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Abstract
In Batak culture, tuak plays a significant role imbued with symbolic meaning and serves as a cultural identity marker. Tuak is frequently used in various traditional ceremonies such as weddings, funerals, and harvest festivals, as well as in daily activities to strengthen social bonds. It is produced from the sugar palm tree using traditional methods passed down through generations, making it a symbol of skill and cultural heritage. This study employs a literary anthropology approach to understand the role of tuak in Batak culture through the short story "Tio na Tonggi" by Hasan Al Banna. This story illustrates the complexity and depth of tuak's meaning through the character Bapak Tio, a tuak maker who inherited his skills from his ancestors. In this narrative, tuak is depicted not only as a warming and refreshing drink after a day's work but also as a symbol of togetherness and social solidarity. The story also highlights a shift in societal values towards ‘tuak na tonggi’, which was once considered sacred and used exclusively in traditional ceremonies. The focus of this study is (1) to explain how tuak is portrayed and the cultural values it represents in "Tio na Tonggi," and (2) to explain the changes and continuity of tuak in the story. Through this analysis, it aims to provide a deeper understanding of the role of tuak in shaping and reflecting Batak cultural identity.