cover
Contact Name
Robert Sibarani
Contact Email
rs.sibarani@usu.ac.id
Phone
+6282370058772
Journal Mail Official
jtmh@usu.ac.id
Editorial Address
Universitas Sumatera Utara, Jl. Perpustakaan No.3A, Padang Bulan, Kec. Medan Baru, Kota Medan, Sumatera Utara 20155
Location
Unknown,
Unknown
INDONESIA
Tradition and Modernity of Humanity
Published by TALENTA PUBLISHER
ISSN : 28073118     EISSN : 29621208     DOI : https://doi.org/10.32734/tmh
Tradition and Modernity of Humanity based at Lembaga Penelitian Universitas Sumatera Utara in Medan, TALENTA Publisher as a publisher and publishing articles in both English and Indonesia, the journal provides a space for innovative theoretical as well as empirical contributions to issues that transcend the framework of the traditional disciplines. Given its international orientation, contributions of a comparative or cross-cultural nature are particularly welcome. Focus and Scope Tradition and Modernity of Humanity for the analysis and debate of trends and approaches in social science research. Tradition and Modernity of Humanity is an interdisciplinary journal with strong bases in some areas of the disciplines of linguistics,, anthropology, sociology, history, and economics, and to some extent of psychology, philosophy, and political science. Contributions are welcome from all of these disciplines, but in particular when they address challenging and comprehensive issues in the analysis of major social transformations and promote innovative conceptual approaches.
Articles 80 Documents
The Function of Gondang Sabangunan in Ancestral Invocation Rituals Kristina Samosir
Tradition and Modernity of Humanity Vol. 6 No. 1 (2026): January
Publisher : TALENTA Publisher

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.32734/tmh.v6i1.26817

Abstract

Gondang Sabangunan in Batak Toba society is understood as a ritual medium used to call and bring the presence of ancestors into the human social space. The sound of gondang is not only used to accompany ceremonies but also acts as a symbolic action that opens cosmological communication, asks for blessings, and strengthens the relationship between descendants and ancestors. This research aims to analyze the practice of Gondang Sabangunan in the Batak Ancestors Educational Tourism Festival 2025 organized by the Rumahela community in Simullop, Pangururan. The study focuses on the ritual function of calling ancestors, the musical structure that supports the process, and the role of Dalihan Na Tolu relationships in organizing ritual participation. This research uses a qualitative method with a performance ethnography approach through participant observation, in depth interviews with musicians and cultural actors, and audiovisual documentation. The theoretical framework uses ritual music function theory from Alan P. Merriam, performance theory from Richard Schechner, and cultural behavior perspectives to understand sound as ritual action. The results show that stages such as requesting gondang, explaining ritual intentions, musical repetition patterns, and tortor participation form a symbolic process of calling ancestors that is still maintained in the festival context. The interaction of taganing as structural director, sarune bolon as symbolic vocal expression, and ogung as a marker of cosmological continuity creates a liminal condition that allows the experience of ancestor presence to be collectively felt. Although performed in a public space, the ritual practice does not fully lose its sacredness but transforms into a representational ritual that still contains spiritual meaning. Therefore, Gondang Sabangunan in the festival functions as a medium for spreading ritual knowledge and maintaining symbolic relationships between community and ancestors.
The Use of Comparative Language Styles in the Podcast Agak Laen Official Episode Vanessa Zee Rela Cuti Demi Kejar Impian Febri Ola Hutauruk; Evelina Harefa; Alpiani Lubis; Andreas Alessandro Hutagalung; Halimatussakdiah
Tradition and Modernity of Humanity Vol. 6 No. 1 (2026): January
Publisher : TALENTA Publisher

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.32734/tmh.v6i1.26818

Abstract

This study aims to identify and analyze the forms of comparative language style used in Vanessa Zee's YouTube episode of the Agak Laen Official podcast. Comparative language style is a figure of speech used to compare one object with another to create a more engaging and understandable communication effect. This study employed a qualitative approach with descriptive methods and content analysis. Data were collected through library research by quoting words and sentences containing comparative language style from podcast video transcripts. The data analysis technique refers to the Miles and Huberman model, which includes three stages: data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing/verification. The results show various forms of comparative language style used by the speakers in the podcast to express ideas, experiences, and emotions in a more lively and engaging manner, thereby enhancing the communication appeal of the podcast content.
The Values of Local Wisdom on Legenda Batu Porang Ni Aji in Batak Toba Tidora Putri Sibarani; Halimatussakdiah
Tradition and Modernity of Humanity Vol. 6 No. 1 (2026): January
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Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.32734/tmh.v6i1.26823

Abstract

This study examines the values of local wisdom embodied in the Legenda Batu Porang Ni Aji, a traditional Batak Toba legend originating from Pangunjungan Village, Habinsaran District, Toba Regency, North Sumatra. The legend narrates the tragic consequences of an incestuous relationship between two siblings, which ultimately results in their transformation into stone as divine and customary punishment. Employing a qualitative descriptive approach through folklore analysis, this study explores the moral, cultural, and social values reflected in the narrative based on the concept of local wisdom. The findings reveal that the legend primarily functions as a medium for preserving moral principles and reinforcing the Batak Toba kinship system, particularly the prohibition of incest and the importance of maintaining family honor. The analysis identifies seven major elements of local wisdom, five of which emphasize peace-oriented values, including self-control, politeness, social solidarity, belief in God, and moral education, while two represent prosperity-oriented values, namely diligence and work ethic. The dominance of peace-related values demonstrates that the legend serves as an effective mechanism of social control, cultural preservation, and character education. Consequently, Legenda Batu Porang Ni Aji remains highly relevant in contemporary society as a cultural instrument for transmitting ethical values, strengthening collective identity, and preserving the traditional wisdom of the Batak Toba community amid ongoing social and cultural transformation.
The Hornbill as an Inspirational Idea for the Creation of Painting Artworks Lalang Cakra Buana
Tradition and Modernity of Humanity Vol. 6 No. 1 (2026): January
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Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.32734/tmh.v6i1.26824

Abstract

The hornbill (family Bucerotidae) is one of the most morphologically distinctive and visually compelling bird species inhabiting the tropical forests of the Indonesian archipelago. Characterized by its large curved beak, prominent casque atop its head, striking contrasting plumage, and deeply resonant presence in indigenous cultural traditions, the hornbill presents an exceptionally rich subject for artistic exploration. Beyond its formidable aesthetic appeal, the hornbill holds a position of profound cultural significance in the traditions of the Dayak communities of Kalimantan and the Batak communities of North Sumatra, where it is revered as a guardian spirit, a messenger of ancestral worlds, and a living symbol of ecological equilibrium. Despite the hornbill's exceptional visual and symbolic richness, no prior research-based art creation study has systematically integrated its morphological, cultural, and ecological dimensions within a unified painting practice, a gap this study directly addresses. This research-based art creation study aims to systematically explore the aesthetic, symbolic, ecological, and cultural potential of the hornbill as the central source of inspiration for the creation of contemporary paintings. The methodology employed follows a three-stage research-based art creation model encompassing exploration, experimentation, and realization, drawing on field observation in Sumatran national parks, structured ethnographic interviews with indigenous community elders, and sustained studio practice spanning fourteen months. Three thematic painting series were developed: the naturalistic-expressive series "Guardians of the Forest", the semi-abstract cultural series "Ancestral Spirits", and the critically oriented mixed-media series "A Deferred Extinction". The results demonstrate that the hornbill's morphological distinctiveness, cultural symbolism, and endangered conservation status collectively generate a powerful conceptual framework capable of producing paintings of profound aesthetic depth, ecological relevance, and cultural resonance. The resulting works function simultaneously as autonomous artworks and as instruments of environmental advocacy.
Local Wisdom of the Mangain Tradition in Batak Toba Nori Marta Marselina br. Simatupang
Tradition and Modernity of Humanity Vol. 6 No. 2 (2026): May
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Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.32734/tmh.v6i2.26825

Abstract

This study examines the local wisdom embodied in the Mangain tradition of the Batak Toba community and explores its role in preserving cultural identity, kinship, and social harmony amid the challenges of modernization. Mangain is a customary practice of granting a Batak clan (ulos) to an adopted child or an individual from outside the Batak ethnic group, thereby integrating the person into the Batak Toba patrilineal kinship system. The tradition is commonly performed in cases of child adoption and interethnic marriage, where it serves as a legitimate mechanism for establishing social status, inheritance rights, and obligations within the dalihan na tolu kinship structure. Employing a qualitative descriptive approach with an anthropolinguistic perspective, this study analyzes the linguistic expressions, ritual performances, symbolic objects, and cultural meanings embedded in each stage of the Mangain ceremony. The findings reveal that the tradition embodies fundamental values of local wisdom, including respect for elders and ancestors, kinship solidarity, mutual responsibility, social justice, cultural identity, and communal cooperation. These values are transmitted through ritual speeches, the presentation of ulos, ceremonial food, blessings, and symbolic exchanges that reinforce collective memory and cultural continuity across generations. Furthermore, the study highlights that Mangain functions not only as a legal-customary process but also as a cultural mechanism for integrating outsiders into the Batak social system while maintaining harmony among families. Nevertheless, globalization, migration, and changing lifestyles have contributed to the simplification of ritual practices and a gradual decline in understanding the philosophical significance of Mangain, particularly among younger generations. Therefore, preserving the Mangain tradition is essential for safeguarding Batak Toba local wisdom, strengthening cultural resilience, and ensuring the continuity of indigenous knowledge and identity in contemporary society.
The Role of Fremantle Indonesia in the X Factor Indonesia Program during the COVID Era Novia Situmeang
Tradition and Modernity of Humanity Vol. 6 No. 2 (2026): May
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Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.32734/tmh.v6i2.26827

Abstract

This study examines the role of Fremantle Indonesia as a television production company in running the X Factor Indonesia program during the COVID-19 pandemic era (2019–2022). Using a qualitative method through personal experience as a Season 3 contestant and interviews with one of Fremantle's music coordinators, this study describes the changes in Fremantle's production system during the pandemic. The results show that Fremantle successfully adapted its production system by shifting auditions from offline to online, implementing strict health protocols, and utilizing digital platforms to maximize revenue. Despite several challenges such as discrepancies in contestants' vocal quality between online audition videos and live performances, as well as contestant disqualifications due to illness, Fremantle's streaming views actually reached their highest point during 2020–2022. This study concludes that the COVID-19 pandemic, while presenting obstacles, also drove creative innovation that continues to be applied in Fremantle's productions to this day.
Meaning and Social Function in the Film Catatan Harian Menantu Sinting Putri Adelina Br Situmorang
Tradition and Modernity of Humanity Vol. 6 No. 2 (2026): May
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Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.32734/tmh.v6i2.26828

Abstract

This study examines the meaning and social function represented in the Indonesian comedy film Catatan Harian Menantu Sinting by exploring the interaction between Batak local wisdom and contemporary family life. The study aims to identify the central meanings conveyed through the film and to analyze its social functions using Bronislaw Malinowski’s functionalism theory. A qualitative descriptive approach was employed through content analysis of the film’s narrative, characters, dialogues, and cultural representations. The findings reveal that the film portrays the tension between traditional Batak values and modern perspectives on marriage, gender, family, and personal identity. Fourteen major thematic ideas were identified, highlighting issues such as lineage expectations, intergenerational conflict, marital communication, emotional resilience, gender inequality, and cultural adaptation. The film functions not only as entertainment but also as a medium for cultural education, social criticism, and the preservation of local wisdom. Through humor and relatable family conflicts, it encourages audiences to reflect on the importance of balancing respect for tradition with individual autonomy and changing social realities. Furthermore, the film demonstrates that open communication, empathy, and mutual understanding are essential for resolving conflicts within extended families. This study concludes that Catatan Harian Menantu Sinting successfully transforms Batak cultural values into a contemporary cinematic narrative that promotes cultural continuity while encouraging critical reflection on tradition in modern Indonesian society.
Jawa Deli Festival: Performance of Javanese Cultural Identity in North Sumatra Rendina Pradipta
Tradition and Modernity of Humanity Vol. 6 No. 2 (2026): May
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Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.32734/tmh.v6i2.26830

Abstract

The Javanese ethnic community in Deli, North Sumatra, faces challenges in maintaining cultural practices amid the dynamics of a multicultural society and ongoing social change. These conditions call for revitalization strategies that focus not only on preservation but also on reviving traditions to ensure they remain relevant to younger generations and contemporary society. In this context, cultural festivals serve as vital social spaces for showcasing, negotiating, and transmitting the community’s cultural identity. This study aims to analyze the Deli Javanese Festival as a performative arena that both represents and revitalizes the cultural identity of the Javanese community in diaspora. This study employs a descriptive qualitative approach within the framework of Performance Studies. Research data was collected through direct observation of performance conceptualizers at the festival, in-depth interviews with organizing community groups and artists, information gathering via social media platforms covering festival activities, visual documentation and event archives, as well as a review of relevant references and literature. Analysis was conducted by interpreting the texts and contexts of the performances to understand how performative practices construct cultural meaning, collective memory, and the process of identity negotiation within a multiethnic society. The research findings indicate that the Jawa Deli Festival serves as a cultural space that facilitates both the expression of traditions and the creative adaptation of Javanese arts such as Kuda Lumping, Wayang, and Reog to ensure they remain relevant to a multicultural audience and younger generations. The performances presented serve not only as entertainment but also as a social mechanism that strengthens community cohesion and fosters cultural pride. These findings suggest that festivals can be an effective strategy for cultural revitalization, where traditions are not only preserved but also creatively and adaptively revived so that they remain relevant and sustainable in modern society.
Digitalization Music Ecosystem As an Impact of COVID-19 in Medan Suci Maulidya
Tradition and Modernity of Humanity Vol. 6 No. 2 (2026): May
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Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.32734/tmh.v6i2.26834

Abstract

This study examines the digitalization of the music ecosystem as an impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in Medan. The research aims to identify the transformation of music production, distribution, and consumption from analog systems to digital practices within local music communities. In addition, it analyzes the role of digital platforms and music aggregators in shaping new patterns within the music industry in North Sumatra. The research employs a library research method, utilizing secondary data sources such as academic journals, books, media articles, and statistical reports. The findings indicate that, in the aspect of music production, there has been a significant shift from conventional systems to technology-based digital production. The emergence of home recording practices and the use of Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) have enabled musicians to independently produce music at relatively lower costs, thereby increasing the number of independent musicians and expanding access to music creation. In terms of distribution, digital platforms such as YouTube, Spotify, and other streaming services have become the primary channels for disseminating musical works. Furthermore, the presence of digital platforms and music aggregators has facilitated artists— particularly musicians and composers—in distributing their works more efficiently. This transformation reflects a broader cultural shift toward modernization, where digital publication and independent production practices have become essential, ultimately providing greater creative freedom for musicians to produce and distribute their own works.
Oral Tradition Ende Padang in the Angkola Ethnic Risky Pratama Siregar
Tradition and Modernity of Humanity Vol. 6 No. 2 (2026): May
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Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.32734/tmh.v6i2.26835

Abstract

The Angkola ethnic community is part of an oral tradition containing cultural, social, and educational values. Ende Padang is one example of an oral tradition inherited by the Angkola community through a process of cultural transmission from generation to generation. This study adopted a descriptive qualitative approach based on the theory of oral tradition. Data were obtained through a literature review of various references related to the oral tradition of the Angkola community. The findings of this study indicate that Ende Padang serves as a means of entertainment, a tool for conveying advice, strengthening cultural identity, and a medium for transferring social values among the Angkola community. From the perspective of oral tradition, Ende Padang is a form of cultural expression that has a structure, meaning, and social function that are very important for the life of the community that supports it. Efforts to preserve Ende Padang are becoming increasingly urgent amidst the shift in modernization that threatens the sustainability of local oral traditions.