The Virtual Batak: Past, Present, and Future

Discussions about the Batak tribe will always be exciting and perhaps full of intrigue. But, let's rule out the existing sub tribal sectoral egos and start knitting back the differences into strength

 It was great to watch the Batak webinar participants' enthusiasm organized by the Batak History FB Group, Sunday (June 28th, 2020). There was a lot of essential and concise information spread out from the activity moderated by Karles Sinaga and also attended by Mr. Brayan Munthe as the Board of Trustees.

The information incorporated what Batak is, how Batak in the past, Batak conception formed by the ancestors, and how to unite Batak as tribal holding while keeping the existing sub-ethnic identity.

All speakers described the ideas clearly. Many great ideas came up during the seminar. These included how to advance the Batak tribe and the nation amid the globalization and digital era.

There was a lot of information from sources who shared their thoughts in a fresh and quality seminar format, far from the smell of debate. All existing personal ideas were flowing smoothly.

What looked a little bit "hot" was the webinar audience responses. They produced some slightly provocative comments like, "Is the Batak tribe or designation?" Haha haha

Bottom of Form

The point is that the Batak tribe comprises people with various historical backgrounds but from one source. People can examine the proof from multiple similarities in the customs procedures of each sub-tribe --- Toba, Karo, Simalungun, Mandailing, and Pakpak-Angkola.

The other factor is the voice and writing of the inter-tribal language, which also have many similarities—also seen from the traditional clothes of each tribe.

To conclude, there was a strong desire from the speakers to unite their understanding of Batak while accepting the differences that exist as a wealth that enhances and builds up. The speakers were Thompson Hs, Andohar Purba, Zul Margolang, Samuel Siahaan, Andre Nasution, Biring Kembaren, Raja Hasibuan, and Rudi Salam Sinulingga.

Hence, Batak must become the "machine" and the "backbone" of the country. Focus on giving the best for the nation and state, whatever and wherever the work is. It is no longer egocentric, and there should be no claims that the Batak is identical to a particular tribe. 

For that reason, the Batak people need not be ashamed to admit their identity. Must appear as it is. Differences in ethnicity, religion, race, and between groups and political views do not necessarily divide the Batak tribes. On the contrary, they should all merge the dissimilarities to be the forces that empower them.  

The Batak people must also continue to study and learn. From anyone and anywhere. Must apply ATM principles (observe, imitate, and modify) to advance together. Also, they must be willing to teach the culture and language of their respective sub-tribes to the younger generations and their children as one of the steps to avoid the extinction of existing regional cultures and languages.

Regarding the ATM principle, the Batak tribe can learn from the Chinese. They continue to teach their local languages, such as Hokkien, to their children. It acts as a reminder to the young generation about their ancestors and the legacy they have given them.

Indeed, the Covid-19 pandemic situation has caused disruption and changes in the landscape of society in all fields. If we were free to unite in crowds in the past, then we could now and perhaps in the future only blend in virtual gatherings.

It is interesting to listen to what was mentioned by one of the speakers in the webinar, Thompson Hs. He said that now Batak has become a Virtual Batak. Why? It is because no one predicts before that the discussions about Batak should be carried out in the virtual world as it is today?

That's why I was interested in making the title of this paper as Virtual Batak: Past, Present, and Future. The hope is that the Batak, which has always been one and big, will remain in the present and the future because virtuality has brought them back together. At least, in the webinar.

Hopefully. Amen. Horas, Mejuah-juah, Njuah-njuah!

Read the Indonesian version here.

Read more articles here and here.