LITERATURE AS A MEDIUM FOR INHERITING BATAK TOBA CULTURAL IDENTITY IN THE PALITO NI SI BORU TOBA ANTHOLOGY

Abstract

Globalization and modernization have brought significant changes to the way communities understand and preserve their cultural identities. In this context, literature plays a vital role as a medium capable of both representing and passing on cultural values to future generations. The Toba Batak community possesses a wealth of cultural values reflected in its kinship system, respect for tradition, social solidarity, and the role of women in family and community life. The anthology Palito Ni Si Boru Toba is a literary work that highlights the life experiences of Batak Toba women and represents various cultural values that remain alive in the community. Although previous research has addressed issues of women and patriarchy in this anthology, studies on its role as a medium for the transmission of cultural identity remain limited. This study aims to describe the forms of Batak Toba cultural identity transmission represented in the Palito Ni Si Boru Toba anthology. This study employs a descriptive qualitative approach using content analysis to examine the narratives, dialogues, and cultural depictions found in the texts. The data were analyzed from a cultural studies perspective to identify the cultural values passed down through literary works. The results of the study indicate that this anthology represents the cultural values of the Batak Toba people, such as respect for tradition, the importance of kinship ties, the value of boru ni raja, family responsibility, and awareness of ethnic identity. Through these representations, literature functions as a vehicle for cultural transmission that helps preserve Batak Toba identity amidst social change. These findings confirm that literature serves not only as a medium for artistic expression but also as a vital instrument in the sustainable transmission of cultural identity.