Tuesday, 27 October 2026
MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM - The Chairman of the Medan City Council, Drs Wong Chun Sen Tarigan, M.Pd.B., has expressed his support for the 2026 Arts and Culture Festival organised by St Yoseph Catholic Junior High School in Pemuda, Medan. Scheduled for 20 November 2026, the event aims to give pupils an opportunity to develop their talents and creativity while building courage and self-confidence beyond the regular classroom environment.
Wong voiced his support on Monday, 26 October 2026, when he received the school festival's organising committee at his office. During the meeting, the committee also invited him to attend the event, which is scheduled to take place at the International Convention Hall Center on the fifth floor in Medan.
The organisers expect around 1,500 pupils from across Medan to participate in the 2026 school festival. The event is intended not only to provide a stage for artistic performances but also to offer pupils valuable experiences through which they can express their abilities and showcase the results of their creative work.
The delegation was led by overall coordinator Saul Tarigan, S.Si., S.Pd. Other members included committee chairman Benedict K. Sianturi, secretary Gracey Aurelia Kacaribu, school management representatives, members of the organising team and pupil representatives. Also attending the meeting were the adviser to the school festival at St Yoseph Catholic Junior High School in Pemuda, Medan, Medan City Council member Jusup Ginting Suka, S.E., and Binsar Simarmata.
The chairman of the organising committee, Benedict K. Sianturi, said this year's event would be held under the theme "The Wings of Winners". The theme symbolises the pupils' determination to pursue their goals with courage, develop their individual abilities and face the future with confidence.
According to Benedict, the arts and culture festival offers pupils an important opportunity to express their creativity while celebrating the achievements they have made during their school years. It also allows them to demonstrate their artistic abilities and build the confidence to perform in front of an audience.
Through the 2026 school festival, the organisers also hope to encourage pupils not to focus exclusively on academic achievement. Participation in artistic activities provides experience in teamwork, strengthens a sense of responsibility and builds self-confidence as young people prepare their work and present it publicly.
Saul Tarigan, the overall coordinator of the 2026 school festival, expressed hope that the event would strengthen bonds within the school community, create positive memories and give pupils the opportunity to showcase their best artistic work.
The committee is also seeking support from various stakeholders to ensure that preparations proceed smoothly. During the meeting, it asked Wong to help arrange a meeting with the Mayor of Medan. The organisers intend to use the opportunity to present their plans for the 2026 school festival directly to the mayor.
Wong Chun Sen welcomed the planned event, explaining that activities outside the regular curriculum play an important role in helping pupils discover their abilities, strengthen their character and improve their achievements.
"Even outside the classroom, pupils have talents that can motivate them to develop their personalities, improve their achievements and strengthen their creativity, courage and self-confidence. I hope the school festival will be successful and run smoothly," Wong said.
In his view, schools must provide young people with sufficient opportunities to discover and develop their abilities in different fields. Experience gained through extracurricular activities can help pupils better understand their own strengths, become more confident in expressing themselves and develop a positive attitude towards challenges.
Support for artistic events therefore extends beyond simply organising a festival. It is also part of a broader effort to create an educational environment that encourages the all-round development of pupils. Alongside improving practical skills, shared activities can instil discipline, a sense of responsibility and the ability to work as part of a team.
Wong also confirmed that he was willing to attend the 2026 school festival at St Yoseph Catholic Junior High School in Pemuda, Medan, scheduled for Friday, 20 November 2026. His attendance is intended to support the school's efforts to provide young people with more opportunities to express their creativity and develop personally.
Alongside supporting the arts and culture festival, Wong called for pupils to be educated about the dangers of corruption from an early age. He said this was particularly important for young people in secondary education, including junior and senior high school pupils.
He emphasised that anti-corruption education should form part of young people's character development. Understanding the issue is essential to helping pupils recognise the consequences of corruption for individuals, society and the state.
Integrity can be taught from school age through classroom learning and everyday habits. These include honesty, responsibility, respect for the rights of others and consistent adherence to rules. Such values should be reinforced by positive role models and an educational environment that encourages ethical behaviour.
According to Wong, young people should understand that success cannot be measured solely by academic results or their ability to present creative work. Personal attitudes and a willingness to take responsibility in everyday life are equally important. Character development and anti-corruption education should help nurture a generation that values honesty and feels responsible for the country's future.
Support for the 2026 school festival and the call to strengthen anti-corruption education highlight two important dimensions of education: developing individual abilities and fostering integrity. Through artistic activities and the teaching of fundamental values, schools can equip pupils with the skills, confidence and moral principles they need for the future.
The organising committee of the 2026 festival at St Yoseph Catholic Junior High School in Pemuda, Medan, is currently preparing for the event, which is expected to attract around 1,500 pupils. With support from various stakeholders, the festival aims to give young people a platform to showcase their creativity while strengthening unity within the school community. (IDNC)
REPORTER: Teguh Panjaitan | EDITOR: Fik Sagala
