PARMALIM - Agama Tertua Di Suku BATAK

Summary

This video explores the Malim religion, the indigenous faith of the Batak people of North Sumatra, Indonesia. It traces its origins back to Guru Somalia Pardede and Sisingamangaraja 12, who founded the belief system to protect Batak traditions from the influence of Christianity, Islam, and Dutch colonialism. The Malim faith centers around Mulajadi Nabolon, the creator deity, and practices rituals to honor ancestors, the natural world, and spiritual powers. The video delves into the history, beliefs, rituals, and cultural significance of the Malim religion, including its annual ceremonies and community life.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Parmalim religion is an indigenous faith of the Batak people in North Sumatra, Indonesia, with a deep connection to their culture and history.
• 😀 Parmalim was initiated by Datu Guru Somalia Pardede and supported by the Batak king Sisingamangaraja XII to protect traditional beliefs from external influences.
• 😀 Parmalim adheres to the belief in a single God, called Mulajadi Nabolon, who created humanity, the heavens, the earth, and the universe.
• 😀 The religion emerged as a response to the spread of Christianity, Islam, and Dutch colonialism, aiming to preserve Batak culture and beliefs.
• 😀 The followers of Parmalim are mostly Batak people living in regions like Toba, Samosir, Tapanuli Utara, and several other parts of Indonesia.
• 😀 Parmalim followers observe spiritual practices and rituals that emphasize respect for human life, nature, and adherence to sacred rules.
• 😀 A significant concept in Parmalim belief is the spiritual essence, including 'Tondi' (soul), 'Salah' (spirit), and 'Begu' (spirit of the deceased).
• 😀 The religion has a sacred text called the 'Pustaha Habonaron,' which guides ethical behavior and interactions with the world.
• 😀 Annual religious ceremonies include 'Sipaha Sada' (a ritual for thanksgiving) and 'Fame Leon Bolon' (a harvest festival), emphasizing community unity and social welfare.
• 😀 The Parmalim community holds its worship in 'Bale Pasogit,' a building resembling a church with symbolic representations of truth, purity, and power, featuring a unique Batak ritual dance and music.

Q & A

What is the origin of the Malim religion?

The Malim religion originated from the Batak ethnic group in Sumatra, Indonesia. It was first initiated by a Datu named Guru Somalia Pardede and aimed to preserve Batak's traditional beliefs and culture in the face of influences from Christianity, Islam, and Dutch colonialism.

Who were the key figures in the Malim religion?

The key figures in the Malim religion include Sisingamangaraja XII, Guru Somalia Pardede, and Raja Mulia Naipospos. Sisingamangaraja XII is considered a messenger of Mulajadi Nabolon (the Supreme God), while Guru Somalia was a charismatic leader and strategist.

What does the term 'Malim' mean?

The term 'Malim' comes from the Malay word 'Malin', which refers to an expert or scholar in religion. It describes the followers of the Batak's original belief system.

What is the concept of Mulajadi Nabolon in the Malim religion?

Mulajadi Nabolon is the Supreme God in the Malim religion, believed to be the creator of humans, the sky, the earth, and all that exists in the universe. The Batak people believed in this deity long before the arrival of other religions such as Islam and Christianity.

What are some of the main beliefs in the Malim religion?

Followers of the Malim religion believe in the existence of three main concepts: Tondi (soul or spirit), Salah (the force or essence in a person), and Begu (the soul of the deceased). They also believe in the power of sacred objects, such as the 'tongkal' (talisman).

What are the important rituals in the Malim religion?

Important rituals in the Malim religion include the Sipaha Sada and Sipaha Lima, which are celebrated annually. The Sipaha Sada marks the Batak New Year, while the Sipaha Lima is a harvest festival expressing gratitude for the crops.

What is the significance of the Bale Pasogit in the Malim religion?

The Bale Pasogit is a place of worship for the Malim community. Its physical structure resembles a church but includes an open space for rituals. The building's roof features three symbols of chickens, each representing truth, purity, and power.

What role does the dance 'Tor-Tor' play in Malim rituals?

The 'Tor-Tor' dance is performed during religious ceremonies as a form of worship. It is accompanied by the music of Gondang Sabangunan, traditional Batak instruments. The dance and music are essential in Malim rituals to honor the deities.

What restrictions are observed by followers of the Malim religion regarding food?

Followers of the Malim religion are prohibited from eating pork, dogs, blood, and certain other animals. They also avoid consuming animals considered unclean or those that are not part of their dietary rules.

Where are the majority of the followers of the Malim religion located?

The majority of the followers of the Malim religion live in the Toba region of North Sumatra, particularly in areas like Toba Samosir, Simalungun, and Tapanuli Utara. However, the religion has spread to other regions in Indonesia as well.