development of digital-based SMEs in rural areas.

This study aims to apply the Principal Component Analysis (PCA) method to identify the main factors influencing poverty in North Sumatra Province. Poverty rates in this region show significant variations among districts and cities, influenced by differences in social, economic, educational, and basic facility availability. The data used in this study include eleven indicators related to population, education, health, access to basic services, and economic conditions. All variables were initially normalized to ensure they had comparable scales, then PCA feasibility tests were conducted using MSA, KMO, and Bartlett's test, which indicated that the data were eligible for further analysis. The results of the PCA revealed three main components explaining a total of 69.91 percent of the variation. The first component represents regional population and economic factors, with the largest contributions coming from population density, open unemployment rate, and per capita expenditure. The second component reflects household living conditions, such as access to clean water, adequate sanitation, and health complaints. The third component describes the educational dimension through indicators of the population aged at the primary and secondary school levels. These findings indicate that poverty in North Sumatra is influenced not only by economic factors but also by the quality of basic services and education levels among the population. Therefore, this research is useful for policymakers at the central and regional government levels to consider the factors influencing the increase in poverty in North Sumatra.

Acne vulgaris (AV) is a common dermatological condition affecting adolescents and young adults, with multifactorial causes including hormonal influences, increased follicular keratinization, excessive sebum production, and colonization by Cutibacterium acnes. External factors, particularly skincare behavior, are also considered to play an important role. The use of skincare products that are unsuitable for skin type or contain comedogenic ingredients such as mineral oil, lanolin, and certain silicones may clog pores and exacerbate acne. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between skincare product selection and usage behavior, types of skincare products used, and frequency of use with the occurrence of acne vulgaris among female medical students of the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sumatera Utara, cohorts 2022–2024. An analytical observational study with a cross-sectional design was conducted. Primary data were collected through an online questionnaire, while secondary data were obtained from the student directory. A total of 90 respondents were selected using stratified random sampling. Data analysis was performed using the Chi-square test. The results showed a significant association between skincare product selection and usage behavior and the occurrence of acne vulgaris (p = 0.043), as well as between the type of skincare products used and acne incidence (p < 0.001). However, no significant relationship was found between the frequency of skincare product use and acne vulgaris (p = 0.116). These findings indicate that appropriate product selection and type are more influential in acne development than usage frequency.

This study aims to analyze the potential and business development strategies of Warung Misop Kampung Yani Mbotz in Tanjung Morawa District as a representative of traditional culinary MSMEs. The main problems identified are limited capital, simple business management, and the lack of digital promotion. This research employs a qualitative descriptive method with a case study approach, using direct observation, interviews with the business owner, and document analysis. Data were analyzed using the SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) framework to identify internal and external factors, and the Business Model Canvas (BMC) to formulate development strategies. The results reveal that the main strengths of the business lie in authentic taste, affordable prices, and customer loyalty. Weaknesses include limited menu innovation, underutilized digital promotion, and the absence of systematic financial recording. Opportunities arise from the growing public interest in traditional culinary products and government support for MSMEs, while threats come from competition with modern food outlets, fast-food chains, and rising raw material prices. The strategies formulated through the BMC framework include product innovation, service diversification, the optimization of social media marketing, and the strengthening of business networks. The study concludes that applying BMC-based strategies can enhance the competitiveness of Warung Misop Kampung Yani Mbotz while preserving traditional culinary heritage. These findings are expected to serve as a reference for other culinary MSMEs in developing their businesses sustainably.

This study aims to analyze the factors influencing the income levels of pineapple farmers in Siabal-Abal V Village, Sipahutar Subdistrict, North Tapanuli Regency. The research focuses on several key variables, namely land size, production quantity, production tools, and farming experience, which are presumed to be associated with farmers’ income. A quantitative research approach was employed, using multiple linear regression analysis to examine the simultaneous and partial effects of each variable on the income of pineapple farmers. The population of this study comprised all pineapple farmers in Siabal-Abal V Village, with a sample of 65 respondents selected through a simple random sampling technique. Data were collected through interviews and structured questionnaires designed in accordance with the research objectives. The results of the data analysis indicate that, simultaneously, land size, production quantity, production tools, and farming experience have a significant effect on the income of pineapple farmers. However, the partial test results reveal that only land size has a positive and significant effect on farmers’ income. Meanwhile, production quantity, production tools, and farming experience do not show a statistically significant influence. These findings indicate that land size is the dominant factor in determining the income level of pineapple farmers in the study area. Therefore, improving access to agricultural land or optimizing the utilization of existing land is an important strategy for increasing the income of pineapple farmers in Siabal-Abal V Village.

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh penerapan Model Pembelajaran Berbasis Proyek berbantuan Media Baamboozle terhadap motivasi belajar dan hasil belajar ekonomi siswa kelas XI SMA Swasta Tunas Harapan. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah penelitian eksperimen semu dengan rancangan kelompok kontrol non-ekuivalen. Populasi penelitian ini adalah seluruh siswa kelas XI SMA Swasta Tunas Harapan yang berjumlah 50 orang. Teknik pengambilan sampel menggunakan sampel jenuh, sehingga diperoleh sampel sebanyak 25 siswa kelas XI-1 (kelas eksperimen) dan 25 siswa kelas XI-2 (kelas kontrol). Pengumpulan data menggunakan angket motivasi belajar siswa dan soal pilihan ganda. Analisis data menggunakan uji-t sampel independen. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa: 1) Terdapat pengaruh yang signifikan penerapan Model Pembelajaran Berbasis Proyek berbantuan Media Baamboozle terhadap motivasi belajar ekonomi siswa, 2) Terdapat pengaruh yang signifikan penerapan Model Pembelajaran Berbasis Proyek berbantuan Media Baamboozle terhadap hasil belajar ekonomi siswa kelas XI SMA Swasta Tunas Harapan.

This study analyzes the burden on health services and the level of regional preparedness during the 2025 flood disaster in North Sumatra Province. Using a descriptive-analytic design with secondary data obtained from official disaster reports, this research examines the number of affected households, displaced populations, mortality, and emergency response status across 18 districts and cities. Findings show significant variations in the magnitude of impacts, with regions experiencing higher numbers of affected populations demonstrating greater pressure on health services, particularly in emergency care, communicable disease prevention, and shelter-based health management. Furthermore, regions that activated emergency response status earlier and demonstrated stronger preparedness were found to experience lower health burdens. These results highlight the importance of integrating disaster preparedness into local health system planning to strengthen resilience against hydrometeorological disasters. The study emphasizes the need for improved intersectoral coordination, enhanced health logistics capacity, and readiness of health personnel to respond effectively to large-scale emergencies.

This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of natural resource management, particularly water and soil, in increasing agricultural production in Sampali Village, Percut Sei Tuan District, Deli Serdang Regency. The research approach used was descriptive qualitative through field observations, in-depth interviews with farmers and village officials, and documentation studies from relevant agencies. The results indicate that the irrigation system in Sampali Village is not operating effectively, characterized by shallowing of canals, damaged irrigation walls, and blockages that cause uneven water distribution. This condition has a significant impact on crop yields, with a difference in production between upstream and downstream areas reaching 1.9 tons/ha. Furthermore, soil quality has also declined due to the excessive use of chemical fertilizers, as indicated by a soil pH that tends to be acidic (5.4–6.0), low organic matter content (1.2–1.8%), and decreased soil biological activity. Factors influencing the effectiveness of water and soil management include technical, environmental, socio-economic, and institutional aspects. This study concludes that natural resource management in Sampali Village is still suboptimal, necessitating improvements to irrigation infrastructure, increased use of organic fertilizers, and institutional strengthening and farmer mentoring. These efforts are expected to support sustainable agricultural productivity gains.  

This study aims to analyze the influence of the General Allocation Fund (DAU), the Special Allocation Fund (DAK), and the Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) on the poverty rate in North Sumatra Province. The method used is multiple linear regression analysis using secondary data from 2004 to 2023. The results show that the DAU has a negative and significant effect on the poverty rate, meaning that the greater the DAU allocation, the lower the poverty rate in the province. Conversely, the DAK has a positive and significant effect on the poverty rate, indicating that an increase in DAK is actually followed by an increase in the poverty rate. Meanwhile, GRDP shows a negative effect on the poverty rate, but the effect is not significant. The coefficient of determination obtained shows that the DAU, DAK, and GRDP are able to explain variations in the poverty rate in North Sumatra Province. Simultaneously, the test results show that all three variables have a significant effect on the poverty rate. These findings suggest the importance of proper management of fund allocation and optimization of regional economic sectors to reduce poverty effectively.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate income inequality and poverty as key indicators of uneven economic development in North Sumatra Province in 2024. This study analyzed various secondary sources, including BPS reports, SINTA-indexed national journals, and regional economic policy publications. The results show that regencies in the west coast and mountainous regions of North Sumatra tend to be lagging behind, while urban areas such as Medan and Deli Serdang have the highest concentration of economic growth, meaning that income inequality remains at a moderate-high level. The finding that economic progress remains uneven is reinforced by the fact that the poverty rate remains higher than the national average. From the results of this study, not only economic factors influence inequality and poverty, but also structural factors such as infrastructure access, human labor quality, and regional fiscal inequality. Therefore, more inclusive and integrated policies are needed to address inequality and improve welfare across all provinces.

In the era of globalization, university graduates are required to have the ability to implement knowledge in real practice, which is realized through the Field Work program. This study aims to evaluate the compliance of Task Force reporting at PT PLN (Persero) North Sumatra Main Distribution Unit (UID North Sumatra). The method used is a quantitative approach with K-Means Clustering. Compliance reporting data was obtained from internal company documents, which then went through the preprocessing and clustering stages using the K-Means algorithm, with the determination of the optimal cluster number through the Elbow and Silhouette methods. The K-Means clustering analysis results identified two groups of units with different levels of compliance. Cluster 2, consisting of UP3 Binjai and UP3 Sibolga, showed a higher and more consistent level of reporting compliance. In contrast, Cluster 1 (including UP2D, UP3 B. Barisan, UP3 L. Pakam, UP3 Medan, UP3 Medan Utara, UP3 Nias, UP3 P. Sidimpuan, UP3 P. Siantar, and UP3 Prapat) had a tendency for lower compliance. This finding indicates a difference in reporting consistency that affects the effectiveness of work safety supervision. The K-Means method is proven to help PLN management identify units with low compliance, allowing corrective actions to be prioritized appropriately.