25 May 2026
Anita Kartika Pasaribu
On Monday–Tuesday, May 25–26, 2026, the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB), Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU), successfully held Ethno Culture Fest 2026 at the FIB USU Parking Area. The event served as a cultural appreciation and preservation platform, featuring a wide range of traditional dance performances, traditional music showcases, and a special performance by students of the Ethnomusicology Study Program, FIB USU.
The event was officially opened by the Dean of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) USU, Mhd. Pujiono, S.S., M.Hum., Ph.D. In his remarks, he emphasized that Indonesia’s cultural diversity is a valuable heritage that must continuously be preserved, developed, and passed on to future generations. He also expressed his appreciation to all committee members, lecturers, and students who contributed to the successful implementation of Ethno Culture Fest 2026.
Dra. Rithaony, M.A., Head of the Study Program, who also supported the event, stated that cultural festivals serve as an important medium to strengthen students’ understanding of the nation’s cultural wealth and to raise awareness about the importance of preserving traditional arts amid rapid global development.
The event was also supported by Hubari Gulo, S.Sn., M.Sn., the course lecturer, who emphasized that Ethno Culture Fest is not only a performance space but also a learning platform for students to apply their academic knowledge through artistic works and cultural expression.
The event was attended by Dr. Zulfan, S.S., M.Hum., Vice Dean for Education, Student Affairs, and Alumni Relations of FIB USU, and Ely Hayati Nasution, S.S., M.Si., CIT, Vice Dean for Administration, Finance, Human Resources, and Academic Infrastructure. It was also attended by lecturers, administrative staff, invited guests, and students from various study programs within the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB).
Over the two-day event, visitors were presented with a variety of cultural performances representing the diversity of Indonesia’s traditional arts. The traditional dance performances by students captivated the audience through unique movements, costumes, and the cultural values embedded in each performance.
In addition to dance performances, various traditional music ensembles enriched the event by presenting compositions that highlight the richness of Indonesian musical instruments and musical heritage. The harmony of traditional instruments combined with the creativity of young performers created a vibrant yet educational atmosphere for all attendees.
One of the most anticipated moments was the special performance by students of the Ethnomusicology Study Program, FIB USU, which impressed the audience with innovative presentations of traditional music while maintaining its authentic cultural values. The performance demonstrated that traditional arts remain relevant and adaptable in the modern era.
Ethno Culture Fest 2026 was not only an entertainment platform but also an educational cultural forum that brought together students, academics, artists, and the wider community in the spirit of preserving Indonesia’s cultural heritage. The event also served as a concrete manifestation of FIB USU’s commitment to supporting the development of arts, culture, and student creativity as part of the Tri Dharma of Higher Education.
Through the implementation of Ethno Culture Fest 2026, it is expected that more young generations will recognize, appreciate, and actively participate in preserving Indonesia’s cultural sustainability. The Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) USU will continue to encourage academic and non-academic activities that strengthen cultural identity and preserve local wisdom.
The event concluded with a collaborative performance by all participants and a group photo session as a symbol of unity, cultural appreciation, and a shared commitment to preserving Indonesia’s cultural heritage for future generations.
The following is documentation of the series of activities:
FIB USU Ethnomusicology Students Stage Batak Toba Traditional Theatre “Sibisuk”
NewsFIB USU Students Present Western Classical Music Performance “Waves of Melody” through Project-Based Learning in Arts Management Course
NewsEthno Culture Fest 2026 FIB USU Showcases the Richness of Indonesia’s Traditional Arts
