RRI.CO.ID, Langkat - Indonesia’s Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon, visited a historic Islamic educational complex in North Sumatra, Saturday, 7 March 2026 to assess flood damage and deliver government assistance. The visit highlighted efforts to protect cultural heritage sites and support educational institutions affected by natural disasters

He inspected the historic Institut Jam'iyah Mahmudiyah in Langkat Regency during a working visit to North Sumatra. The visit also included the symbolic handover of support for schools and cultural heritage areas impacted by recent flooding.

During the visit, the minister toured several historical locations, including Kolam Raja. The site was once used by the royal family of the Langkat Sultanate and remains an important cultural landmark in the region.

He also paid respects at the grave of Tengku Amir Hamzah, a prominent literary figure from Indonesia’s Pujangga Baru movement. The minister emphasized the historical importance of the area as both a cultural heritage site and an educational center.

“I am grateful to meet the community and academic leaders in this historic area, especially during the holy month of Ramadan,” Fadli Zon said. “This region holds many historical stories and has been recognized as a cultural heritage site at both the regional and provincial levels.”

Fadli Zon noted that the recent floods revealed the vulnerability of the area to natural disasters. He said that while the area appears normal under ordinary conditions, floodwaters can rise significantly during extreme weather events.

Despite these challenges, the minister stressed that educational institutions in the area play an important role in developing human resources. He added that Institut Jam’iyah Mahmudiyah has long been an influential center of Islamic learning in the region.

The historic educational complex dates back to the early 20th century during the Langkat Sultanate and once attracted students from across Indonesia and Southeast Asia. It also produced prominent national figures, including Adam Malik, who later served as Indonesia’s foreign minister and President of the United Nations General Assembly.