| The Heritage of Ranah Minang |  |  |  |
| Geographically West Sumatra Province is located east of Riau, south of Jambi and Bengkulu and west of Indian Ocean. Most of the areas consist of mountain range and upland which are part of Bukit Barisan. And part of it are lowland and beaches. West Sumatra is overwhelmed with high mountain view, natural green forests, green and fertile rice fields, lakes and gorges which are truly amazing nature. West Sumatra is one of the provinces in Indonesia which is rich with natural resources in agriculture, cattle, fishery and mining. In the tropical forests, many rare species can be found such as rafflesia arnoldii (the biggest flower in the world), Sumatera Tiger, Siamang, and many more. Besides all the potentials mentioned above, tourism has a good opportunity to be developed. Natural tourism in West Sumatera, which are highly attractive, such as Mentawai Islands, Ngarai Sianok, Maninjau Lake, Waterfalls in Lembah Anai, Carolina Beach, Kerinci Seblat National Park and mountains in Singgalam. And for cultural tourism there is Minang Culture in Padang Panjang and other historical objects such as Japanese cave in Agam and Royal Palace Pagaruyung in Batusangkar. In their lives, Minangkabau people are rich in art and diverse tradition. This can be seen in traditional ceremonies which are held to commemorate and celebrate important events related to human life cycle such as birth or “turun mandi”, wedding parties and many more. In art, many Minang dances are quite famous and many people are fond of them. While in singing and music there are saluang, rabab, talempong, dendang and others known as Minangkabau traditional art. In architecture, carving and painting have grown and developed and focus on traditional architecture or unique traditional houses which are fully carved. This art of architecture is known as Rumah Gadang, which means a big house, in accordance to its function as a place to live for a family with the whole tradition aspects. In literature, phenomenal literature works had been produced such as Siti Nurbaya by Marah Rusli, Salah Asuhan by Abdul Moeis, the Sinking of Van Der Wijk Ship (Tenggelamnya Kapal Van Der Wijk) by Buya Hamka, Hulubalang Raja and Salah Pilih by Nur Sutan Iskandar, and also a short story of Robohnya Surau Kami by A.A. Navis. Poets and men of letters from Minang are very well known for their capability in combining words and they played a very important role in the development of this nation’s literature. The people of West Sumatra really appreciate traditional value and culture and are welcome to positive value that comes from outside. Most of the people are Minangkabau tribe, that’s why West Sumatera is also known as Minangkabau or Ranah Minang. Though Minangkabau tribe dominates the people of West Sumatera in general, they can get along well with people who come from outside their area. This is a solid foundation for the unity of this nation which is needed to be maintained, developed and improved. source : http://www.indonesiabookfair.com/2008/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=48&Itemid=59 photo : ardi en kidd studio_andaleh baro bukik, tanah datar. |
West Sumatra is one of the most beautiful areas of Indonesia. It is mountainous and divided by three valleys. There are lovely lakes and spectacular volcanoes. But Minangkabau land is very special and has the most friendly population group of Indonesia. They love to talk with visitors and will tell us about their unique society. If a visitor tries to understand the culture and Minang traditions he will soon feel himself a member of the clan. He will be invited as a guest to their homes - a unique way to become acquainted with real Indonesian life. Most of our hosts and hostesses are English teachers so language will not be much of a problem. They will show us the community and explain their customs. 
The land of the Minangkabau, West Sumatra has a distinct culture, which distinguishes it from the rest of the island. A land of scenic beauty with blue green lakes and mountains, West Sumatra's Centre of culture and tourism is Bukittinggi in the highlands, north of the provincial capital of Padang. Most prominent in the landscape is the horn-shaped roofs of the houses nestled in the coconut groves. The name Minangkabau means triumphant buffalo. It leads a community and family life based on a matrilineal system, which clusters around mosques and the traditional houses. As it is the women who have the properties, the men are known for their wanderlust and entrepreneurship. Traveling is considered a mark of success and therefore many of them are found "merantau" (emigrated) to other parts of the country. This is proof that many Minang or Padang restaurants, serve very spicy food, found in all major towns in the nation. The people are hospitable and eloquent in a poetic style of speech and ceremonies. Festivals are colorful occasions.
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