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Perceraian dalam masyarakat adat Batak Toba merupakan suatu fenomena hukum yang tidak dapat dilepaskan dari sistem kekerabatan dan nilai-nilai budaya yang hidup dalam masyarakat. Meskipun perceraian pada dasarnya dihindari, dalam praktiknya perceraian tetap dimungkinkan melalui mekanisme adat yang menitikberatkan pada musyawarah dan kesepakatan keluarga besar. Permasalahan muncul ketika perceraian yang dilakukan secara adat tersebut dihadapkan pada ketentuan hukum positif di Indonesia, khususnya Undang-Undang Nomor 1 Tahun 1974 tentang Perkawinan yang mensyaratkan perceraian harus dilakukan melalui putusan pengadilan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis mekanisme perceraian menurut adat Batak Toba serta mengkaji keabsahannya ditinjau dari Undang-Undang Nomor 1 Tahun 1974. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah yuridis normatif dengan pendekatan perundang-undangan, konseptual, dan kasus, serta menggunakan data sekunder berupa bahan hukum primer, sekunder, dan tersier yang dianalisis secara kualitatif. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa mekanisme perceraian adat Batak Toba dilakukan melalui tahapan musyawarah keluarga dengan melibatkan unsur dalihan na tolu, dan memiliki kekuatan mengikat secara sosial dalam masyarakat adat. Namun, secara yuridis formal, perceraian tersebut tidak memiliki keabsahan hukum apabila tidak dilakukan melalui putusan pengadilan sebagaimana diatur dalam Undang-Undang Nomor 1 Tahun 1974. Oleh karena itu, perceraian adat hanya sah secara sosiologis, tetapi belum sah secara hukum negara. Diperlukan harmonisasi antara hukum adat dan hukum nasional agar tercipta kepastian hukum tanpa mengabaikan nilai-nilai kearifan lokal.

. The effort to re-visualize regional architectural elements combined with modern touches is known as neo-vernakular architecture. In North Sumatra, there are various ethnic groups, including Batak, Mandailing, Malay, and others, each possessing rich traditional architectural values. This study aims to identify and analyze traditional architectural elements applied to the façade of the North Sumatra Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) building. The DPRD North Sumatra building is one of the government buildings that functions as a workplace for representatives of the people, council members, and the secretariat in carrying out governmental duties and public services. The building is located on Jalan Imam Bonjol with an area of approximately 8,000 square meters. This study uses a qualitative descriptive method with data collection techniques through direct field surveys and literature studies related to the façade design of the DPRD North Sumatra building. The results show that the neo-vernakular character on the building façade is represented through several architectural elements, such as exposed columns, sunshading, opening forms, and other supporting elements that reflect a combination of traditional and modern architectural features.  

This article examines umpasa as the determinant of the validity of the Mangalahat Horbo ritual and as a vehicle for transmitting the cultural values of the Batak Toba people from an anthropolinguistic perspective. Mangalahat Horbo is a buffalo sacrifice ritual that functions simultaneously as a cosmological, political, and linguistic event. This study employs a descriptive qualitative approach using three theoretical frameworks: Dell Hymes' (1974) SPEAKING model to analyze the ritual as a speech event, Roland Barthes' (1968) semiotics to dissect the denotative and connotative meanings of umpasa, and Kluckhohn's (1953) theory of cultural values and Sibarani's (2014) local wisdom theory to identify embedded cultural values. The findings reveal that umpasa operates on three simultaneous layers of meaning: pragmatic-performative, social-hierarchical, and cosmological-ecological. Umpasa is not merely an aesthetic ornament but a constitutive element of the ritual that shapes the social and cosmological reality of the Bius community. Eight cultural values are identified: communicative courtesy, adat knowledge transmission, self-restraint, collective responsibility, cultural preservation, cosmological reciprocity, distributive justice, and ecological harmony. This study affirms the urgency of anthropolinguistic documentation of Mangalahat Horbo before the Parhata masters of umpasa diminish further.

This study aims to examine the gastronomy of the traditional culinary dish Ayam Napinadar as part of Batak cultural identity, covering aspects of history, ingredients, processing techniques, cultural values, and preservation challenges. The background of this research is based on the importance of maintaining the sustainability of traditional cuisine amid modernization and changes in consumption patterns. The method used is a qualitative approach through in-depth interviews with three informants, namely an MSME (Micro, Small, and Medium Eterprises) practitioner, a traditional leader, and a consumer. The results show that Ayam Napinadar has a unique characteristic in the use of andaliman and blood (gota) as its distinctive flavor. Traditionally, the cooking process involves grilling over firewood to produce a characteristic smoky aroma, although it has now shifted to more practical methods without altering the original recipe. From a cultural perspective, Ayam Napinadar holds symbolic meaning as an expression of prayers, blessings, and joy in various Batak traditional ceremonies. However, there are challenges in its preservation, such as the declining participation of younger generations in traditional activities and the increasing influence of modern foods. In conclusion, Ayam Napinadar functions not only as food but also as a medium for preserving cultural values and ethnic identity. This study provides benefits as a basis for developing gastronomic tourism and strategies for preserving traditional cuisine through education, collaboration, and the use of modern promotional media.

This study aims to analyze the symbolic meaning of the mangulosi tradition in Toba Batak traditional wedding ceremonies using Roland Barthes’ semiotic theory. This research employs a descriptive qualitative method, with data collected from visual media such as YouTube and TikTok, supported by informants familiar with Toba Batak culture. The findings reveal that meaning in the mangulosi tradition is constructed through three levels of signification: denotation, connotation, and myth. At the denotative level, mangulosi is understood as the act of giving ulos in a wedding ceremony. At the connotative level, ulos and the ritual process convey symbolic meanings such as blessings, protection, harmony, and the strengthening of social and kinship relationships. At the myth level, the tradition reinforces the cultural ideology that marriage is considered legitimate when it receives recognition and blessings from family and customary authorities. Quantitatively, the findings show that artifacts are dominated by visual connotative meanings (40%), while ritual actions emphasize non-verbal (30%) and verbal (20%) meanings. Therefore, the mangulosi tradition is not only a ceremonial practice but also a medium for preserving cultural identity and social values within the Toba Batak community.

This study examines the local wisdom values of the Javanese and Batak ethnic groups in maintaining harmony between humans and nature, as well as their relevance to shaping the spirituality of Generation Z. The research method used is descriptive qualitative with a library research approach. Data were obtained from books, scientific articles, and previous studies. The findings show that Memayu Hayuning Bawana and Habonaron Do Bona both emphasize balance and harmony among humans, nature, and God. These values can be applied by Generation Z to develop ecological spirituality rooted in local wisdom and aligned with modern challenges. This study contributes to strengthening the spiritual identity of young generations in the digital era through the revitalization of local wisdom values, The younger generation can find a more holistic and harmonious life guide, while strengthening their spiritual identity amidst the currents of globalization and digitalization. This research contributes to efforts to shape the character and spirituality of an environmentally conscious young generation, based on local wisdom.

This study explores the influence of career factors and economic independence on the phenomenon of late marriage in early adult women (aged 25-35 years) in Indonesia, especially in urban areas of North Sumatra such as Medan. Adopting a mixed-methods design, the study involved a quantitative survey of 250 career female respondents (with age criteria above 25 years old, unmarried, and a minimum income of the city UMR) using the Likert scale to measure career priorities as well as the financial independence index, complemented by logistic regression analysis to test causal relationships. Semi-structural interviews with 20 key informants uncovered an in-depth narrative about the trade-offs between professional ambitions (such as job promotion and income stability) and traditional marriage expectations. Key findings show that women with a bachelor's degree and above and an income of 1.5 times UMR tend to postpone marriage until the average age of 31.4 years, driven by the desire to achieve economic independence (regression coefficient β=0.42, p<0.01) as well as the flexibility of living without partner dependence. However, moderator factors such as Batak or Malay cultural pressures in Medan create internal conflicts, with 68% of respondents reporting social stress from family. Theoretically, the results support role conflict theory in modern family dynamics, while implications include recommendations for work-life balance-based pre-marital counseling programs and corporate policies to support high-quality marriages. This research contributes to the Indonesian family relations literature by highlighting the paradigm shift from patriarchal norms towards gender equality.

UMKM BPK Legend Batam is a Batak culinary business that serves Karo Roast Pork (BPK) as its main dish along with side dishes such as soup, saksang, and fried Indomie B2. In its operational activities, food product inventory management is still done manually and based on estimates, which can potentially lead to excess or shortages of ready-to-sell products. This situation can result in a decline in product quality, wasteful spending, and lost sales opportunities when demand increases. The objective of this community service activity is to design a more effective and efficient food product inventory control system through the application of the EOQ and ROP methods. The methods used include observation, interviews, and analysis of sales data and product availability per period. The results of the activity show that the application of EOQ is able to determine the optimal product inventory quantity, while ROP provides guidelines for the right time to replenish products. The product inventory control system that was designed helps BPK Legend MSMEs in reducing inventory costs, maintaining product availability, and supporting smooth service to customers.

This study examines the legal protection of children born from Toba Batak customary marriages that are not officially registered by the state. In Toba Batak customary law, a marriage is considered valid after all traditional ceremonies have been carried out, so that the child is recognized by the father's clan and social status within the customary community. However, state law requires marriage registration to ensure the certainty of the parents' legal status and the fulfillment of the child's civil rights. The absence of marriage registration has legal consequences in the form of limited recognition of the civil relationship between the child and the father, which impacts identity registration, access to public administration services, and the fulfillment of inheritance rights. This study uses a normative juridical method with analytical descriptive specifications through a review of laws and regulations, legal literature, and court decisions. The results show that preventive legal protection is realized through marriage registration to guarantee the child's right to identity. Meanwhile, repressive legal protection can be achieved through court decisions supported by valid evidence to confirm the child's legal status and ensure the fulfillment of their basic rights.

This study aims to analyze the perceptions of Generation Z members of the Toba Batak ethnic group in Pegagan Julu VI Village, Sumbul District, Dairi Regency, regarding the symbolic meaning of the tradition of giving manuk naniatur (a traditional gift) and the shifting meaning or function of this tradition according to Generation Z. The method used was qualitative with a descriptive approach. Data were collected through observation, interviews, and documentation. The results indicate that the tradition of giving manuk naniatur is still routinely practiced and has become a local custom. Most Generation Z members value this tradition as an important part of their cultural identity and ancestral heritage, although not all understand its symbols deeply. This tradition is seen as an expression of love and gratitude to God, as well as a sign of blessing, hope, encouragement, and strength for children or families who have migrated. However, there has been a shift in meaning in Generation Z's perspective, from the tradition previously seen as a symbol of respect and spiritual bonding to now being seen more as a cultural identity and shared values ​​that must be maintained. This study illustrates the dynamics of traditional cultural preservation and adaptation to the changing times among the younger generation of the Toba Batak ethnic group.

This research aims to reinterpret the vision of the Protestant Batak Christian Huria (HKBP) "to be a blessing to the world" from the perspective of diakonia. This research uses a literature method with a qualitative approach through the study of theological literature, history, and church documents. The results of the study show that diakonia is the main entrance to the gospel message in the Land of Batak that brings social, educational, and health transformation to the community. However, in its development, HKBP's diakonic practice tends to be centered on church institutions and has not fully involved the active participation of congregation members. In addition, there is a tendency for service that is charitable without sustainable empowerment. Therefore, it is necessary to reinterpret the vision of HKBP by emphasizing the formation of a diaconal congregation, where all members of the congregation should be equipped and encouraged to be involved in the service of love in the community. Thus, diakonia is not only a program of the church, but a real and transformative practice of living of faith, so that the church truly becomes a blessing to the world. Furthermore, strengthening congregational capacity through contextual theological education and the development of local needs-based ministries is an important strategy in realizing a responsive and inclusive church. This approach is expected to be able to encourage the sustainability of diakonia services which not only has a short-term impact, but also builds independence and community welfare holistically.

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis pengaruh perkembangan pariwisata terhadap pelestarian bahasa dan budaya Batak di TukTuk, Samosir. Dalam konteks pariwisata yang berkembang pesat, penting untuk memahami dampak positif maupun negatif yang ditimbulkan terhadap kelestarian budaya lokal. Penelitian ini juga mengidentifikasi tantangan yang dihadapi dalam melestarikan bahasa dan budaya Batak di tengah pengaruh globalisasi dan dominasi bahasa asing. Di samping itu, penelitian ini mengkaji peran masyarakat lokal dalam menjaga kelestarian budaya Batak. Metode yang digunakan adalah pendekatan kualitatif deskriptif dengan teknik wawancara mendalam, observasi langsung, dan studi dokumentasi. Informan dalam penelitian ini adalah masyarakat lokal yang aktif dalam kegiatan budaya dan kepariwisataan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa pariwisata memberikan peluang untuk memperkenalkan budaya Batak kepada wisatawan, namun juga memunculkan tantangan serius, seperti komodifikasi budaya dan penurunan penggunaan bahasa Batak. Masyarakat lokal memiliki peran kunci dalam mempertahankan tradisi dan bahasa Batak, meskipun masih menghadapi tekanan budaya luar. Diperlukan kolaborasi antara masyarakat dan pihak terkait untuk menciptakan strategi pelestarian budaya yang berkelanjutan di tengah arus pariwisata yang terus berkembang.

The distribution of inheritance is an important issue in Indonesian society which adheres to a plural legal system, namely Islamic law, customary law, and western civil law. One of the issues that often raises differences of opinion is the position of biological children and adopted children as heirs. In Islamic law, the right to inherit is based on the relationship of the nasab so that the biological child gets a clear share, while the adopted child does not have the right to inherit but can still be given a share through a grant or obligatory will. In contrast, Toba Batak customary law emphasizes the patrilineal principle, whereby sons, including legitimate adopted children through mangain customary ceremonies, are positioned as the successors of the clan and are entitled to inheritance except hereditary inheritance. This study uses a literature study method by examining literature related to Islamic law and Batak Toba customary law and qualitatively analyzed. The results of the study show that the difference in principles between these two legal systems gives birth to social and legal conflicts in the Batak Muslim society, especially when religious and customary values must be carried out together. However, opportunities for harmonization remain open through the application of the principle of justice that recognizes the position of adopted children in customary structures, as well as upholding sharia by granting rights through the mechanism of compulsory wills. These findings emphasize the need for an integrative approach in resolving inheritance disputes in order to create legal certainty, social justice, and maintain cultural and religious harmony.

This study examines the stages of the mangain tradition in marriages between the Toba Batak and Karo ethnic groups in Pintu Angin Village and examines the importance of clans (marga) within the Toba Batak ethnic group. This study employed a qualitative descriptive approach, with data collection techniques including interviews, observation, and documentation. The results of this study demonstrate that the mangain tradition must be applied to marriages between the Toba Batak and Karo ethnic groups. For the Toba Batak community, clans are a vital identity, and interethnic marriages clearly hold a place within the Toba Batak traditional institution, the Dalihan Na Tolu structure. However, the mangain tradition also serves as a gateway for people outside the Toba Batak ethnic group to join the Toba Batak community. Furthermore, the Pintu Angin Village community supports this tradition as a cultural heritage that must be upheld. The mangain process is also seen as maintaining the dignity of Toba Batak customs and demonstrating mutual respect between ethnic groups.

Tourism development plays a vital role in attracting visitors, while destination branding contributes to shaping a positive image and a strong identity for the destination. This study employed a qualitative descriptive approach, with data collected through observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation involving the hotel owner, manager, and staff. The aim of this research is to analyze the influence of tourism development and destination branding on the occupancy rate at Raja Hotel Samosir Parbaba. The findings reveal that tourism development around Parbaba White Sand Beach has positively contributed to increasing hotel occupancy, particularly through infrastructure improvements and enhancement of local attractions. Meanwhile, the hotel's branding strategies—highlighting Batak local culture, digital promotion, and local wisdom-based guest experiences—have successfully created a unique appeal for tourists. The synergy between tourism development and branding has proven effective in boosting occupancy rates, especially during holiday seasons and local events. This study concludes that integrated tourism development and destination branding not only increase the number of visitors but also strengthen the hotel's position in the tourism industry. Therefore, sustainable tourism development and appropriate branding strategies are essential for enhancing the competitiveness of hotels and the broader hospitality sector in tourist destinations.

The sulang-sulang hariapan tradition is a significant cultural heritage of the Batak Toba community that embodies values of love, respect for elders, family reconciliation, equitable inheritance distribution, and leadership regeneration. The ritual is traditionally performed by offering food to parents who have reached the status of saur matua, symbolizing gratitude and respect. It is also accompanied by requests for blessings, advice, and public acknowledgment of mistakes, thus fostering peace, forgiveness, and social harmony within the community. However, in contemporary practice, the meaning of this tradition has gradually shifted toward a more formalized ceremony that emphasizes social status rather than its original spiritual and communal values. This study employs descriptive qualitative methods, combining field research with theological reflection, to examine how the values inherent in sulang-sulang hariapan can be understood in the light of the Gospel. The findings indicate that the tradition has profound potential to serve as a contextual medium for Christian faith expression. Therefore, it is crucial to revitalize its theological meaning so that the tradition remains relevant and transformative in strengthening family bonds and nurturing leadership in the modern era.

This study aims to understand the perspectives of pastors from the Punguan Kristen Batak Church (GPKB) regarding disability-friendly services for congregants. As a faith community, the church has a significant responsibility to create an inclusive environment where every member, including those with disabilities, is accepted and served equally. People with disabilities are seen not only as part of human diversity but also as part of the whole body of Christ, and therefore, their service must be prioritized in church life. This research uses a qualitative descriptive analytical approach, with data collected through in-depth interviews with six pastors from GPKB districts in Indonesia to explore theological understanding, practical experience, and challenges in serving congregants with disabilities. Data analysis was conducted thematically to identify patterns of views, service practices, and obstacles that arise. The results show that 84% of pastors have a positive perspective on inclusive service and support congregants with disabilities. However, the study also found challenges such as inadequate physical facilities, minimal service strategies, and limited theological understanding of disabilities. In conclusion, a paradigm shift, capacity building for pastors, and ongoing institutional support are needed to create an inclusive and disability-friendly church.

The Salib Kasih tourist attraction is one of the leading potential tourist attractions in North Tapanuli district which offers spiritual tourism as well as natural and cultural panoramas. The purpose of this research is to determine the Development Strategy for the Salib Kasih tourist attraction. Salib Kasih is a tourist attraction created to commemorate the services of Christian missionary from Germany Ingwer Ludwig Nommensen who began his mission in Batak Land and is where Ingwer Ludwig Nommensen looked towards Rura Silindung below. This research uses qualitative research methods, with data collection techniques through interviews, observation and documentation of several informants, namely the Tourism and Tourism Office and tourism business actors. Through the results of research conducted by the author, the development strategy for the Salib Kasih tourist attraction carried out by the Tourism Office is to improve facilities, add facilities, collaborate with other agencies and carry out promotions to increase the attractiveness of the Salib Kasih tourist attraction.  

This study examines the role of the hula-hula authority within the Batak Toba kinship system, known as Dalihan na tolu, and its relevance to the theological understanding of blessings. In Batak tradition, hula-hula is viewed as "Debata na tarida" (the visible God) and is considered a source of blessings in various social and ritual contexts, especially through the practice of giving ulos. However, Christian doctrinal theology asserts that blessings are solely a gift from God, independent of any specific social structure or tradition. Using a qualitative research method through literature study, this paper explores the intersection and tension between Batak customs and Christian theology. The findings show that while the authority of hula-hula enriches the values of social harmony and kinship ethics, this understanding risks overshadowing the biblical truth that God is the sole source of blessings. Therefore, the church is called to reaffirm God's authority while also respecting cultural values. This study highlights the tension between tradition and theology, which should be addressed with wisdom to allow both to coexist harmoniously.

This study aims to determine the opinions of two central figures in the GPKB structure, namely Ephorus and Head of Department Marturia, regarding the role and function of the choir in the liturgy. The background of this study is based on the observation that in many worship practices within the GPKB environment, the choir is often considered only an aesthetic complement, without considering the theological and liturgical meaning that should accompany it. Using a qualitative descriptive approach, data were obtained through in-depth interviews with key informants, direct observation of liturgical implementation, and a review of church documents such as the Order of Worship. Analysis was carried out carefully to explore the perceptions, expectations, and direction of church policy regarding choir ministry. The results show that both Ephorus and Head of Department Marturia view the choir as a liturgical servant on a par with servants of the word. They emphasize that the choir must be a means of proclaiming the word through theologically and contextually weighty music. However, they also acknowledge that implementation at the congregation level is not yet consistent, and guidance for the choir is still minimal in the liturgical and spiritual aspects.