Liberating Medan Merdeka Square

Amid the city bustle, Miduk described the very worrying condition of Merdeka Square. He pointed at the permanent buildings standing along the western side of the square, which have become the Merdeka Walk snack center.

KOMPAS/NIKSON SINAGA

Miduk Hutabarat.

Miduk Hutabarat, 51, refused to remain silent about the condition of Merdeka Square in Medan, North Sumatra, which raised very deep concern over its status as a historic monument, a public space and part of the city’s tangible legacy. Along with a coalition of civil societies, he initiated action, published a book and filed a lawsuit in court. The efforts led to the declaration of Merdeka Square as being part of the city’s cultural heritage.