In an effort to preserve local customs and culture, which are increasingly threatened by the passage of time, Agincourt Resources organised the Tapanuli Selatan Traditional Festival under the theme “Cultural Heritage, the Charm of the Archipelago” on 9 November 2025 at Sopo Daganak. This event is part of the company’s Community Development and Empowerment programme (Program Pengembangan dan Pemberdayaan Masyarakat – PPM), specifically in the field of Cultural Development and Preservation, with the aim of raising public awareness about the importance of safeguarding local wisdom, maintaining the region’s noble values, and encouraging active participation of the younger generation in the continuation of cultural traditions.
The festival featured a variety of cultural performances and competitions, including the Naposo Nauli Bulung Fashion Show, participated by 28 youths from 14 villages, gondang performances (traditional music of Tapanuli Selatan), makkobar (a nearly extinct oral cultural tradition), and mar osong-osong (a traditional pre-wedding deliberation among the Batak Angkola to discuss and agree upon the details of the marriage) performed by children, along with door prizes and various other cultural entertainments. Beyond being a platform for artistic appreciation, the event also served as a training and mentoring venue for villages to ensure that cultural heritage is preserved and developed continuously.
Christine Pepah, Senior Manager Community at Agincourt Resources, stated in her speech that the festival reflects the company’s commitment to preserving local culture. “Customs and traditions form the foundation of our behaviour within the community. Through this event, Agincourt Resources also organises makkobar training in collaboration with the Tapanuli Selatan Arts Council. The philosophy of Dalihan Na Tolu is a cultural heritage that must be protected and passed on to the younger generation,” she explained. She added that the cultural preservation programme began with mentoring two villages, expanded to six, and is expected to continue reaching more villages in the coming years.
The Acting Head of the Tapanuli Selatan Education Office, Efriyanti Pakpahan, also emphasised the importance of Dalihan Na Tolu, which teaches mutual respect, cooperation, and consensus in daily life. She encouraged the improvement of Batang Toru’s traditional batik through mentoring of small and medium-sized batik enterprises (Usaha Mikro, Kecil, dan Menengah – UMKM) supported by Agincourt Resources, in order to enhance product quality and competitiveness. Efriyanti added that local schools require cultural arts teachers who can collaborate to train the younger generation in preserving traditions.
Agus Simatupang, Chair of the Tapanuli Selatan Regional Arts Council, expressed his appreciation for Agincourt Resources’ support. “In the past, cultural training activities were very rare. However, since Agincourt Resources has actively conducted training and mentoring, the community’s enthusiasm for preserving Tapanuli Selatan’s traditions has grown significantly,” he remarked.
The presence of customary leaders from the Tapanuli Selatan Arts Council and the Inter-Institutional Customary Forum (Forum Komunikasi Antar Lembaga Adat – FORKALA) highlights the harmonious synergy between the community, government, and company in safeguarding cultural heritage.
