Regency Government Emphasises Importance of Preserving Cultural Heritage for Regional Identity
Medan (ANTARA) - Deputy Regent of Deli Serdang, North Sumatra, Lom Lom Suwondo emphasised the importance of preserving cultural heritage as part of efforts to maintain regional identity amid rapid development and modernisation.
He made the remarks while opening the 2026 Deli Serdang Regency Cultural Heritage Seminar at the Cendana Hall of the Regency Office on Tuesday.
The seminar, themed ‘Preserving Cultural Heritage, Strengthening National Identity’, served as a platform for academic discussion and cross-sector coordination to formulate strategies for cultural heritage preservation amidst rapid modern development.
Lom Lom stated that cultural preservation is vital to protect Deli Serdang’s community identity from being eroded by modernisation.
“This effort ensures the younger generation does not forget historical roots, traditional values, spirituality, cultural traditions, and the economic values inherited from predecessors. Cultural preservation is crucial in building a healthy, intelligent, religious, and sustainable community character,” he said.
He stressed that cultural heritage is not merely old buildings or relics of the past, but symbols of history, struggle, civilisation, identity, and community essence that must be jointly preserved.
During the event, he added that the Deli Serdang Regency Government is committed to protecting and preserving cultural sites and historical potential through various stages, including assessment, feasibility testing, documentation, and gathering authentic evidence.
“We hope this seminar will generate recommendations and input from academics, cultural figures, religious leaders, and the community to serve as a basis for preserving and protecting Deli Serdang’s cultural heritage,” he said.
Lom Lom added that Deli Serdang has numerous cultural potentials and historical sites that have been increasingly forgotten, risking cultural and historical degradation.
Several suspected cultural heritage sites discussed included Datuk Ong’s House in Pagar Merbau, Batang Kuis Royal House, Javanese Christian Church in Kolam Village, Green Dragon Klenteng in Pantai Labu, Sultan Deli’s Tomb or Gocah Pahlawan, and Tanduk Benua Fortress.
“The presence of these sites demonstrates that Deli Serdang has long been a region rich in cultural values, tolerance, trade, customs, and multicultural community life. This is a significant strength that must be passed on to future generations,” he added.
Collaboration between the regional government, the Cultural Heritage Preservation Agency, academics, and the community is expected to ensure the continuity of local cultural heritage.
“Many buildings and cultural sites are being eroded by time and modernisation. This is both a sorrow and a challenge for us all to preserve,” he concluded.