Page 33 - E-BOOK SEJARAH DAN BUDAYA INDONESIA

Relationship Between Humans

Gotong royong is the original character of Indonesian people. Every ethnic group that
inhabits Indonesia must have an ingrained tradition of gotong royong. Likewise for the Karo Batak
people, the gotong rong tradition has been grounded. In fact, this mutual cooperation has become
the law of life for the Batak people.

In the Batak language, especially Karo gotong royong called marsiadapari. Derived from
the word mar-sialap-ari which means: we first give our energy and help to others and then we ask
him to help us. The meaning is very deep, sow it first and then pick it later.

Siadapari, marsialapari, marsirimpa, or marsirumpa, whatever they are called, the principle
is mutual cooperation. Marsiadapari is mutual cooperation that is carried out by several people
simultaneously (rimpa or rumpa) in their respective fields in turns, so that heavy work is shared
together to lighten the burden of the group.

"Dokdok rap manuhuk, neang rap manea (heavy is the same as being carried, light is the same as
being carried," is one of the principles of marsiadapari.

The implementation of this marsiadapari is not only when farming (mangula) in the fields
(hauma), but also in all fields of activity of the Batak people. Such as building a house (pajongjong
jabu), misfortune, parties and so on.

Amazingly, this marsiadapari redeems the economy classes. Poor or rich (na mora manang
na pogos), strong or weak (na gumugo manang na gale) all give their hearts to each other in order
to lighten the burden of their group members.

"Sisolisoli do uhum, siadapari do gogo," that's the basic law of marsiadapari. That is, if you give,
you will be given. This applies to attitude, energy and also material.

Gotong royong is the original character of Indonesian people. Every ethnic group that
inhabits Indonesia must have an ingrained tradition of gotong royong. Likewise for the Karo
Batak people, the gotong rong tradition has been grounded. In fact, this mutual cooperation has
become the law of life for the Batak people.

With this basic law, all will be happy to jointly carry the burden that is in the group. "Looks
like do tajomna, rim ni tahi do gogona". What was heavy felt light, everyone was happy and eager
to help. Because, they realize that one day they will definitely need such treatment.
Uniquely, this marsiadapari is carried out with full responsibility that the work is
considered his own, so that the results will be better. So that the marsiadapari activity becomes an
important note to be passed down for today's young people.

However, we must admit honestly, the implementation of marsiadapari is no longer what
it used to be in almost every area of life. It's all because of the changing times.

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