Tuesday, 26 May 2026
DELI SERDANG | INDATANEWS.COM – Deputy Regent of Deli Serdang, Lom Lom Suwondo, has called on the public to actively preserve and protect cultural heritage sites in an effort to safeguard the region's identity amid rapid modernization.
The appeal was made on Monday, May 25, 2026, during the opening of the "Deli Serdang Cultural Heritage Seminar 2026" held at the Cendana Hall on the second floor of the Deli Serdang Regent Office. The event, themed "Preserving Heritage, Strengthening National Identity," served both as an academic forum and a cross-sector coordination platform to develop strategies for safeguarding cultural sites.Heritage Protection as the Foundation of Regional Identity
Read Also:In his opening remarks, Lom Lom Suwondo emphasized that cultural heritage preservation plays a crucial role in preventing younger generations from becoming detached from their historical roots.
"These efforts ensure that the younger generation in Deli Serdang does not forget their historical roots, traditions, spiritual values, cultural practices, and even economic heritage. Cultural preservation is an essential part of building a healthy, intelligent, religious, and sustainable society," he said.
He added that heritage sites are not merely old buildings, but powerful symbols of history, identity, civilization, and collective memory.The local government, he noted, remains committed to protecting historical sites through structured assessments, documentation, feasibility studies, and scientific validation.
Read Also:"We hope this seminar will produce recommendations and inputs from academics, cultural practitioners, religious leaders, and the wider community as a foundation for protecting our cultural heritage," he added.
Threats Facing Historical Sites Across the Region
Read Also:Lom Lom Suwondo warned that many historical sites in Deli Serdang are increasingly being neglected, putting their cultural value at risk.
Among the sites discussed are the Datuk Ong House in Pagar Merbau, the Kedatukan House in Batang Kuis, the Javanese Christian Church in Kolam Village, the Naga Hijau Temple in Pantai Labu, the Tomb of Sultan Deli (Gocah Pahlawan), and the Tanduk Benua Fortress.
These landmarks reflect the region's historical development as a multicultural area shaped by trade, religious diversity, tradition, and social harmony."Many of these structures are threatened by age and modernization. This is both a challenge and a shared responsibility," he said.
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Head of the Deli Serdang Culture, Youth, Sports, and Tourism Office, Yudy Hilmawan, stated that the seminar aims to formulate sustainable strategies for cultural heritage protection.
Read Also:The objectives include identifying potential heritage sites, analyzing existing challenges, strengthening collaboration between government bodies, academics, cultural groups, and local communities, as well as formulating policy recommendations for integrating heritage sites into education and tourism development.
The seminar featured speakers including Prof. Dr. Suprayitno and Dr. Fikarwin Zuska, and was moderated by Dr. Edi Sumarno.
Participants included representatives from government agencies, PTPN IV Regional II, district officials, village heads, heritage site managers, traditional leaders, and members of the Deli Serdang heritage expert team. (IDNC)REPORTER: Edi Saputra | EDITOR: Fik Sagala
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