The Faculty of Cultural Sciences at Universitas Sumatera Utara (FIB USU) held a Malay cultural performance as part of the practical component of the Tunjuk Ajar Melayu course on Monday, 15 June 2026, at the FIB Performance Hall.

The event brought together lecturers, cultural practitioners, and alumni to introduce the values of Malay customs directly to students through a practice-based learning approach.

Professor of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Prof. Dr. Dra. Rozanna Mulyani, M.A., explained that the activity was designed to ensure students gain not only theoretical knowledge but also practical experience of Malay culture.

“This is a practical component of the Tunjuk Ajar Melayu course, so students do not only learn the theory but also truly understand how customs are practiced,” she said.

She further emphasized that every aspect of Malay culture is guided by established customs and values.

“In Malay society, nothing is done arbitrarily; everything is carried out according to customs and traditions,” she added.

Secretary of the Malay Literature Study Program, Arie Azhari Nasution, S.S., M.A., explained that a project-based learning approach was implemented to help students gain a deeper understanding of cultural practices.

“Previously, students mainly learned the theory. Through this practical activity, they can directly observe how Malay customs are carried out,” he explained.

During the event, cultural speaker Drs. Dt. Chairul Anwar highlighted the importance of preserving the authenticity of Malay traditions amid modern developments.

“Today, many people present Malay customs in ways that do not reflect their original form, even though these traditions are governed by rules that must be preserved,” he stated.

He also explained that Malay traditional ceremonies consist of several meaningful stages.

“In a traditional Malay wedding, there are stages such as merisik (preliminary inquiry), proposing, and other ceremonial processes that cannot be carried out carelessly,” he explained.

Malay Literature alumnus Syahril also encouraged students to take pride in their field of study.

“Do not feel inferior as Malay Literature students, because through this discipline we can make significant contributions to cultural preservation,” he said.

Through this activity, students are expected to gain a deeper understanding of Malay culture and play an active role in preserving and promoting it as an important part of Indonesia’s cultural identity.