RRI.CO.ID, Yogyakarta - Yogyakarta’s iconic Malioboro thoroughfare transformed into a colorful showcase of North Sumatran heritage on Sunday, July 26, 2026, as diaspora communities joined hands to perform a cultural parade aimed at fostering cross-cultural tolerance and strengthening ties with local residents.

Titled Preserving Heritage, Celebrating Diversity, the cultural parade, part of the North Sumatran Cultural Charm for Extraordinary Indonesia 2026 event, was spearheaded by the North Sumatra Student and Youth Association (IKPM), the Batak United Youth (PBB) DIY chapter, and several community groups.

The procession marched along Jalan Malioboro, starting from the Yogyakarta Special Region Legislative Council (DPRD DIY) building to the Serangan Oemoem 1 Maret (1 March General Offensive ) Monument at Point Zero-Kilometer Yogyakarta.

Chief Advisor of the event, Dewanto P. Siregar said that the parade brought together eight major ethnic groups originating from North Sumatra, including the Toba Batak, Mandailing Batak, Karo Batak, Pakpak Batak, Simalungun Batak, Nias, and Malay communities.

"This event is meant to nurture Nusantara's heritage while strengthening the bonds of brotherhood between diaspora residents and the local community of Yogyakarta," Dewanto said on Sunday, July 26, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

He added that holding the parade in Yogyakarta’s main tourism corridor served as an effective platform to promote North Sumatran arts and tourism to both domestic and international travelers visiting the city. "Through this cultural event, we indirectly introduce the name of our region and the Batak people to the tourists present in Yogyakarta," Dewanto noted.

Emphasizing the importance of civic harmony, Dewanto urged all North Sumatran migrants living in Yogyakarta to embody the traditional proverb di mana bumi dipijak, di situ langit dijunjung (wherever we stand, we respect the local customs), stressing that diversity must serve as a unifying force.

"Everything blends into one. Our culture is a national unifier, which is Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (Unity in Diversity)," he remarked.

Echoing this sentiment, Commander of the Yogyakarta Naval Base (Danlanal), Navy Col. (P) Hendra Siregar, expressed hope that the cultural showcase would foster a peaceful, welcoming environment across the province. "Of course, this aligns with the directives of the Yogyakarta Governor to always maintain the DIY region so that it remains conducive and safe for all people," Hendra said. ***