Siallagan - On the final day of the 2026 FH USU Summer Course, participants hailing from various countries, including Nigeria, Malaysia, Myanmar, Cambodia, China, Pakistan, and Yemen, visited Siallagan Village as part of an interactive educational program on Thursday, October 22, 2026.
During this educational visit, participants engaged in learning about the local traditional culture of Siallagan Batak. The participants showed great enthusiasm throughout the activities as they learned about Batak culture, traditional musical instruments, and local customs. This cultural learning aligns with key objectives of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 3, 4, 11, 13, 16, and 17.
Participants were introduced to the rich heritage and traditions of the Batak community at the Siallagan Cultural Site. They actively participated in every session, ranging from learning the history and values of Batak customs to understanding local wisdom passed down through generations. This interactive learning experience provided participants with the opportunity to closely appreciate the cultural identity of the local community while broadening their perspectives on Indonesia's cultural diversity.
Integrating local cultural education into the 2026 Summer Course reflects a commitment to supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). Through these initiatives, the Faculty of Law USU aims to advance legal education that looks beyond academic theory by instilling respect for diversity, cultural heritage preservation, and environmental awareness. Consequently, this visit is expected to strengthen cross-cultural knowledge exchange and build awareness among the younger generation regarding the importance of preserving cultural heritage for inclusive and sustainable community development.
The visit was attended by the Vice Dean III of the Faculty of Law USU, Dr. Mohammad Ekaputra, S.H., M.Hum.; Secretary of the Master's Program in Law USU, Dr. Rosmalinda, S.H., LL.M.; and Secretary of the Undergraduate Program in Law, Mr. Boy Laksamana, S.H., M.Hum., alongside faculty members and the organizing committee. Also present were Taufik Lubis, S.H., M.H., a lecturer from the Faculty of Law, Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara; Asst. Prof. Dr. Afridah Bt. Abas, Assistant Professor at International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM); alumnus of the Faculty of Law, USU, Dr. Manguni Wiria Dharma Sinulingga, S.H., M.H.; as well as other institutional representatives.
Participants engaged attentively with explanations provided by the managers of the Siallagan cultural site. Sustained educational engagement remains vital for nurturing long-term social civilization.
In addition to showcasing local cultural heritage, the visit served as a cross-cultural platform connecting international learners with Batak local wisdom. Guided explanations enabled participants to gain insights into history, traditions, musical instruments, and living social values. This interaction aims to foster mutual respect for cultural diversity, strengthen international tolerance, and build collective awareness around heritage preservation. Furthermore, participants visited the historic natural landmark, "Batu Gantung."
Batu Gantung is a famous North Sumatran folklore telling the story of a young woman named Seruni (or Duma) who was trapped or jumped from the cliffs of Lake Toba due to a forced marriage. The unique rock formation resembling a hanging woman is situated near Parapat. The core values conveyed to the summer course participants were those of unwavering principles and consistency, encouraging them to remain steadfast and resilient in facing global challenges.
This activity reinforces the commitment of the Faculty of Law USU to integrate legal education with social, cultural, and sustainable development perspectives. By aligning with SDG 3, 4, 11, 13, 16, and 17, the visit contributes to cultural and environmental preservation. Through the 2026 Summer Course series, the Faculty of Law USU promotes academic knowledge exchange on an international level while highlighting Indonesian local values as integral components of an inclusive, just, and sustainable society.
Following the completion of the 2026 Summer Course itinerary across Langsa, Aceh Tamiang, and Parapat, the delegation returned to Medan. It is hoped that the 2026 FH USU Summer Course brings a meaningful and positive impact to all participating parties.