Homban Ni Raja Pamoto Siregar Silali sebagai Identitas Budaya (Penelusuran Sejarah dan Nilai-Nilai Kearifan Lokal di Desa Hutanagodang, Kecamatan Muara, Kabupaten Tapanuli Utara)

Abstract

Homban Ni Raja Pamoto Siregar Silali is a significant cultural element of the Batak Toba community’s identity in Hutanagodang Village, Muara Sub- district, North Tapanuli Regency. This study aims to examine the historical background, symbolic meaning, and values of local wisdom embedded within Homban Ni Raja as a cultural heritage passed down through generations. Using a qualitative ethnographic approach, the research reveals that Homban is not merely a natural water source but holds deep social and spiritual functions. It serves as a central site for traditional rituals that reflect the interconnectedness between humans, nature, and ancestral spirits. Within the framework of local wisdom, Homban embodies collective indigenous knowledge related to environmental conservation, sacred spatial order, and social practices such as communal cooperation (gotong royong) and spiritual purification rituals. These practices express ecological awareness and cultural continuity. The findings indicate that the existence of Homban remains relevant to the community’s way of life despite pressures from modernization and social change. However, shifting cultural values and external influences pose a threat to the sustainability of Homban as a symbol of local identity. Therefore, preservation efforts involving local communities, government, and academic stakeholders are crucial to ensure that Homban continues to be a living expression of Batak Toba cultural identity. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of local traditions and offers a new perspective on cultural conservation rooted in local wisdom amidst changing times.