FIB USU PR - On Thursday, October 22, 2026, the Undergraduate History Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Sumatera Utara (FIB USU), held a book launch and discussion of Membebaskan Pikiran: Sejarah Ide dalam Pergumulan Nasionalisme, Agama dan Politik. The event was conducted online via Zoom from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. WIB and featured the book's author, Pradipto Niwandhono, S.S., M.Hum., Ph.D., as the main speaker.


The event was officially opened by the Dean of FIB USU, Dr. Mhd. Pujiono, M.Hum. Welcoming remarks were also delivered by the Head of the Undergraduate History Study Program, Lestari Dara Cinta Utami Ginting, S.S., M.A. The introductory remarks for the discussion were delivered by Prof. Dr. Budi Agustono, M.S., who provided context and highlighted the relevance of the book's themes.


The discussion featured two discussants: Dr. Baha Uddin, M.Hum., from the Department of History, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), and Iqra Anugrah, Ph.D., a Research Fellow at the Department of Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Modern Cultures, University of Turin, Italy, and the International Institute for Asian Studies, Leiden University. The discussion was moderated by Sovi Rumondang Sitanggang, an undergraduate student of the History Study Program at FIB USU.


During the discussion, the speakers explored various ideas presented in the book, particularly those concerning intellectual history, nationalism, religion, and politics. The discussion took place in an interactive atmosphere, bringing together diverse perspectives and encouraging participants to examine historical and social issues more critically and openly.


Through this event, participants were encouraged to appreciate the importance of intellectual freedom, the courage to express ideas, and the ability to examine issues from multiple perspectives. The book discussion also served as a platform for knowledge exchange among the author, academics, lecturers, and students, enriching their understanding and fostering intellectual traditions within the higher education environment.


This event reflects the commitment of the Undergraduate History Study Program at FIB USU to promoting literacy, developing critical thinking, and strengthening academic traditions through scholarly discussions. Similar activities are expected to continue serving as platforms for intellectual dialogue and the advancement of historical knowledge within the academic community.