For this new lecture, Jabu Sihol, a community cultural centre in Siantar, northern Sumatra, invites you to discover the Batak cultural landscape.

THE BATAK CULTURAL LANDSCAPE: PAST, PRESENT & FUTURE

Through this meeting, discover the Batak cultural landscape in the heart of northern Sumatra, Indonesia. A heritage that is not limited to objects or monuments: it also lives on through traditional knowledge and skills, language, writing, crafts, architecture, cuisine and everyday practices. How can this heritage be kept alive without freezing it in the past? Through the example of Jabu Sihol, we will discover how culture, sustainability and transmission can help preserve a living heritage.

And the discovery starts on the plate!

To experience this culture to the fullest, you will have the opportunity to enjoy a typical Batak Toba meal, specially prepared for the occasion. We are delighted to welcome Siantar Square: Indonesian Food and Culture, which will be offering a rare dish from Batak Toba cuisine, prepared with ingredients specially imported from the area around Lake Toba: andaliman, a berry grown in the Batak highlands with a numbing effect, asam gelugur, and bunga kincung, also known as torch ginger.

Choose from:

• Tubis Ayam Arsik — chicken, young bamboo shoots & jasmine rice
• Tubis Tahu Arsik — tofu, young bamboo shoots & jasmine rice

Both versions are non-spicy and suitable for children. Andaliman sambal will be served separately for those who enjoy a little extra heat. And after the lecture, it’s time for a hands-on introduction to Batak script!

Practical information:

• Wednesday, 14 October 2026
• Meal: from 6:00 pm to 7:50 pm at Resto du Préhisto
• Lecture: 8:00 pm
• Batak meal: €20 / person
• Lecture: free of charge (in English, with French translation)

Reservation required for the meal by 7 October 2026
Reservations via Facebook (on the Siantar Square page) or WhatsApp: 0475 59 35 26

Taking part in the meal is not mandatory, but we highly recommend this experience for a complete immersion in Batak culture.
From heritage we observe to heritage we experience: come and discover Batak culture in a different way!