USU PUBLIC RELATIONS – The Bina Budaya Mandailing Raptama Foundation held a screening of the documentary film “Sang Penjaga Bunyi Leluhur” at the Multipurpose Hall of the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP), Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU), on Tuesday (16/9/2026). The film explores the culture of Gordang Sambilan and the life of maestro Dr. Mhd. Bakhsan Parinduri. Produced by Choiril Alwi as production lead, the film forms part of efforts to introduce and preserve Mandailing culture.

In his remarks, USU Vice Rector for Human Resources, Finance, and Information Systems, Dr. Muhammad Arifin Nasution, S.Sos., M.SP., stated that USU supports activities related to cultural preservation. He explained that documentary screenings can serve as a way to introduce culture to students while helping preserve cultural identity amid changing times.

He emphasized that Indonesia, particularly North Sumatra, is home to a diverse range of ethnic groups and cultures that are a source of pride. He expressed hope that students would become more familiar with and appreciate the cultures around them.

The Vice Dean for Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, and Alumni of FISIP USU, Dr. Agus Suriadi, S.Sos., M.Si., said the activity was important in helping students rediscover local culture amid the strong influence of foreign cultures and the development of media.

(Foto: Amri Affandi Simatupang)

According to him, media developments in the era of disruption can influence the way young people think. Therefore, local culture needs to be continuously introduced through activities that appeal to younger generations, including the use of film and technology.

The Head of the Social Anthropology Study Program at FISIP USU, Dr. Dra. Sri Alem Br. Sembiring, M.Si., explained that the documentary does not merely present Gordang Sambilan as a musical instrument, but also reveals the cultural values and local wisdom behind it.

She said the film was interesting because it shows that music is not only about sound, but is also connected to culture, tradition, the environment, and local wisdom. In her view, students can gain an understanding that every object or musical instrument within a culture carries values and meanings that need to be preserved.

In an interview, FISIP USU Anthropology lecturer Dr. Zulkifli also explained that the film could serve as learning material to help students view culture from a broader perspective. He noted that students could study Gordang Sambilan not only as a musical instrument but also explore the cultural values and community life behind it.

The screening of “Sang Penjaga Bunyi Leluhur” encouraged students to learn more about their culture and ancestral heritage. Students are also expected to become interested in studying the cultures of their respective regions so that Indonesia’s cultural diversity can be preserved amid modernization and technological development.