MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM - North Sumatra Deputy Governor Surya has called for traditional Islamic arts and Qasidah to become more deeply rooted in community life, rather than remaining limited to competitions and stage performances. Beyond preserving cultural heritage, he wants these art forms to serve as a means of religious outreach, strengthening social ties and promoting religious education.
According to
Surya, art and Qasidah offer wider social benefits and play an important role in preserving local traditions and cultural identity. They should be seen as more than entertainment or performances at festivals, as they can also convey religious messages and strengthen relationships within communities.
He stressed that efforts to develop these art forms must continue through sustained community-based programmes. Government institutions, arts organisations, religious figures and members of the public all have a role to play in creating opportunities for wider participation and encouraging interest across generations.
Surya made the remarks while opening the 2026
North Sumatra Art and Qasidah Festival at the Medan Hajj Dormitory on Jalan AH Nasution, Medan, on Monday, 9 November 2026.
"Art and Qasidah should not be limited to performances and development programmes. They need to grow within communities as a means of religious outreach, strengthening social ties and providing religious education," Surya said.
Art and Qasidah Must Become Part of Community Life
Surya said the success of efforts to promote art and Qasidah should not be measured solely by the number of festivals organised or participants taking part in competitions. More importantly, these art forms must become part of everyday community life and make a meaningful contribution to social and religious development.
He noted that events such as the Art and Qasidah Festival played an important role in maintaining the presence of Islamic artistic traditions. However, such events should form part of a broader development strategy, ensuring that public interest does not fade once competitions come to an end.
He encouraged artists, Qasidah groups and organisations involved in Islamic arts to expand their community activities and training programmes. This would help ensure that art and Qasidah remain living traditions rather than ceremonial activities confined to particular occasions.
Surya also emphasised the importance of making artistic activities accessible and appealing to different sections of society. By combining cultural expression with religious messages, Qasidah can provide an effective way of communicating Islamic values in a respectful manner that relates to everyday life.
SURYA REAFFIRMS SUPPORT FOR ART AND QASIDAH: North Sumatra Deputy Governor Surya reiterates the provincial government's commitment to developing art and Qasidah as an integral part of cultural heritage and religious outreach. (PHOTO: Alexander AP Siahaan)
Passing Cultural Heritage on to Younger Generations
In addition to promoting wider community participation, Surya urged arts and Qasidah figures to preserve these traditions and pass them on to younger generations.
He said the involvement of children and young people was essential to maintaining the future of art and Qasidah. Without consistent training and the development of new talent, these traditions risk losing their appeal as society and cultural interests continue to change.
Arts practitioners therefore need to adopt more creative and innovative approaches to keep Qasidah relevant and attractive to younger audiences. These efforts could include improving training programmes, introducing artistic activities at an early age and making greater use of community spaces to encourage participation.
Surya reaffirmed the North Sumatra Provincial Government's commitment to supporting the preservation and development of art and Qasidah. He said government support formed part of its responsibility to protect cultural heritage while strengthening religious outreach within communities.
"The North Sumatra Provincial Government will continue to provide full support for the development of art and Qasidah because they are part of our culture and part of our religious outreach," Surya said.
He added that government backing should strengthen the role of organisations and arts communities in delivering consistent development programmes. Through cooperation between different stakeholders, art and Qasidah could reach wider audiences and continue to develop.
17 DELEGATIONS TAKE PART IN THE 2026 NORTH SUMATRA ART AND QASIDAH FESTIVAL – Festival Chairman Basarin Yunus Tanjung confirms that the event runs until 13 November 2026, featuring three competition categories. (PHOTO: Alexander AP Siahaan)
Festival Brings Together 17 Regional Delegations
Meanwhile, Basarin Yunus Tanjung, Chairman of the 2026 North Sumatra Art and Qasidah Festival, said the event would run until Friday, 13 November 2026. The programme features three competition categories and brings together 17 delegations representing regencies and cities across North Sumatra.
Participation from different regions reflects a shared commitment to preserving and developing art and Qasidah as part of the province's cultural heritage. The festival also provides an opportunity for participants to showcase their abilities, exchange experiences and strengthen networks supporting Islamic arts throughout North Sumatra.
Basarin explained that the festival was not solely focused on competition. It also formed part of the efforts of the Indonesian Institute of Arts and Qasidah (Lasqi) to promote religious outreach through artistic and cultural activities.
"This is one of Lasqi's efforts to promote religious outreach, preserve art and Qasidah, and assist the government in safeguarding cultural heritage," Basarin said.
Through the event, Lasqi hopes to increase public awareness and appreciation of art and Qasidah. The participation of delegations from different regencies and cities is also expected to encourage the emergence of a new generation interested in developing Islamic artistic traditions.
The opening ceremony was also attended by Deli Serdang Deputy Regent Lom Lom Suwondo, North Sumatra National Zakat Agency (Baznas) Chairman M. Hatta, North Sumatra Babinrohis Chairman Damri Tambunan, several heads of regional government agencies within the North Sumatra Provincial Government, religious figures and representatives of Islamic community organisations across the province.
The presence of government representatives, religious institutions, community leaders and arts organisations highlighted the importance of collaboration in preserving art and Qasidah for the future. Through festivals and sustained community development programmes, these artistic traditions are expected not only to survive as cultural heritage but also to become an integral part of social life, education and religious outreach in North Sumatra. (IDNC)
REPORTER:
Ahmad Zulfikar | EDITOR:
Fik Sagala