FIB USU PR- July 29, 2026 The Faculty of Cultural Sciences at Universitas Sumatera Utara (FIB USU), in collaboration with the International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilization (ISTAC), International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), hosted an international seminar titled “The Importance of North Sumatra–Aceh in Indonesian Historiography” on July 29–30, 2026. Held online via Zoom, the seminar provided an academic forum to re-examine the strategic roles of North Sumatra and Aceh in shaping Indonesian historiography.
The seminar attracted 252 participants, exceeding the initial target of approximately 200. Participants included lecturers, academic and administrative staff, students, researchers, academics, and members of the public from various universities and institutions. The event also featured 16 research papers exploring diverse perspectives on the history, culture, politics, literature, society, and social development of North Sumatra and Aceh.
The seminar was motivated by the need to promote a more inclusive approach to Indonesian historiography, moving beyond historical narratives that have traditionally centered Java. North Sumatra and Aceh hold an important place in understanding Indonesia’s past, given their historical connections to trade networks, the development of Islam, international relations, political dynamics, social diversity, and broader processes of social change.
In this context, the scholarship of historian Anthony Reid provided an important intellectual foundation for the seminar’s discussions. Reid’s studies of Aceh and North Sumatra demonstrate that these regions should not be viewed merely as peripheral areas in Indonesian history, but as strategically significant territories connected to broader regional and global networks. Aceh, for instance, developed extensive historical connections with the Islamic world and international powers, while East Sumatra became a significant arena of interaction among diverse ethnic communities and economic interests, contributing to the formation of modern Indonesian society.
On the first day, July 29, the seminar featured distinguished scholars and researchers, including Prof. Lee Kam Hing, Dr. Myra Mentari Abubakar, Dr. Mehmet Ozay, Dr. Nia Deliana, Dr. Kirsten Kampuis, and Prof. Budi Agustono. The speakers examined various dimensions of North Sumatran and Acehnese history and historiography, including the regions’ connections to wider regional and global developments.
The second day, July 30, featured parallel sessions that provided researchers with an opportunity to present their work. A total of 16 papers were presented across several discussion rooms. The topics covered a broad range of issues, including literary history and cultural nationalism in North Sumatra, Aceh–Ottoman relations, the spice trade, Acehnese manuscripts, Islamic transformation, the history of the Bilah Sultanate, Batak society, the North Sumatra–Aceh economic corridor, women journalists, the Chinese community in Medan, local traditions, as well as music and cultural memory.
The diversity of topics demonstrated that the historiography of North Sumatra and Aceh cannot be understood solely through the lens of politics and warfare. It also requires perspectives from social and cultural history, economics, language, literature, religion, the arts, and community experiences. Such a multidisciplinary approach is essential to developing a more comprehensive understanding of Indonesia’s historical trajectory.
The seminar also formed part of FIB USU’s efforts to strengthen international academic networks and advance the university’s Three Pillars of Higher Education (Tridharma Perguruan Tinggi). The collaboration between FIB USU and ISTAC IIUM is expected to extend beyond the seminar through future academic initiatives, including seminars, conferences, guest lectures, and exchange programs involving lecturers, researchers, and students.
Dean of FIB USU, Mhd. Pujiono, S.S., M.Hum., Ph.D., and USU Vice Rector for Research, Innovation, and Cooperation, Prof. Dr. Eng. Himsar Ambarita, S.T., M.T., also delivered remarks during the event. Their participation underscored the university and faculty leadership’s commitment to strengthening international academic collaboration and advancing research in the humanities.
Overall, the international seminar was successfully conducted and exceeded its targeted participation. The strong turnout reflected significant academic interest in the history of North Sumatra and Aceh and their relevance to broader discussions of Indonesian historiography.
The seminar also resulted in a renewed commitment to strengthening academic cooperation between FIB USU and ISTAC IIUM. Planned follow-up initiatives include the development of scholarly publications, including publications targeted for Scopus indexing, as well as the regular organization of academic forums and collaborative activities.
Through the seminar, FIB USU reaffirmed its commitment to advancing humanities scholarship that embraces global perspectives while maintaining a strong focus on local history and cultural identity. Strengthening research on North Sumatra and Aceh is expected to contribute to the advancement of knowledge, the preservation of historical and cultural heritage, and the development of a more inclusive and diverse Indonesian historiography.