Friday, 19 June 2026
LABUHANBATU SELATAN | INDATANEWS.COM - The Malay cultural festival "Bahraien," organized by the Government of South Labuhanbatu Regency, officially concluded on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at the historic grounds of Istana Kotapinang.
The closing ceremony was held in a warm and vibrant atmosphere, featuring traditional Malay music performances and atmospheric lighting that enriched the heritage palace setting.Cultural Identity at the Forefront
Read Also:Deputy Regent of South Labuhanbatu, Syahdian Purba Siboro, emphasized in his remarks that the festival is more than a ceremonial event—it serves as a vital platform to strengthen the cultural identity of the Malay community.
"This festival is not merely a ceremony. It is a symbol that we still have an identity and cultural roots that must be preserved together," he stated.
Throughout the event, a variety of artistic, traditional, and cultural performances were showcased within the Istana Bahraien complex, bringing Malay heritage vividly to life.
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Historic Istana Kotapinang in Focus
Visitors not only enjoyed cultural performances but also experienced a strong sense of historical continuity between the past and present. At the same time, attention was drawn to the condition of the palace, as parts of the structure show visible signs of deterioration.Several sections of the historic building appear aged, while some cultural artifacts are believed to have been lost over the years due to limited maintenance.
Read Also:Syahdian further stressed the importance of the palace as a living center of history.
"This palace should not only be a silent witness to history but must become a center for preserving Malay cultural heritage."
Call for Government and Community ActionHead of Kotapinang Subdistrict, Irwan Sentosa Siregar, expressed support for cultural development initiatives and highlighted their importance for younger generations.
Read Also:"As the local government, we support every positive activity. From Malay culture, we learn the importance of preserving heritage for future generations," he said.
He also emphasized that cultural preservation is not solely the responsibility of the government, but requires active participation from traditional leaders and the wider community.
Kotapinang is known as one of the regions with a long history of Malay civilization in North Sumatra, where cultural values continue to endure despite modernization.The closing of the festival underscores that cultural heritage preservation requires not only symbolic events, but also sustainable and concrete actions. (IDNC)
Read Also:REPORTER: Jhon Fitra Sagala | EDITOR: Fik Sagala
