<![CDATA[Traditional Toba Batak music faces increasing challenges from globalization, the dominance of modern popular music, and declining youth engagement, which threaten the continuity of Gondang as a marker of cultural identity. This study aimed to examine the preservation strategies implemented by the Gondang Saurdot Community at HKBP Jatiwaringin in Jakarta and their contribution to sustaining members’ learning interest, musical creativity, and cultural understanding. Using a descriptive qualitative case study approach, data were collected through direct observations of rehearsals and liturgical performances, in-depth interviews with community leaders, trainers, musicians, and congregation members, as well as documentation and literature reviews. The data were analyzed using the Miles and Huberman interactive model, which consists of data reduction, data display, conclusion drawing, and verification, while source and technique triangulation were applied to ensure data credibility. The findings identified four interconnected preservation strategies: participatory learning, routine hands-on practice, transmission of cultural values, and active church involvement. These strategies improved members’ technical competence, confidence, participation, independent practice, and ability to develop rhythmic variations without diminishing the authentic characteristics of Gondang. Church support also strengthened the social legitimacy of traditional music within contemporary worship contexts. The study concluded that adaptive, community-based, and culturally grounded education effectively sustains Gondang as a living cultural heritage across urban, social, cultural, and religious contexts.]]>
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