Wednesday, 11 November 2026
LABUHANBATU SELATAN | INDATANEWS.COM - The preservation of Malay customs and culture in Labuhanbatu Selatan Regency must go beyond ceremonial events. Concrete programmes, stronger regional cultural identity and support from the local government are essential to ensuring that ancestral heritage remains alive and is passed on to future generations.
This commitment was conveyed by the Regional Board of the Indonesian Malay Customs and Culture Council (PD MABMI) Labuhanbatu Selatan during an audience with Regent Fery Sahputra Simatupang on Tuesday, 10 November 2026, at the Labuhanbatu Selatan Regent's Office.The meeting also marked the beginning of the newly established PD MABMI leadership's efforts to strengthen the presence of Malay traditions and build closer cooperation with the local government. The organisation aims to play a wider role in safeguarding the cultural heritage that forms part of the region's history and the identity of its people.
The delegation was led by PD MABMI Labuhanbatu Selatan Chairman Wan Ades Iskandar Nasution, accompanied by Secretary Raja Musa Hidayat Nasution, Treasurer Raja Khailuddin Nasution and Deputy Treasurer Wan Imam Syahraini Siregar. Regent Fery Sahputra Simatupang personally welcomed the delegation in his office.The inauguration is expected to carry the theme, "Building Brotherhood, Preserving Heritage: Bringing Malay Customs to Life for a Prosperous and Dignified Labuhanbatu Selatan".
According to Wan Ades, the theme conveys more than a symbolic message. It reflects a shared responsibility to revive Malay cultural values and traditions amid changing times.He stressed that Malay identity has deep historical roots in Labuhanbatu Selatan. Therefore, the community must safeguard this heritage and pass it on to future generations.
"The culture that was once deeply rooted in this land, known by the motto 'Speak with Courtesy, Act with Wisdom', is Malay custom and tradition."For that reason, these original cultural roots must never be neglected. There is considerable historical evidence indicating that our region is Malay land," he said.
As well as introducing the new leadership structure, Wan Ades outlined several initial programmes aimed at revitalising Malay cultural heritage. These include preserving traditional customs and strengthening cultural values within everyday community life.MABMI hopes these initiatives will go beyond simply introducing traditional practices. The organisation wants to encourage people to understand and incorporate Malay cultural values into their daily lives.
He explained that such a cultural area could serve as a space for preserving traditions, presenting local history and strengthening regional identity. Its development could also create opportunities to expand tourism and the cultural economy in Labuhanbatu Selatan.
This proposal places cultural preservation not only within the responsibilities of traditional organisations but also within the broader context of regional development. A dedicated cultural space could give residents and visitors opportunities to discover the heritage of previous generations.However, developing this potential requires careful planning and cooperation among various stakeholders to ensure that cultural preservation efforts remain sustainable. Support from the local government will be an important part of turning the proposal into reality.
Fery stressed that MABMI's programmes should align with the local government's vision and mission. Such cooperation should particularly support regional development, strengthen cultural identity and improve the well-being of the community.
The Regent also spoke about his personal connection with Malay culture, which dates back to his childhood. He recalled frequently wearing traditional Malay clothing during various school activities.Those experiences formed part of his personal memories and strengthened his appreciation of Malay traditions and cultural heritage. He hopes MABMI will bring fresh momentum and become a driving force in restoring the standing of Malay customs in the region, known as the Land of Courteous Speech and Wise Action.
Fery also expects MABMI to do more than act as a guardian of cultural heritage. He wants the organisation to become an active partner of the local government in preserving diversity, strengthening unity and reinforcing the identity of the people of Labuhanbatu Selatan.At the end of the meeting, PD MABMI Labuhanbatu Selatan Chairman Wan Ades Iskandar Nasution, accompanied by fellow board members, presented the organisation's initial work programme documents to Regent Fery Sahputra Simatupang.
The handover demonstrated the organisation's commitment to translating its cultural preservation ambitions into structured programmes and practical activities.MABMI's challenge now extends beyond maintaining the name and symbols of Malay culture. More importantly, it must ensure that traditional values remain part of everyday community life. Achieving this will require the involvement of cultural organisations, the local government and the wider community, particularly younger generations who will carry this heritage forward.
Cultural preservation also has an important role in regional development. Progress does not have to come at the expense of history, while dignified development should remain firmly rooted in cultural heritage and local wisdom.Through sustained cooperation, Malay heritage in Labuhanbatu Selatan is expected to become more than a reminder of the past. It can continue to develop as a living expression of the community's identity and as part of Indonesia's wider cultural wealth. (IDNC)
REPORTER: Jhon Fitra Sagala | EDITOR: Fik Sagala
