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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 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.  

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.

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.

Women in traditional societies often face complex challenges, particularly within patriarchal social systems. In Batak Toba culture, women are frequently placed in subordinate positions and regarded merely as complements within the household. However, social realities reveal a different dynamic, where women are able to emerge as key actors in sustaining family economies while also preserving cultural identity. This study aims to examine the resilience of female ulos weavers in Siraja Hutagalung Village from a socio-theological perspective. The method used is qualitative with a descriptive approach. Primary data were obtained through in-depth interviews with five main informants who work as ulos weavers, while secondary data came from literature studies related to women’s resilience issues. The analysis refers to resilience theory and gender role theory. The findings show that female ulos weavers hold a central role in family life. Their weaving is not only a cultural product but also symbolizes spiritual strength, loyalty, and independence. Thus, women’s resilience is not merely a social reality but also a tangible expression of spirituality embedded in daily life.

This research was conducted with the aim of determining the existence of divine values ​​in Toba Batak culture. This research method is to use a descriptive qualitative method with a literature study approach. This research is intended to find out the extent of the existence of divine values ​​in Toba Batak culture, even though it is known that the Toba Batak people have different religions. In conclusion, the results of this research show that Toba Batak culture still highly upholds divine values, and the presence of God can be experienced through encounters with others and the universe. The Toba Batak people believe that the experience of God is present and realized through the application of daily life. It is at that moment that God is experienced as the foundation and soul of all creatures.

The existence of a new design of this sortali is able to provide satisfaction to users in Batak Toba cultural events themselves. This writing aims to tell an interesting design in the more modern development of sortali. The design results in the form of a documentary video that provides information related to the existence of a new design on sortali that is ready to be used for major Batak Toba cultural events, especially weddings. The new design of sortali in Batak Toba culture brings fresh perspectives to the traditional accessory, which has long been a symbol of cultural pride and identity. The updated design not only maintains the core values of Batak Toba craftsmanship but also integrates modern touches that cater to the preferences of today’s younger generation. This innovative approach is expected to meet the demands of Batak Toba cultural events, where authenticity and tradition are highly valued, while also introducing a more contemporary aesthetic that appeals to a wider audience. The documentary video serves as an informative tool to highlight this evolution in sortali design. Through engaging visuals and interviews with local artisans and cultural experts, the video offers an in-depth look at the process of redesigning this iconic piece of cultural attire. It sheds light on the challenges and successes of merging tradition with modernity, demonstrating how the new design respects Batak Toba heritage while embracing innovation. By featuring real-life applications of the redesigned sortali in major cultural events, especially weddings, the video illustrates its functionality and versatility in contemporary settings. Moreover, the design of the new sortali is not just about aesthetics; it is also a statement about preserving cultural heritage in the face of modernization.

Andaliman fruit (Zanthoxylum acanthopodium) is a typical spice from North Sumatra with a unique, spicy flavor and is widely used in traditional Batak cuisine. Although this fruit is known for its natural antimicrobial compounds, which have the potential to prevent the growth of pathogenic microorganisms, andaliman fruit is still at risk of contamination by various microorganisms during post-harvest handling and unhygienic storage. This study aims to assess the potential presence of microbes in andaliman fruit, as well as review methods for isolating and identifying existing microorganisms. Based on a literature review, several microorganisms frequently found in fruits include bacteria from the genera Bacillus, Pseudomonas, and Escherichia, as well as molds from the genera Aspergillus and Penicillium. In the process of microbial isolation, multilevel dilution techniques and cultivation on spectrum media are common methods used. Meanwhile, microbial identification can be carried out through morphological techniques by observing the shape and color of colonies, biochemical tests to examine the characteristics of microbial metabolism, and molecular techniques such as PCR to detect specific microbial DNA. A microbiological understanding of andaliman fruit is crucial to ensure food safety, especially in traditional culinary processing that uses this fruit as a spice. Therefore, efforts are needed to raise awareness of the importance of proper post-harvest handling and storage to minimize the potential for microbial contamination and ensure the quality and safety of andaliman fruit used in cooking. Furthermore, it is crucial to develop effective processing methods to reduce the risk of microbial contamination in andaliman fruit, such as washing or heating before use in cooking. The use of modern processing technologies, such as natural preservatives or processing techniques that can maintain its quality and safety, is also crucial.

Communication is the most important activity in everyday life, language and writing are effective communication tools both verbally and visually, communication in a visual context will be conveyed through typography. As time and technology develop, typography plays an important role and presents many types and styles of letters almost every day which have their own characteristics and uniqueness, one of which is decorative typefaces which have minimalist and geometric shapes as benchmarks. The design of this decorative typeface typography aims to create letters, numbers and punctuation characters that have their own uniqueness and characteristics by exploring the potential forms in the Gorga Dalihan Na Tolu motif in the Toba Batak Traditional House

The balance between the rights and obligations of husband and wife is a fundamental pillar in building a harmonious household according to Islamic teachings. However, there is still a significant lack of understanding among the community, especially among women, regarding the roles and responsibilities of each partner in married life. This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of outreach activities regarding the rights and obligations of husband and wife from the perspective of Islamic Law, delivered to members of the PWBI (Persatuan Wanita Batak Indonesia)  Kwala Bekala. The method used is a qualitative-descriptive approach, with data collection techniques including observation, interviews, and documentation during the outreach activity. The results of the study show that the outreach was effective in enhancing participants’ understanding of the fundamental principles of marital relationships in Islamic law, such as the concept of male leadership, consultation (shura), justice, and the importance of communication and mutual respect. The activity also had a positive impact on participants’ legal and religious awareness in managing their household lives. Such activities need to be expanded further to strengthen Muslim family resilience based on Islamic values.

The Simalungun culture, a vital part of the Batak ethnic identity in North Sumatra, is increasingly at risk of marginalization due to the accelerating influence of globalization and national standardization in education. Despite policy allowances for local content (muatan lokal), the incorporation of Simalungun cultural elements into formal schooling remains inconsistent and largely superficial. This study aims to investigate how educational institutions can serve as effective agents of cultural socialization to preserve and transmit Simalungun cultural identity among youth. Employing a qualitative interpretive approach, the research integrates ethnographic observation, in-depth interviews, and discourse analysis of curriculum documents across five Simalungun-majority schools. Data were analyzed using NVivo and interpreted through the lenses of Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory and Bourdieu’s concept of cultural capital. The findings reveal major structural and pedagogical barriers: most teachers lack training in Simalungun traditions, curriculum content is minimal, and student cultural awareness is declining. However, the study also identifies effective practices in schools that involve community elders and use experiential methods, demonstrating improved student engagement and cultural retention. A Cultural Transmission Score (CTS) of 0.46 confirms the limited efficacy of current efforts. The study concludes that formal education systems must move beyond ceremonial inclusion to structural integration of local culture, supported by teacher development and community-school collaboration. These insights offer a scalable framework for strengthening indigenous cultural education in minority contexts.

Fermentation is one of the traditional food processing techniques that not only functions as a preservation method, but also plays a role in improving the nutritional quality and safety of food. One example of a typical Indonesian fermented food that has survived from generation to generation is naniura, a traditional dish of the Batak Toba people made from carp (Cyprinus carpio) which is processed without a cooking process. The fermentation process in naniura is carried out spontaneously by soaking in a solution of citrus (Citrus Sp.) and a mixture of local spices, thus creating an acidic environment that supports the growth of fermentative microorganisms, especially lactic acid bacteria (LAB). The purpose of this study was to isolate and identify LAB from naniura, as well as to carry out morphological characteristics, Gram staining, and sensitivity tests to several commonly used antibiotics. Isolation was carried out using MRS media in anaerobic conditions, while sensitivity tests were carried out using the disc diffusion method. The results showed that isolates from naniura had Gram-positive characteristics, rod-shaped, catalase negative, and showed varying inhibition zones against antibiotics. Some isolates showed resistance to amoxicillin and cefataxim, but were sensitive to erythromycin and gentamicin. These results indicate that LAB from naniura has potential as a probiotic candidate, but it is necessary to monitor the possibility of antibiotic resistance gene transfer.