Horja Bius Mangalat Horbo Cultural Event Preserves Ancestral Traditions

Samosir Regency Government, through the Culture and Tourism Office, has once again organised the Horja Bius Mangalat Horbo cultural event with the ritual ‘PASAHAT HORBO LAE-LAE TU DOLOK PUSUK BUHIT’. This second event is part of the Horas Samosir Fiesta (HSF) 2026 series held two days ago at Sosor Village, Aek Sipitudai, in Sianjur Mulamula District, Samosir Regency. The two-day event, held from 28 to 29 May 2026, aimed to express gratitude for natural blessings and seek divine protection. Activities included mangkarihiri (tying buffalo snouts with rattan ropes), mass tortor marsiadapari (a traditional communal dance), mossak (an ancient Batak martial art), and the Bona Pasogit evening song session featuring local artists. Vice Regent Ariston Tua Sidauruk stated that Samosir Regency Government remains committed to exploring and preserving the cultural heritage of the Batak people. ‘Cultural wealth must not fade. We must continue promoting it through cultural attractions enjoyed by Samosir residents and tourists, such as the Horja Bius ritual event featuring buffalo binding and involving the Raja Bius from Limbong and Sagala chiefdoms,’ said Ariston in a statement received on Saturday (30/5). He hopes the cultural event will positively impact community welfare, particularly in Sianjur Mulamula District, through tourism and local SMEs. ‘Tourist movements to Samosir are increasing daily. We must seize this opportunity. Let us adopt Poda Na Lima—Paias Rohamu, Paias Pamatangmu, Paias Parabitonmu, Paias Bagasmu, and Paias Alamanmu—and unite our vision for the future by preserving natural wealth alongside traditional customs,’ he added. Samosir Regional House of Representatives member and Commission III Chair Jonny Sagala, accompanied by Pantas Limbong, expressed full support from the DPRD for the regency government’s efforts to preserve Batak culture. ‘Every cultural event must be supported and succeeded. We will position this as a flagship culture. In the future, we will allocate budget for site improvements. The DPRD is ready to support the development of tourism in Sianjur Mulamula,’ he said. Total tourist visits reached 145,807 across 16 government-managed attractions. To celebrate its 22nd anniversary, Samosir Regency Government held various events, including a culinary festival and SME exhibition. In the third Universal Health Coverage (UHC) award, Samosir Regency achieved 100% participation coverage with 85% active participation. Regent Vandiko Timotius Gultom stated that Samosir Regency Government does not issue recommendations or support for activities that could damage the environment.