Moral Educational Values With Characters Contained in The Legend of The Hanging Stone of The Toba Batak Oral Literature

This research seeks to explore the content of North Sumatra folklore specifically situated in Parapat. The participants underwent observations by examining storybooks in-depth. However, not all data could be thoroughly analyzed due to certain information not being presented. For instance, detailed aspects of the characters' lives were often absent, with the focus limited to everyday narratives outlined in the books


Introduction
In our journey through life, we encounter numerous diversities, reflecting the myriad variations present in the world.This diversity extends to our beloved country, Indonesia, which is home to over 300 ethnic groups or communities, to be precise, accommodating 1,340 ethnic groups.The 2010 BPS census confirms the presence of 652 languages in the country.This distinctive feature sets Indonesia apart from other nations.(Triana & Eka Putri, 2022).As per Suhardi and Riauwati (2017: 26), oral literature encompasses genres like legends, myths, and fairy tales.Ananda (2017: 93) further explains that spoken literature, including prose and poetry, is communicated through spoken language and regional dialects.From a cultural education standpoint, oral literature holds numerous ethical values for educational practitioners.The creation of oral literature considers not only the advantages for the author but also takes into account the context of the audience.The literary creations of the Toba Batak community are often concealed within the cultural repositories of small Indonesian ethnic groups, and there are instances where certain individuals remain unaware of them.These literary expressions have become deeply ingrained and integral to the authentic daily life dynamics of the Batak people.Literature, for them, has evolved into an intrinsic and cohesive element.Within their cultural practices, literature consistently serves as a medium of communication, exemplified by various expressions such as umpasa and umpama (rhymes and similes).Similarly, narratives of genealogies and legends depicting the Batak natural environment and the everyday customs of the people are communicated through literary compositions like folk tales, often referred to as legends and turi-turian.
For the Batak community, literary works have transcended being foreign and have become a means of expressing memories of the life skills and philosophies of their ancestors in response to the breathtaking natural phenomena of Batak.The distinctive nature of Batak and its social conditions imbue writers with a special sensitivity, allowing them to portray natural beauty as a symbol of the cultural values and life skills of their people.Consequently, the examination of the role of Batak folklore within Batak regional literary works holds undeniable significance in contributing to character education.This is evident in ongoing folklore development within the lives of the Batak ethnic community, encompassing elements such as umpasa and umpama (rhymes and similes), legends, turi-turian, and more (Sinaga, 2012).
The narrative of the hanging stone from North Sumatra, such as the Hanging Rock folklore, is a significant aspect of the cultural heritage in the North Sumatra region.Part of the Toba Batak oral traditions, this story has the power to captivate people's hearts.Although folk tales are orally transmitted, they possess intrinsic value that can serve educational purposes.Folklore serves as a means to impart valuable lessons, offering education and guidance.Its popularity among the public is indicative of the profound content it holds.Typically shared within communities, folklore encapsulates ideas, thoughts, teachings, insights, and educational nuances, exerting influence on society.Oral literature, beyond its individual significance, fulfills a social role.It incorporates elements of considerable value, fostering ethical behavior within society.Indonesian folklore, in particular, provides indirect insights into the distinctive culture of its originators.Folklore functions as an educational tool within communities, aiming to convey positive intentions.The hanging stone folklore, in particular, encapsulates numerous inherent values.
The narrative of the hanging rock remains largely unfamiliar to many individuals, with only local residents possessing a comprehensive understanding of the events that transpired.This narrative warrants thorough exploration as it imparts valuable insights into the essence of life.Moreover, various renditions of the story exist among local residents, influenced by how their parents conveyed it to successive generations.This underscores the impact of oral literature on the hanging rock narrative, with differences emerging in the storytelling.Despite these variations, the common thread in the oral literature surrounding the hanging rock centers on an unintended matchmaker instigating the movement of the sizable rock, hence its designation as a hanging stone.
The incident involving the hanging stone in the Toba Batak community, particularly in Parapat, unfolded due to the complexities of life.It revolved around a poignant dilemma faced by Seruni, torn between honoring her parents' wishes for an arranged marriage and waiting for her beloved doli.Seruni, troubled by the prospect of rejecting the arranged marriage and betraying her lover, found herself in a state of sorrow.Fearing the potential heartache her decisions might cause, Seruni, in a moment of desperation, inadvertently slipped into a large hole.Despite her efforts to extricate herself and the lack of response to her cries for help, she uttered the word "Parapat."In a mystical turn of events, the massive rock shifted and tragically crushed Seruni.Subsequent to this harrowing incident, a suspended rock emerged, hanging in the midst of a larger rock, serving as a somber reminder of the profound and tragic events that transpired.Assessing the issues arising from stones suspended amid sizable rocks, we've observed an uncommon phenomenon that has never occurred before, prompting our research.Despite the mystery surrounding it, we aim to find a comprehensive account of the suspended rock phenomenon.Our quest extends beyond a mere narrative circulating within Batak cultural circles.Yet, the narrative of this hanging rock imparts valuable lessons; its inherent significance is crucial for learning and serves as a guide for our future endeavors.Among the various values it encompasses, there is a notable emphasis on social values.The significance of morals in human existence lies in the fact that individuals do not typically live solely according to their preferences.Social life entails adherence to various rules, which align with societal norms and values.Conforming to these rules ensures that individuals conduct themselves in harmony with the prevailing social norms and values.Failure to adapt one's behavior to these social values may lead to non-acceptance by society, regardless of one's location (source: Kompasiana, 20 May 2013).Consequently, social values play a crucial role in shaping and influencing our lives.
This research was undertaken due to the exceptional significance of the Batu Hanging narrative to us.Beyond the distinctiveness of its title, the inherent value within the story of the hanging stone prompted our interest and deemed it worthy of thorough investigation.Research performed by Lamria Romaito Sidabutar, Muhammad Surip, and Syairal Fahmi Dalimunthe shares both similarities and distinctions with the present study.The commonality lies in their exploration of the second moral value.Both investigations delve into narratives or legends originating from the Toba Batak tribe, specifically focusing on different stories, such as the one published under the distinct title "Si Boru Tumbaga."The current researcher aims to analyze a folktale from Toba Batak Culture, namely Si Boru Tombaga.This cultural folktale has been documented in book form, serving as a print medium through which the author communicates ideas and ideologies to readers, encapsulating moral values within its narrative.The Si Boru Tumbaga Folklore originates from North Sumatra and narrates the tale of a couple without a son, having only two daughters, Boru Tombaga and Boru Buntunon.Complications arise when the parents pass away, and the son refuses to relinquish the family's possessions to his morally questionable uncle.
Moral values: As individuals, it is essential to discern between right and wrong."Pangeol-eol mi solu, solu na di tonga tao Molo matipul hole mi, maup tudia nama ho" conveys the importance of distinguishing good from bad in human actions."Pangeol-eol mi boru, boru na so maribot" underscores the significance of a daughter being virtuous.The verse "Molo mate amang mi, lao tudia nama ho" suggests that in the face of challenges, one should prioritize familial relationships over material possessions.This poem was heard from a shepherd in Adaran (Romaito Sidabutar et al., 2022).

Method
Mustika (2018) asserted that the qualitative descriptive method represents a natural approach to investigating an object or problem, aiming to provide an accurate portrayal of information about the object based on factual occurrences.In our study, we have opted for this technique (''Rijal Fadli, 2021'').Specifically, this is a qualitative descriptive method that involves direct engagement in the field.The approach includes interviews with parents and is primarily focused on qualitative description.Data is obtained through on-site observations, capturing experiences shared during the hanging The research was conducted through an interview with one of the parents within our social circle.The researchers employed a comparative analysis approach, distinguishing observations' outcomes for the same treatment.This method is commonly known as the difference between two means test.The average difference test technique used in this research is expressed as follows.The study adopted a qualitative descriptive research method, a natural approach for examining an object or issue to present information as it is, based on observed facts.In this qualitative descriptive research, data was derived from on-site observations, with the subjects engaged in conversations initiated by the researcher.Additionally, the researcher gathered information from parents about the child's development.The research focused on Seruni's resistance to an arranged marriage, illustrated by her hanging herself on a rock.The qualitative descriptive research aimed to construct and apply robust reasoning models supported by factual evidence derived from the conducted observations.

Results
As per Widjaja's assertion (1985: 154), morals encompass positive and negative teachings related actions and behavior (akhlak).Specifically, the narrative of the hanging stone carries a moral education value, aligning with the characters portrayed in the story.

Discussion
Moral education values, alongside one's character, play a significant role in shaping human behavior towards others.A clear example of this is evident in the virtue of 1.) Politeness Consider the situation where Seruni, despite her strong desire to decline an arranged marriage with her cousin, chose to remain silent and not voice her objections to avoid disappointing her parents.Seruni's quiet tears and withheld words showcase her politeness and respect for her parents' wishes.This narrative teaches us the valuable lesson that when faced with situations we dislike, there may be wisdom in keeping our feelings to ourselves rather than expressing them to others; internal acknowledgment is often sufficient.

2.) Dedicated
''They were blessed with a beautiful and dedicated daughter named Seruni.She dutifully follows her parents' guidance, rarely expressing dissent.Seruni consistently assists her parents with their daily tasks, particularly in the fields.''3.) Faithfulness "One day, circumstances compelled them to part ways as Sidoli went abroad to fulfill the expenses for his wedding with Seruni.At the shores of Lake Toba, Seruni earnestly requested Sidoli to promise his return.Unwavering in her commitment, Seruni patiently awaits the return of her beloved.
In the given passage, it is evident that Seruni is steadfastly waiting for her lover, demonstrating unwavering loyalty and a commitment to uphold promises.Seruni, true to her word, is prepared to wait indefinitely for Doli's return.Within the Batak culture, breaking such commitments is considered taboo and carries severe consequences.This cultural belief is the driving force behind Seruni's dedicated anticipation of Doli's arrival.
Additionally, in another context, the quote reveals the loyalty of Toki, Seruni's dog, as it faithfully accompanies her during various activities, including farming.Toki's cheerful companionship illustrates a deep and steadfast loyalty to Seruni.
4.) Collaborative Effort Neighbors united in their efforts, holding torches to dispel the darkness.With a shared sense of concern, they willingly ventured into the anxietyinducing forest.As they neared the entrance of the hole, the faint voice of a woman reached their ears.A neighbor, pushing aside obstructing bushes, attempted to peer into the pitch-black depths of the hole.
The provided passage illustrates the collective concern of the neighbors for the unfortunate incident involving Seruni.Driven by empathy, they actively participated in the rescue mission, unwilling to witness their fellow resident suffer in solitude.
5.) Concerned Upon recognizing the signal, Seruni's parents hastily followed Toki, arriving at the edge of the rocky hole where their daughter had fallen.Seruni's father, fueled by worry, initially considered descending to rescue her but reconsidered upon realizing the depth and darkness of the hole.Suddenly, a roar and a significant tremor occurred, causing the hole to slowly close.
The quoted passage highlights the profound concern that Seruni's parents harbor for their daughter.Their anxiety is rooted in a deep desire for Seruni's happiness, as evidenced by their efforts to find her and the underlying motivation to arrange a suitable match for her.Ultimately, Seruni's parents are driven by a genuine wish to spare their child from suffering.
6.) Parental Devotion Guided by Toki, Seruni's mother sensed that something had happened to her daughter.As she rushed towards the source, a wave of emotion struck her when she witnessed Seruni's distressed state.Overwhelmed with sorrow, tears welled up in Seruni's mother's eyes, and she let out a heart-wrenching scream.Despite the confusion surrounding the situation, Seruni's father, driven by a profound sense of love, resolved to descend into the danger, willing to face any risks or consequences to rescue his beloved daughter, Chrysanthemum.
7.) Emotional Turmoil When Seruni overheard her parents discussing the arranged marriage, she was deeply affected.Tears welled up as she recalled her commitment to Sidoli.The following day, despite going to the fields as usual, Seruni was enveloped in sadness.Lost in her thoughts, she sat there daydreaming, haunted by the looming prospect of the arranged marriage.
This poignant situation reveals Seruni's genuine love for Doli, as she resists the idea of marrying someone chosen by her parents, not wanting to betray the promise she made to Sidoli.The emotional conflict leaves Seruni in a state of sorrow and contemplation.
In the face of her parents' insistence on the arranged marriage, Seruni grapples with internal confusion.Unable to bring herself to defy her parents' wishes, she finds herself torn between loyalty to her lover and filial obedience.This internal dilemma occupies her mind to the extent that she inadvertently falls into a large hole, highlighting the overwhelming weight of the choices before her.

8.) Reserved
"Seruni has secretly harbored feelings for the young man she loves, refraining from introducing him to her parents out of fear that they might disapprove.This reveals Seruni's apprehensive stance toward her parents, driven by the worry that their opposition might arise.While this approach may not be the ideal one, as individuals, it is essential to share our experiences and relationships with our parents, fostering open communication for understanding and approval." Secrecy Unveiled "When her father discussed the match with her mother, Seruni inadvertently overheard.
This situation sheds light on the irony that while Seruni had initially kept secrets about her beloved, now it is her parents who are orchestrating a match for her without her knowledge.Had Seruni's parents been transparent from the beginning, expressing their reservations about the chosen suitor and their concerns about familial relations being strained by mere obligation, Seruni might not have unwittingly become a sacrificial pawn in the unfolding circumstances.Despite the apparent compulsion due to financial debts, it's clear that Seruni's father wasn't entirely in favor of this arrangement.9.) Tragic End "Seruni, overwhelmed by the weight of her burdens, found herself unable to bear the tears and let despair wash over her.Negative thoughts consumed her, leaving her eyes vacant and hollow.In a moment of misfortune, she accidentally stepped on rotten wood, causing her to stumble.Even Toki, her loyal companion, couldn't prevent Seruni from falling into a vast and pitch-dark stone hole.In the midst of fear, she cried out for help, but her pleas went unheard.As the stone walls closed in, Seruni, resigned to her fate, uttered, 'Parapat batu... parapat,' signaling her acceptance of the impending squeeze of the stone walls.This tragic incident marked the end of Seruni's plight, as she succumbed to the crushing weight of the rock, bringing an untimely conclusion to her struggles and aspirations for the future." 10.) Function of Studying the Story of the Hanging Stone: The primary purpose of delving into the narrative of the Hanging Stone is to gain insights into the roots of local stories, fostering a deeper connection to our cultural heritage.By understanding the origins of tales like the Hanging Stone, we aspire to preserve and pass down our rich cultural traditions to future generations.This knowledge becomes invaluable, serving as a reservoir of information that allows us to respond confidently when queried about the story of the Hanging Stone, much like the cultural significance attached to tales such as Roro Jongrang in Indonesian folklore.Particularly for those hailing from Java, a thorough comprehension of the intricacies surrounding the Hanging Stone becomes not just beneficial but imperative.

Conclusion
In reflection, a well-crafted literary work not only entertains but also imparts valuable lessons on character and moral values to its readers.However, it is crucial to recognize that, at times, an excessive focus on educational aspects may deviate from the fundamental principles of literary art.Analyzing the folk tale "Si Batu Gantung" reveals its ability to intricately weave a narrative that not only entertains but also imparts significant moral lessons.The central message of the tale encourages resilience in the face of despair, highlighting the destructive consequences of succumbing to hopelessness and the importance of approaching life with enthusiasm.

Suggestions
As a takeaway, it is essential to delve into the depth of every story originating from our home region.Comprehensive knowledge about our local narratives allows us to appreciate and safeguard our cultural heritage.By actively engaging with and understanding the stories that form the fabric of our community, we contribute to the preservation and continued vitality of our cultural legacy.