Kearifan Lokal Makhorja Siriaon dalam Upacara Pernikahan

Analisis Teologis Islam dan Kristen di Desa Binanga, Padang Lawas

Abstract

This study examines the Makhorja Siriaon tradition in marriage ceremonies among the Batak Angkola-Mandailing community in Padang Lawas Regency, North Sumatra, focusing on its implementation, Islamic and Christian theological perspectives, and efforts to preserve the tradition amid social change. This study employed a qualitative approach using a descriptive case study method. Data were collected through observation and in-depth interviews with customary leaders, Islamic and Christian religious leaders, and community members, complemented by literature review and documentation. The findings show that Makhorja Siriaon is a marriage tradition grounded in the Dalihan Na Tolu kinship system and the principle of deliberation known as Domu Ni Tahi. Its implementation reflects the involvement of families and the wider community in fulfilling social, customary, and kinship responsibilities. From Islamic and Christian perspectives, the tradition represents an intersection between religious values and customary practices, particularly in relation to togetherness, brotherhood, and social responsibility. However, the acceptance of particular customary elements requires consideration of their compatibility with the teachings of each religion. The preservation of Makhorja Siriaon is supported by the involvement of families, customary leaders, and religious leaders in transmitting cultural knowledge and adapting customary practices to contemporary developments. This study demonstrates that the sustainability of Makhorja Siriaon involves not only the preservation of cultural identity but also an ongoing negotiation between customary values and religious teachings in the social life of the Padang Lawas community