The Faculty of Cultural Sciences of Universitas Sumatera Utara (FIB USU) received a courtesy visit from the Toba Regency Office of Culture and Tourism as part of an initial discussion on potential strategic collaboration between the two institutions.
FIB USU PR - On Wednesday, June 24, 2026, the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Sumatera Utara (FIB USU), welcomed representatives from the Toba Regency Office of Culture and Tourism to discuss prospective cooperation in the areas of culture, research, community engagement, and the preservation and development of local cultural heritage.
The delegation was received directly by the Dean of FIB USU, Prof. Dr. Mhd. Pujiono, S.S., M.Hum., Ph.D., together with Andi Pratama Lubis, S.S., M.Hum., Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Cooperation, and Internationalization. The meeting marked an important initial step toward strengthening collaboration between academia and local government in supporting the development of culture and tourism based on local wisdom in Toba Regency.
Representing the Toba Regency Office of Culture and Tourism were the Head of the Office, Drs. Rikardo Hutajulu, M.Pd., and the Head of the Cultural Affairs Division, Patar Silalahi, M.Si. Also participating in the meeting were the Head of the Undergraduate Program in Batak Literature at FIB USU, Drs. Jekmen Sinulingga, M.Hum., and a lecturer from the same program, Dr. Tomson Sibarani, S.S., M.Hum.
During the meeting, both parties explored various opportunities for future collaboration, including joint research projects, community engagement programs, initiatives to strengthen the promotion and preservation of Batak culture, human resource development in the cultural sector, and support for the advancement of tourism in Toba Regency.
Dean of FIB USU, Prof. Dr. Pujiono, M.Hum., emphasized that the proposed collaboration reflects the faculty's commitment to strengthening the role of higher education institutions in preserving local culture.
"The Faculty of Cultural Sciences at Universitas Sumatera Utara continues to foster synergy with various stakeholders, including local governments, to support the implementation of the Tri Dharma of Higher Education while preserving and developing the nation's cultural heritage. We hope that this collaboration will lead to meaningful programs that benefit the community and contribute to the development of Batak culture," said the Dean
Meanwhile, the Head of the Toba Regency Office of Culture and Tourism, Drs. Rikardo Hutajulu, M.Pd., welcomed the initiative and expressed optimism that the partnership would contribute positively to the development of culture-based tourism in Toba Regency.
"Toba Regency possesses an extraordinary cultural heritage that requires the support of various stakeholders to preserve and promote it. We highly appreciate the opportunity to collaborate with the Undergraduate Program in Batak Literature at FIB USU and hope that this partnership will result in strategic programs that support cultural preservation while strengthening the regional tourism sector," said the Head of the Toba Regency Office of Culture and Tourism
It is hoped that this meeting will serve as the first step toward establishing a productive and sustainable partnership between FIB USU and the Toba Regency Office of Culture and Tourism for the advancement of regional culture and tourism.