Medan, Indonesia — October 29, 2024

Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) plays a key role in preserving and promoting intangible cultural heritage, helping to safeguard local traditions, languages, and knowledge systems for future generations. Through a variety of academic and community-driven initiatives, USU ensures that cultural practices of indigenous communities in North Sumatra are documented, revitalized, and shared with a broader audience.

Innovative Student Projects: Digital Preservation of Batak Ulos Cloth
One of USU's standout initiatives is the student-led project "Ulos Heritage: Interactive Museum Based on Mixed Reality." This project, which won an award at the 2024 National Student Science Week, aims to digitally preserve the Batak traditional Ulos cloth. By using mixed reality technology, the project allows younger generations to engage with and learn about the cultural significance of Ulos, bridging the gap between tradition and modern technology. This interactive museum helps keep the Batak heritage alive in a format that resonates with today’s tech-savvy youth.

Preserving Local Languages: National Virtual Conference on Mother Tongue
In its commitment to preserving intangible heritage, USU hosted the National Virtual Conference on Mother Tongue as Cultural Heritage. The conference focused on the preservation of local languages, especially those that are at risk of disappearing. Bringing together academics, researchers, and community leaders, the conference provided a platform for discussions on the importance of mother tongues in cultural identity and the steps necessary to protect them from extinction. This event underscores USU's commitment to cultural and linguistic preservation, contributing to broader efforts to keep local languages alive.

Hands-On Cultural Workshops: Reviving Traditional Practices
USU also offers hands-on workshops to directly engage with traditional cultural practices. One such initiative is the workshop on traditional Karo musical instrument making, which teaches students and local communities the skills to craft and play these culturally significant instruments. These workshops help foster a deeper appreciation for the traditional arts and contribute directly to the preservation of local music. Alongside this, USU also provides gamelan training sessions and language documentation projects, ensuring that local art forms, languages, and traditions are recorded and passed down to future generations.

Global Engagement: Seminars and Summer Courses on Malay and Batak Culture
To further promote intangible cultural heritage, USU organizes international summer courses and seminars that focus on Malay and Batak cultural diversity. These programs invite participants from both local and international communities to explore and understand the rich cultural traditions of North Sumatra. By offering these courses, USU not only educates students but also creates a platform for cultural exchange, strengthening global awareness of Indonesia’s indigenous knowledge systems and practices.