MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM – Medan Utara, a region long associated with social challenges and crime-related perceptions, is now preparing for a major image transformation through the upcoming Islamic Cultural Festival. The initiative aims to highlight the religious, cultural, and creative potential of the local community, particularly among the younger generation.
The project has received strong support from Medan Mayor Rico Waas, who views the festival as a strategic step toward reshaping Belawan into a more harmonious and socially resilient area.
Cultural Revival in Medan Utara
Read Also: Edison Ginting Leads PWPM Medan 2026–2029 Support for the initiative was reaffirmed during an official audience held at the mayor's residence on Jalan Sudirman on Friday, May 8, 2026. The delegation from Ukhuwah Badan Kemakmuran Masjid (UBKM) Medan Utara, the festival's organizing committee, presented the full program concept to city officials.
Committee chairman Johan Arifin emphasized that the festival goes beyond a routine annual celebration. According to him, it is designed as a social movement aimed at strengthening youth engagement and preventing negative behavior in the community.
"We want to build a positive image of Medan Utara. This festival provides space for creativity, especially for the younger generation," Johan said.
Diverse Islamic and Traditional Program
Read Also: Medan Strengthens Job Linkages Through Youth Training Programs The Islamic Cultural Festival will feature a range of religious and cultural activities, including a Ramadan drum (Beduk) festival, a Muslim cultural parade, Kasidah vocal competitions, and a torchlight procession marking 1 Muharram. The main events are scheduled to take place from June 14 to 16, 2026.
The Beduk Festival itself will be held earlier on May 26–27, 2026, at Jalan Stasiun Lapangan PJKA Belawan. Participants will be required to wear traditional Malay attire and bring their own drums, emphasizing cultural authenticity.
Organizers also plan to invite well-known preacher Ustaz Das'ad Latif to deliver a religious sermon during the event series.
Rico Waas Backs Long-Term Cultural Vision
Read Also: Rico Waas Emphasizes Media Credibility in Meeting with Media Indonesia Raya Mayor Rico Waas welcomed the initiative, describing it as an important milestone in strengthening the cultural identity of Medan Utara.
"This is a very positive event. Belawan must be ready to host large-scale activities. I hope the community becomes more united and everything runs smoothly," he said, accompanied by Government Assistant HM Sofyan and Head of Welfare Affairs Agus Maryono.
He also stressed the importance of careful preparation and encouraged making the festival a sustainable annual cultural agenda.
"I hope this kind of activity continues so it can become an iconic yearly program that strengthens Medan Utara as an active, creative, and religious region," Rico added.
Read Also: Rico Waas Promotes Legal Literacy in Medan Through AdNI Collaboration Through collaboration between local government and community organizations such as UBKM, Medan Utara is steadily moving toward a positive transformation that emphasizes religious values, cultural pride, and social cohesion. (IDNC)
REPORTER: Teguh Panjaitan | EDITOR: Fik Sagala
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