In the digital era, preserving culture is no longer limited to museums or classrooms—it also means making cultural heritage accessible, relevant, and visible through technology. With this vision, the Batak Literature Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Sumatera Utara, organized a workshop entitled "Digitalization (Marketplace) of Batak Ethnic Cultural Symbols" on July 28, 2022. The event encouraged students to explore how digital platforms can become powerful tools for promoting and preserving Batak cultural identity while creating new opportunities within the creative economy.
The workshop brought together experts from both cultural and business sectors. Drs. Manguji Nababan, a Batak manuscript specialist from the Batakology Center of HKBP Nommensen University, shared valuable insights into the meanings and historical significance of Batak cultural symbols. Complementing this perspective, Docma Great Nababan, S.S., Business Development Executive at PT. Zen Rooms Services Indonesia, introduced strategies for transforming cultural assets into digital products and marketplace opportunities. The discussion was moderated by Drs. Warisman Sinaga, M.Hum., and opened with remarks from the Dean of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Prof. Dr. Dra. T. Thyrhaya Zein, M.A., and the Head of the Batak Literature Study Program, Drs. Jekmen Sinulingga, M.Hum.
More than just a workshop, this event demonstrated that cultural preservation and digital innovation can move forward together. By combining cultural knowledge with technological and entrepreneurial perspectives, students were encouraged to see Batak cultural symbols not only as historical treasures but also as valuable digital assets with global potential. Through initiatives like this, the Batak Literature Study Program continues to inspire a new generation to preserve local heritage while embracing innovation, ensuring that Batak culture remains meaningful and influential in an increasingly connected world.