BRIDGING HERITAGE AND INNOVATION A LITERATURE REVIEW ON SUSTAINABLE CULTURAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP FROM KARO ANCESTRAL TRADITIONS

Abstract

This literature review explores how Karo ancestral traditions serve as entrepreneurial assets for sustainable cultural entrepreneurship among youth in North Sumatra. Drawing from 78 studies (2018-2025), the paper demonstrates that Karo cultural elements—the 17 Siwaluh Jabu ornaments, Hutan Larangan flora, and traditional architecture—generate Rp 450-1,000 billion annual potential. Karo youth-led enterprises achieve 20-25% higher revenue growth and 78-85% 3-year survival rates compared to conventional SMEs (65%). These businesses deliver integrated SDG impacts: SDG 8 creates 2,000-5,000 jobs, SDG 11 preserves cultural knowledge with 68% youth participation in adat learning, and SDG 12 utilizes 92% renewable materials. Five business models (cooperatives, social enterprises) and institutional support mechanisms (incubation, microfinance) prove highly effective. Key recommendations include establishing youth incubators, implementing Geographical Indication (GI) protection for Gorga motifs, and developing heritage-focused microfinance programs. Future research should prioritize longitudinal impact studies and scalable business model replication.