THE STUDY OF LOCAL CULTURE BATAK TOBA TRIBE AND SEEK THE

SIMILARITIES WITH NATIONAL CULTURAL VALUES

Tarida Alvina Simanjuntak, M. Pd.

Universitas HKBP Nommensen
Email : ridajuntak@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this paper talked about local society especially in Toba Batak
society and to find out the value equal of Toba Batak society with the national value
society. Some of them are divinity, law, society, arts, and literature. Beside that the
aim of this paper is to check an information and to give a reference to the reader
about the value of Toba Batak society and the equal of the value of national society.
The scope or limitation in this paper is the scope of culture in Toba Batak tribe in
applying law and Indonesian society.
The result in this paper is about study of Toba Batak society and the equal of
value of national culture in divinity aspect, law, art, and literature in Toba Batak
society with value of citizen and also three law pillar Indonesian. From planning
stage and searching the data, the researcher directly to implementation the equal of
divinity, law, art and Indonesian literature with Dalihan natolu, Umpasa/Umpama,
and Tor-tor. All the activities and events of Batak society in daily activities and also
the principles of life has a many equals and purpose. The national purpose of
Indonesian citizen, also to proof of divinity, to enrich the life of nation and join the
world in order.
The conclusion of this paper that Toba Batak local society to known the
meaning of Dalian Natolu (mutual respect each other, to keep the respect), has a
values of literature in communication everyday in Toba Batak meaning is Umpasa
(a wise words and imagery) and also Umpama (poem and verse). From all above, teh
law of Toba Batak society was known that there is belief of God that shown in arts of
event like Tor-tor Somba (the dance to adore of God and to adore our parents that we
believed as a vice of world). All of the things as a real form from the application of
the value of national culture of Indonesian citizen.

Keywords : Toba Batak Local Society, National Society Value.

A. INTRODUCTION
Indonesia is a country which is formed from some tribes and language.
Indonesia is also an unique country because is able to unity some tribes and
difference language under one motto Bhineka Tunggal Ika. It is noted that there is
more than 300 etnic groups or tribes in Indonesia, exactly 1.340 tribes according to
Department of Central Statistik (BPS) 2010. One of some tribes in Indonesia that

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comes from North Tapanuli Province North Sumatera is Batak Toba. Batak Toba
tribe has law, habits, culture, art and literature itself. History notes that Batak Toba is
the old tribe which came from Thailand’s flat.
As a long time tribe in Indonesia which is take a part to form Indonesia,
Batak Toba tribe is also hold its citizen with laws and tradition in society living.
Batak Toba tribe has also the conventional and the rythtmic law with the law in
Indonesia. Hence, as visible, since long time until now it can be seen how the law
arranged in costum Batak Toba tribe supports the law in Indonesia.
Indonesia has four pillars in law, they are ; Pancasila, UUD 1945, Bhineka
Tunggal Ika and NKRI (Negara Kesatuan Republik Indonesia). The fourth pillars
manage the set of living and society in Indonesia. The fourth pillars also uphold the
level of difference tribes, etnic and religion approved in Indonesia. Based on those
pillars this nation stands with plural spirit, togetherness and coorporation. All things
concerning nation and country concequence must be put on the basic of those pillars,
so that the habit of the Indonesian citizen must be uphold the set of them.
In line with that things, Batak Toba tribe also has the habits and convensional
living suited on the law in Indonesia. Because of that, it has been long that Batak
Toba law becomes one of tribe that take a part to maintain Indonesia’s four pillars.
The aim of this paper is to associate the available culture, law and art of
Batak Toba tribe and it is done from generation to generation by Batak Toba’s
people. Accordance with the matter, the other aim of this paper is to develop high
awareness of the set of living in Indonesia warped by Indonesia’s four pillars. The
writer hopes that our nation will be the advance nation but doesn’t leave the morality
value which will be the characteristic of our country owned since long time ago. To
make this study clear, so that the writer formulates the problem of this study, they are
(1) how is the rule or paradaton in Batak Toba society in law form or uhum music,
art and literature? and (2) What is the similarity of law and national rules in
Indonesia compared with Batak Toba society? Accordance with the problem of the
study, so the writer only limits the discussion in the clarifyng and proven that custom
in Batak Toba that still existed since long time ago based on fourth pillars of
Indonesia. This paper also limits prove that there is similarity of moral value and the

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objective of society living included in each of music, dance, art and also literature
philosophy owned Batak Toba tribe.
There are the objectives of this study ; (1) Socializing the rule or paradaton
in Batak Toba society, in law form or uhum music, art and literature, and (2)
Describe the similarity of law and national rules in Indonesia compared with Batak
Toba society. Hopefully, this paper can give the positive benefits for the readers,
they are ; (1) As reference material for reader concerning of Batak Toba custom, (2)
As reference material for student who are discussing the similar problem and theme,
(3) As the writer’s sense in loving her tribe and art itself to uphold higher law
existing in Indonesia.

B. THEORITICAL FRAMEWORK
B.1. Indonesian Law Basic

Indonesia is an independence Country and has obligations and the same right
with another country in the world. Earlier its independence strugling, Indonesian
through the heroes has patterned the basic principle and ideology. But, to be known
that all laws born accordance with nation improving development must be hold on
law basic convensional and Indonesian ideology.
Sidharta (2007:42) explained that law is a ‘tool’ the unifier and protector of
all citizen. It will be written how are some experts define law.
1. Aristoteles explained law, something different than just organizing and
expressing constitution form and law functionate organizing behavior the judges
and their decision in court and sentenced the defendant. Law is only collection
of rules, which is not only binding the citizen but also the judges.
2. Thomas Aquinas explained that law came from God, so that law should not be
broke.
3. Plato said that law are rules regularly and well organized binding the citizens.
4. Hugo de Grotius explained that law is a rule of moral action obligation to what
which is right.
5. Leon Duguit stated that law is all habits rules in society, rules which is used at
the certain time obeyed by the society as quarantee for togetherness and if it is
broken makes reaction for who people breaks it.

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6. Immanuel Kant declared that law is all requierments where free opinion from
someone can adopt her/himself with the free opinion from anothers following
law rules about independence.
From some explanation above, they have the same opinion, that is the basic
system and behavior of society in a country. Law als means ‘tools’ controller and
protector of human being as citizen in a country.

B.2. Four Law Pillars of Indonesian

Since vendor was collapsed in Indonesia, this nation has confirmed that
Indonesia exist for supported by four main pillar of nation. This four pillar must exist
paralel, supporting each other and nothing bigger or smaller. The four pillars are ; (1)
Pancasila, (2) Negara Kesatuan Republik Indonesia (NKRI) / The Unitary State of
The Republic Indonesia, (3) Undang-Undang Dasar 1945 (UUD 1945) / Constitution
and (4) Bhineka Tunggal Ika, one of politic figure in Indonesia, Taufik Kemas,
where that time also takeholded as Chairman of Majelis Permusyawaratan Rakyat
Republik Indonesia (MPR RI) / Indonesian People’s Consultative Assembly, having
honor academic title H.C. from Trisakti University because his service has uttered
idea in four pillars soialization of Indonesia.

(1) Pancasila Ideology

Rozali (1993:12) explained that Ideology is the part of concepts, ideas,
convictions which spread and sistematic, relating with some parts of human living.
Ideology is nation means that the meaning of desire become the basic system of
nation for all people and related nation. It also means as spiritually system which has
some characteristics, they are ; (1) Having high degree, (2) Manivesting a spiritually
system, world view, life orientation, life kept holding. Here are principles of
Pancasila ; (i) Ketuhanan Yang Maha Esa (Belief in One and Only God), (ii)
Kemanusiaan yang Adil dan Beradab (Just and Civilized Humanity), (iii) Persatuan
Indonesia (The Unity of Indonesia), (iv) Kerakyatan yang Dipimpin Oleh Hikmat
Kebijaksanaan dalam Permusyawaratan Perwakilan (Democracy led by the wisdom
of wisdom in deliberations of representation), (v) Keadilan Sosial Bagi Seluruh
Rakyat Indonesia (Social justice for all the people of Indonesia).

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 (2) Negara Kesatuan Republik Indonesia (NKRI) / The Unitary State of The
Republic Indonesia
NKRI is an adressing of a country which consists in thousand islands,
multiple tribe of nation and different cultural. Those differences are united forming
an unity whole country called us Indonesia. According UUD 1945 section 1 point 1,
NKRI (Negara Kesatuan Republik Indonesia) is unity country which is formed
Republic. This provision is explained in section 18 of UUD 1945 point 1 stating that
NKRI is divided into provience areas and they are divided as city and regency where
each city, regency and province has administration area governed by laws.

(3) Undang-Undang Dasar 1945 (UUD 1945) / Law Principle of Indonesia

Law principle of Indonesia 1945 or shorted with UUD 1945, is the basic
written law, Indonesia administration constitution. The main content of all of UUD
1945 contained the beginning of UUD 1945.

(4) Bhineka Tunggal Ika

Bhineka Tunggal Ika is motto or Indonesian slogan which written on
Indonesian symbol, Garuda Pancasila. This frase is derived from ancient Java
language means ‘different but one’.

B.3. Law, Customs and Batak Toba Culture

Vergouwen (2004:28) explained about Batak Toba culture and family tree as
follows ;
a. Tarombo or Family Tree
Family tree or Tarombo is an important thing for Batak people. For people
who don’t know their family tree will be assumed as lost Batak people (nalilu).
Batak society is compulsory to know their family tree from take great grandparents
reducing their clan and same clan friends (dongan tubu). This is needed to know the
position of their genetic relationship in a clan.

b. Philosophy in Batak Toba Tradition

Philosophy in Batak Toba tradition is known as Dalihan Na Tolu consisting
of ; (a) Somba Marhula-hula, (b) Elek Marboru, (c) Manat Mardongan Tubu.
Hula-hula / Mora is family side from wife. Hula-hula occupies the most
respected position in interaction and Batak Toba customs (all subtribes of Batak

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Toba) so for all Batak people are entrusted to be respect with Hula-hula (Somba
Marhula-hula).
Dongan Tubu / Hahaanggi is called us Dongan Sabutuha it means as
brother relative in a clan. It also means as the man who was born from same
stomach. They are as tree stem which is near one each other, mutual support each
other, despite sometimes they get conflict, but conflict doesn’t make a clan relation
seperated. It is liked as water which cut by knife, although they are splited but
always united. But for all Batak people (Batak’s tradition) is ordered to be wise with
brother relative in clan (manat mardongan tubu).
Boru / Anak Boru is family side who takes wife in one clan (another clan).
Boru occupies the lowest position as parhobas or servant, either in daily social
interaction or in decency ceremony. Eventhough it is used as a attendent it is not can
be freated as you like. However, a Parboru part should be taken of his heart,
persuaded, as we said : Elek Marboru.
Sihombing (1989:16) explained that Dalihan Na Tolu as a genetic
realtionship system of Batak Toba people that have the value is no less important
with the other system that more popular, that is democracy. Dalihan Na Tolu to
signed an attitude Batak people in community. Genetic relationship of Batak placed
the position from birth to death in three position that called DALIHAN NA TOLU.
Dalihan can we translated as a “stove” that have a same meaning, “three important
positions” in genetic relationship of Batak people.

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 c. Literature and Batak Toba Culture
This tribe has many wisdom expressions like, proverbs, pantuns,
philosophies, poetry of songs and others. There are many wise expression in Toba
people. The wise expression is not less important and the value of life for human
compared with a wise expression for other nation tribe. A wise expression is born
from a truly expression and the struggle of an ancestors life from the past to present.
Pakpahan (2007:35) explained the meaning that contained in Batak Toba
literature closely related with life which experienced everyday, like ; Philosophy of
life (Batak : Habisuhon), morality (Batak : Hahormaton), living rules (Batak : Adat
dohot Uhum) and society (Batak : Parngoluon Siganup Ari). When examined
carefully, a wisdom expression of Batak Toba called Umpama, that have four
important place. The division are ;
1. Philosophy (Batak : Umpama na marisi habisuhon means, saying that
contain knowledge or wisdom)
2. Ethical Courtesy (Batak : Umpama hahormaton means, saying honor)
3. Rules (Batak : Umpama na mardomu tu adat dohot uhum means, saying
that contain about tradition and law)
4. Society (Batak : Umpama na mardomu tu parsaoran si ganup ari, ima na
dipangke di tingki pesta, partamueon, dll means, saying that contain
about daily intercourse, which is used in a party, visiting family, etc.)
Batak Toba dance characteristic is Tor-tor. People say, Tor-tor came from
‘tor-tor’, of ‘tor-tor’ the sound of the dancers’ feet on the floor of Batak traditional
house. The purpose of this dance was ceremony of death, harvest, healing, and young
party. This dance have a rituals process that must pass. In the real, there are many
kinds of Tor-tor that known and practiced in Batak society. As customary of dance
from another society, so tor-tor has always accompanied gondang. Gondang is a
kind of Batak unique music. Tools of music used Ogung Sabangunan that have four
ogung and customary that equipped with a music tool called hesek, tagading, and
sarune. In dancing Manortor, the stage gondang (musik) that request is gondang
Mula-mula, gondang somba, gondang mangaliat, gondang simonang-monang,
gondang sibungajambu, gondang marhusip, dan seterusnya yang diakhiri dengan
Gondang Hasahatan Sitio-tio.

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B.4. The Similarities in Law Position, Culture and Indonesian Customs with
Batak Toba.
According to the discussion above , there are the describing of similarity and
authentic proof between Batak Toba tribe with four pillars in Indonesia. The
similarities are ;
1. Each traditional activities (paradaton) such as : wedding ceremony, funerals,
celebration’s day or Batak monument party (manungkol holi) which always
started with prayer / worship as an aplication from Pancasila point one and the
preamble of UUD 1945 (constitution) paragraph one.
2. Everyone in Batak Toba tribe in a living society and do the traditon always
uphold their philosophy, namely dalihan na tolu. This form is paralel with
Pancasila point three, the preamble of UUD 1945 (constitution) paragraph
three, Bhineka Tunggal Ika and NKRI. This understanding is focused to
upholding the unity high on the difference and mutual respect as human being.
3. Before doing the customs activitie, Batak Toba tribe also conducts deliberation
to discuss about activities planning, which will be done by the customs expert
(Raja Adat / Parsinabung) and accompanied by daugther / sohn in law (Boru /
Hela) and controlled by uncle (Hula-hulai). These things are describing
Pancasila point four and the basic meaning of Bhineka Tunggal Ika.
4. Literature at Batak Toba also tells about phrase (Umpama), and poem /
gurindam (Umpasa). The most content from that form contains about moral
value, which consistent with the four nation pillars, they are ; divinity, kinship,
kindness, honesty, mutual assistance, deliberation for consensus and appreciate
the homeland and country itself (Bona ni Pinasa / Bona Pasogit). They are also
in line with the four pillar of Indonesia.
5. Arts of Batak Toba tribe have also characteristics. The most famous
characteristic that people have often seen is Gorga Batak / sculpture.
a. Typical colours ; red, white and black. It has the similar meaning with
Indonesian flag red and white, red means brave and white means holy.
Black means leadership and authority.
b. The carving is dominated with symbols :

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 Boraspati (Lizard), symbolize the ability to adapt himself and can life
everything and the ability to keep wealth. It suitables to NKRI.
 Gorga Simaniari (Sculpture Sun), symbolize God’s grace for the human
living. It suitables to Pancasila point one and the preamble of UUD 1945
paragraph one.
 Gorga Desa Na Ualu (The eighth point of compass), symbolize the unity
from different origin of people and related with the trust in God. It
suitables to Pancasila, UUD 1945 and Bhineka Tunggal Ika.
 Gorga Singa-Singa (The lion’s head), symbolize power, honesty,
leadership. It suitables to Pancasila point four and five, and preemble of
UUD 1945.
 Mother’s breast, symbolize the higest respect to a mother as a beginning
of life and symbolize of fertility. It suitables to Pancasila point two.
 And another things, there are circa 6 forms that they are not explained in
this point, because those examples above are enough to prove it.

Gambar Contoh Gorga Batak dalam Rumah Bolon

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6. Ulos, ia a traditional costume of Batak Toba tribe in North Sumatera, the shape
is like a shawl, length circa 1,8 meter and width circa 1 meter, Both of ends
dangle with length circa 15 cm and it has made by the women, they weaved it
from yarn or hemp. The meanings contained in the colour of Ulos are ;
a. White, symbolize Holiness and Honesty.
b. Red, symbolize Heroism and Bravery.
c. Yellow, symbolize Wealth and Prosperity.
d. Black, symbolize Grief.
The meaning and philosophy are also similar with the four pillars of Indonesia.
7. Tor-tor, is a main dance and also a characteristic of Batak Toba tribe. Four
hand’s motion in Batak Toba tor-tor, is appropriated by the dancers (Panortor)
in genetic relationship of Batak society. Maneanea means take blessing,
mamasu-masu means give blessing, mangido tua means take and give
blessing, and manomba means worship and take a blessing.
From many researches, can be known that the customary expert must be
knowing about symbolic meaning that found in Tortor. Some parts and kind of
tor-tor are ;
 Tor-tor mula-mula. In tor-tor mula-mula will be seen that only hasuhuton
(people who have parties), family in one clan and both brides. Meaning of
tortor mula-mula explains that all things in the world has begun with all
kindness. This is in line with Pancasila point one.
 Tortor somba. Based on research results that in tortor somba, party organizer
will guiding the brides to give respect or worship first to God, and then to
Uncle or Hulahula, Tulang and all guest. This is in line with Pancasila point
two and five.
 Tortor mangaliat. In tor-tor mangaliat the motions are between Hula-hula
and Boru. That will be seen the differences from hands motion. If hula-hula
will give blessing, so the hands will be directed to boru head or shoulder,
while if boru will receive blessing, so hands position will opened and head
position will warped. At this moment, boru will put some money to hula-hula
as a respect form. This is in line with Pancasila point three.

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  Tortor hasahatan/sitio-tio In this dance it is known that tortor hasahatan /
sitio-tio is the last tortor motion at the wedding ceremony. This is in line with
Pancasila point five.

C. Conclusion

The explanation and the proof above can be observed that customs of Batak
Toba tribe have similarity, hence supporting four pillars of Indonesia. A strongly
held philosophy since long time ago by Batak Toba tribe is still running untill now.
Even before Indonesia became independent, law and custom of Batak Toba ran
consistently starting from toddlers to the elderly.
Basically every law and custom of Batak Toba tribe must be based on pray
and worship before all activities (Pancasila point one ; Ketuhanan Yang Maha Esa),
Dalihan Na Tolu (Pancasila point two ; Kemanusiaan yang adil dan beradab),
Tradition, literature and also the meaning of it all uphold the unity and giving respect
to each other (Pancasila point three ; Persatuan Indonesia). Discussing in all situation
(Marria raja / Martonggo raja) suitable with Pancasila point four (Kerakyatan yang
dipimpin oleh hikmat kebijaksanaan permusyawaratan perwakilan), and everyone
has same position in law / uhum (Pancasila point five ; Keadilan sosial bagi seluruh
rakyat Indonesia).
Every people which confess her/himself as Batak Toba generation, has strong
reason to keep up NKRI with his four pillars. But instead of it, every people or
groups which are Batak Toba tribe but breaking law in Indonesia, that can said,
he/she has betrayed first his/her law and tradition.
Through this paper, the writter will deliver and give some suggestions to
readers, they are ;
1. Let us conserve our tradition especially Batak Toba tribe generations.
2. Everyone of us has a right and obligations to keep the unity of the nation.
3. Keep loving our tribe, so that we can love our nation too.
4. Keep live harmoniously like our great grandparents long time ago, because our
nation now is the citizen’s updating results.
5. Keep the values which contained in our culture so that can be a good value in
our country.

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6. Avoid each action and activities which can be stretching our social relationship,
and keep harmony and peace between religious people, nation’s tribe and
languages, so that we can be a peaceful country in the world, like written in the
preemble of UUD 1945, paragraph four, keep the world order.

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