BELAWAN | INDATANEWS.COM – Medan Mayor Rico Waas officially opened the Islamic cultural festival "Bedug Gema Takbir" commemorating Eid al-Adha 1447 H at the PJKA Field on Jalan Stasiun, Medan Belawan District, Tuesday evening (May 26, 2026). The festive event was attended by members of the Medan City Regional Leadership Coordination Forum (Forkopimda) and various community stakeholders.
The opening ceremony was marked symbolically by the Mayor together with local government and security officials, striking the traditional bedug drum, signaling the start of a series of religious and cultural activities in northern Medan.
Strengthening Religious and Cultural Identity
Read Also: Batam Prison Strengthens Humanity and Solidarity Through Eid al-Adha Sacrifice Program In his remarks, Rico Waas praised the event's organizers, Ukhuwah BKM Medan Utara, emphasizing the importance of religious and cultural activities in improving the image of Medan's northern region.
"Such events are important for Belawan in eliminating negative stigma and replacing it with positive activities," he said.
Call to Protect Youth from Negative Influences
Rico Waas also urged religious leaders, community figures, and security authorities to work together in safeguarding young people in Belawan from drug abuse and criminal activities. He stressed that collective efforts are crucial for the region's future development.
Read Also: Labuhanbatu Selatan Police Donate Sacrificial Cattle to El Firdaus Islamic Boarding School "This area has great potential. We must continue developing Belawan while preventing harmful influences that could damage our children," the Mayor stated.
Presidential Sacrificial Cattle for Belawan Residents
In an emotional address, the Mayor apologized for his late arrival, explaining that he had previously attended a Takbiran event at the City Hall. He also recalled a promise he made to residents during last year's Eid al-Fitr.
"I wanted to celebrate Takbiran in Belawan back then, but I couldn't. This Eid al-Adha, I fulfilled my promise to celebrate here with the community," he said.
Read Also: Rico Waas Pushes for Spectacular Pekan KHAS 2026 to Boost Medan Halal Tourism He further announced that a sacrificial cow from Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto had been allocated specifically for the people of Medan Belawan. The animal weighs approximately 1.2 tons and has already arrived in the area.
"When asked where the cow should be sent, I immediately said: Belawan. It has arrived and will be slaughtered tomorrow for the benefit of the community," he added.
The festival concluded in a lively atmosphere and was attended by key officials, including Kodaeral I Belawan Rear Admiral TNI Deny Septiana, Danpomal Kodaeral I Colonel Laut (PM) Triono Adi Susilo, Danden Intel Kodaeral I Colonel Laut (P) Dwi Prasetyo, Deputy Speaker of Medan DPRD Hadi Suhendra, Belawan Harbor Police Chief AKBP Rosef Efendi, along with other government and religious leaders. (IDNC)
REPORTER: Teguh Panjaitan | EDITOR: Fik Sagala
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