Eksistensi Keberadaan Agama Malim Di Kota Medan

Abstract

This research discusses the existence of the malim religion in Medan city which aims to find out the existence, religious practices, the number of adherents and the impact of the malim religion on the local community as well as helping to understand the dynamics of religious existence in the Medan city area and the suitability of the malim religion with the theory put forward by Emile Durkheim. The data collection technique used by this research is by conducting observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation. Data processing techniques used in this research are data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. The results showed that the malim religion is a tangible manifestation of efforts to preserve cultural identity and indigenous Batak ethnic beliefs in the face of modernization and dominant cultural pressures. Local governments and related institutions provide protection for the malim religion as part of cultural diversity in Indonesia and the community is expected to increase tolerance for local belief communities such as the malim religion in order to create harmonious social relations and mutual respect.