MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM – Medan Mayor Rico Waas reaffirmed his commitment to advancing arts and literature in the city after attending the poetry musicalization festival "Kopi dan Kepo" at Taman Budaya Medan on Saturday, May 2, 2026. His presence went beyond ceremonial attendance, signaling a strong message that culture remains a key pillar in urban development.
Organized by the Medan Theater, the festival draws inspiration from poems featured in the book "Kopi dan Kepo" by author Hasan Al Bana. The event attracted hundreds of artists, academics, and students who filled the venue, witnessing a vibrant fusion of poetry and music that brought written words to life on stage.
The atmosphere reflected a growing enthusiasm for literary arts among young creatives in Medan, as performances combined emotional storytelling with musical interpretation.
Read Also: Medan Marks Easter with Strong Call for Tolerance and Unity "Coffee and Curiosity" as Symbols of Reflection and Knowledge
During his address, Rico Waas interpreted "Kopi" (coffee) and "Kepo" (curiosity) as powerful life symbols. He described coffee as a representation of calmness, pause, and reflection amid the rush of daily life, while curiosity reflects humanity's drive to seek knowledge and understand the world. Together, both elements connect emotion and reason as the foundation of social progress.
"A nation will grow strong when it preserves culture, intellect, and emotion. Love, belonging, and the willingness to reflect on life must continue to thrive," Rico Waas said, accompanied by representatives from the education, cultural affairs, tourism, and creative economy sectors.
Culture as a Core of Urban Identity
Read Also: Rico Waas Highlights Role of Religious Education in Youth Character Building Rico Waas also emphasized the strong link between poetic expression and Malay literary heritage, highlighting the vast potential of young creators in Medan. He stated that the city government continues to support emerging talents across music, poetry, painting, and design.
"Urban development is not only about infrastructure such as buildings or hospitals. Arts and culture are essential elements of city life," he added.
He later officially opened the festival and praised writers, theater groups, and cultural practitioners for strengthening Medan's creative ecosystem.
Medan Theater and Emotional Expression in Art
Read Also: Medan TP PKK Promotes Exclusive Breastfeeding to Prevent Stunting Medan Theater founder Ahmad Munawar Lubis explained that the festival celebrates human emotions that are often overlooked. He noted that the featured works express feelings such as anxiety, suppressed laughter, and silent tears, transforming emotional experiences into artistic beauty.
The festival concluded in a warm and meaningful atmosphere, blending literature, music, and cultural engagement into a dynamic creative space in Medan. Performances inspired by Hasan Al Bana's works, accompanied by music from the group 7 Keliling, marked the official opening of the event and are expected to further stimulate the city's cultural development. (IDNC)
REPORTER: Darmailawati | EDITOR: Fik Sagala
Read Also: Rico Waas Calls for Fair Grab Expansion in Medan