DIGITALIZING THE MARTONGGO RAJA TRADITION AS A MORAL AND CHARACTER EDUCATION MODEL FOR STRENGTHENING STUDENTS’ DEMOCRATIC INTELLIGENCE

Abstract

The digitalization of the Martonggo raja tradition offers a transformative approach to moral and character education by integrating Batak Toba cultural wisdom with contemporary pedagogical practices. This study examines how digital platforms can preserve and transmit the deliberative, ethical, and communal values embedded in Martonggo raja, fostering students’ democratic intelligence. Employing qualitative ethnographic methods, including interviews, participant observation, and document analysis, the research explores the lived experiences of Batak Toba youth, community leaders, and educational stakeholders in Toba Regency, Indonesia. Findings indicate that Martonggo raja functions as a dynamic forum for experiential learning, where values such as tolerance, respect, openness, freedom of expression, and unity are internalized through dialogue, consensus-building, and intergenerational interaction. Digitalization enhances the accessibility, engagement, and relevance of these cultural practices for younger generations, supporting immersive learning experiences through simulations, multimedia storytelling, and interactive exercises. The study demonstrates that combining local wisdom with digital technology not only preserves cultural heritage but also strengthens democratic competencies, ethical reasoning, and social cohesion, offering a replicable model for character education in the digital era.