PRSU: From a cultural stage to North Sumatra's economic showcase

That night, the roar of applause from visitors accompanied the movements of dancers performing a traditional dance from South Nias Regency on the Pekan Raya Sumatera Utara (PRSU) stage. Traditional attire, rhythmic traditional music, and regional songs blended to enliven an atmosphere brimming with culture from the region on the western tip of Sumatra Island. Various traditional dances were performed in turn, symbolising togetherness, respect for ancestors, and the community’s spirit in preserving their ancestral heritage. The atmosphere grew even more festive when a stone jumping attraction was presented. This tradition, which has become an icon of Nias and is known internationally, was one of the performances that most captivated visitors. Beside the stage, a screen displayed the panorama of South Nias, from beaches that are a destination for world surfers, green rolling hills, to the lives of people who continue to uphold their customs and traditions. In a separate location, the Deli Serdang Regency Pavilion welcomed visitors with a Malay dance. There, various superior products were exhibited, ranging from traditional clothing and souvenirs to speciality foods and natural tourism potential. Not to be outdone, Langkat Regency offered handicrafts, micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) products, local ornamental fish, and traditional tanjak headgear. The history of the Langkat Sultanate and various leading tourist destinations that are the region’s attractions were also on display. Not only local governments, but creative economy players also utilised PRSU as a promotional space. The 061 Apparel stand, for instance, exhibited official PRSU souvenirs created by local entrepreneurs from Medan.