MODERNIZATION IN TOBA BATAK CULTURE: A DESCRIPTIVE STUDY OF MUSICAL CHANGES IN THE SAUR MATUA CEREMONY IN SIBOLGA CITY

Abstract

Modernization brings significant changes in various aspects of community life, including social, economic, political, and cultural, through the presence of technology. The city of Sibolga on the West Coast of North Sumatra is a multi-ethnic area, inhabited by Minang, Nias, Chinese, Javanese, and Batak Toba groups, with Batak Toba as one of the largest sub-ethnic groups. As times change, the Batak Toba community in Sibolga has also experienced the impact of modernization, especially in the implementation of the traditional saur matua ceremony. The modernization process encourages adjustments in the procedures of the ceremony to remain relevant to people's current lives. Some traditional elements are still maintained, but there are changes, especially in the aspect of traditional music which is now adapted to current needs and tastes. This study uses a qualitative ethnographic method to explore socio-cultural dynamics, especially the traditional music practices of the Batak Toba in the saur matua ceremony in Sibolga. The results of the research show that the change in music in this ceremony is influenced by the entry of Christian values, so that the community seeks to integrate religious teachings with tradition. The music used is now mixed, combining Western instruments with Batak musical instruments, and featuring a repertoire of Batak Toba instrumental music with modern compositions such as Palti Raja. This transformation has generated various community reactions, both support and criticism, which reflect the dynamics between the preservation of tradition and adaptation to the times.