Parbahulbahul Nabolon (A Local Wisdom-Based Leadership Concept in the Batak Toba Ethnic Community)

Abstract

This study investigates Parbahulbahul Nabolon, a leadership concept rooted in the local wisdom of the Batak Toba ethnic community. Although widely recognized in Batak culture as an ideal model of wise leadership, the concept has not previously been defined within an academic framework. The study aimed to formulate a conceptual definition of Parbahulbahul Nabolon and assess school principals’ understanding of the concept. A mixed-methods approach was employed. Qualitative data were collected through interviews with 14 Batak Toba cultural leaders from four regencies in North Sumatra to identify the meaning and indicators of the concept. Quantitative data were obtained from a 30-item multiple-choice test administered to 49 senior high school principals in Regions VIII and IX of North Sumatra to measure their level of understanding. The findings reveal that Parbahulbahul Nabolon refers to a leader who is “rich in heart,” possessing wisdom, patience, humility, care, vision, responsibility, and the ability to accept and manage diverse behaviors among subordinates. The concept is represented by 15 leadership indicators derived from Batak Toba cultural values. Quantitative results show that principals demonstrated a generally high level of understanding, with an average score of 72.9%; 61% of respondents were categorized as having high understanding, 33% moderate understanding, and 6% low understanding.The study concludes that Parbahulbahul Nabolon constitutes a comprehensive indigenous leadership framework that can enrich educational leadership practices. It recommends further theoretical development of the concept and the incorporation of Batak Toba local wisdom into leadership development programs for school principals.