West Sumatra In World

noreply@blogger.com (Ismail Afriant) — Sat, 20 Aug 2011 09:45:00 +0000

Everything I Do (I Do It For You) by Clay Aiken

Something Forgotten About Minangkabau Leaders

noreply@blogger.com (Ismail Afriant) — Sat, 18 Jun 2011 04:23:00 +0000

Assalamualaikum.wr.wb

The Litle History

In the Minangkabau ethnic group (Minang) in West Sumatra, Indonesia has long been an egalitarian political unity, promote discussion and generalization power. Equity is evident in the system of government Kanagarian; each village leader has a right of autonomy to manage their area. Nagari is a union territory, customs and politics in Minangkabau. In the village government, village leaders do not stand alone in making decisions. Decisions taken with a collective leadership "Tigo Tungku Sajarangan" (in which scholars include / merchants, clerics and traditional leaders / government). So that political decisions are taken more mature because through consultation between the political and community leaders.

The concept was used to make a Minangkabau region producing great figures of Indonesian politics. Should be recognized, outside Java, West Sumatra (Minangkabau tribe) is the largest producer of Indonesian national figures. Deliberation and freedom of thought has given birth Hatta, Tan Malaka, Sutan Syahrir, Agus Salim, Hamka and much more. Can not be denied that from the traditional political Minangkabau (actually much more modern than his time) this is the thinking and ideas Minangkabau leaders adopted for the initial framework formation of Indonesia. Furthermore, Hatta, Syahrir, Agus Salim is an important part of Indonesian government policies are still young, while Tan Malaka took the role of the controller (but ultimately by Sukarno, Indonesia's first president is considered a rebel). What a sweet mix. Togetherness becomes a proven potential power with collective independent Indonesia.

But the way the concept of unity of Indonesia, decentralization and the autonomy is not abandoned. President Sukarno chose centralization of leadership in the center. While the region (province) should follow the will of the center. The Government considers Indonesia prosperity and progress can only be realized if a strong control by the central government. Javanese political culture of centralized hierarchy continue to be used since the time of President Sukarno to Soeharto, even to political reform in Indonesia in 1998.

Long before regional autonomy policy after Indonesia's political reform, has Minang people encourage them. But the central government ignored the demand for regional autonomy. They were disappointed and accumulated in the year 1958. The military officers to form the Buffalo Board of widespread demand for regional autonomy. Then stood Movement Struggle to Save the Republic of Indonesia, chaired by Lt. Col. Hussein Achamad, this movement became the embryo of the Revolutionary Government of the Republic of Indonesia (PRRI). Some of the Minang people are disappointed at the Soekarno support this movement, and Mr. Mohammad Natsir, Mr. Assaat joined. Not only the Minang people who come to support PRRI, former Chairman of the Emergency Government Syafrudin Prawiranegara, Zulkifli Lubis and Soemitro Djoyohadikusumo included in the list PRRI figures.

Sukarno accused PRRI not purely aimed at demanding equal, the main purpose of this movement is a rebellion and overthrow the government. According to foreign powers (United States) to encourage the leaders of this rebellion, because the communists began to close with Sukarno and Indonesia keep American interest from the Communists. Faced with this movement, Sukarno reactive, sending military forces without looking out for the early emergence of PRRI disappointment. Ahmad Yani was assigned master Bukittinggi (Minangkabau) and Kaharudin Nasution attack Pekanbaru, two important cities PRRI resistance. Several other military officers took over the areas in Sumatra, which ruled the Board Bull. A large military force was defeated PRRI.

Since that time there was no great figures of national origin Minang influential in the central government. No more characters that give the Minang desentarilisasi thoughts, the ideals of autonomy lost a dream. The government again ignored the Minang figures. Minang people lost confidence in myself, lost a critical attitude towards the central government, and marginalized.

Until the New Order regime, the system of government Kanagarian removed, replaced with a system of government such as the Javanese village. Village Head to the power holder without the need for input from Tigo Tungku Sajarangan. He only followed the rules of hierarchy Head and Regent. No matter the rules / policies not favored by the community, which is important in accordance with the will of the leadership on it. New Order regime banned the difference, all must be the same, whatever the government's will, that is best for the community, (such as the feudal system is still applicable in the Republic of Indonesia). Whereas traditional Minang people familiar with the deliberations to reach consensus.

Kanagrian removal policy that has systematically weakened the traditional politics of Minangkabau. Collective strength slowly disappear for a long time, very difficult to restore it. New Order regime fell, there came a promising reforms regime winds of heaven, the special autonomy applied. But the special autonomy creates only a small kings of the region, profitable local authorities. A far cry from the concept of autonomy PRRI desired. Unfortunately, these conditions allowed to just happen, Minang tribe already asleep and forgot about being critical. Acceptance is not the nature of the Minang people, this is due to the political dwarfing traditional Minang systemically years.

Not only the ideas that have been dried in the Minangkabau, the critical nature of the vote was already faded. First, critical Minang people in choosing, do not accept without analysis. Minang people never choose a leader based solely on the elegant appearance. Minang people choose rationally. They choose based on ability, not a cult. At this time of Minang people elect a leader only to see the elegant appearance beautiful, gallant officer without knowing who and what they choose.

In current conditions, changes in attitudes and the nature of the Minang people must not happen. It is sad when politicians, thinkers, merchants Minang just a follower, not a burglar, especially the pioneer of change. Minangkabau traditional political thinking is no longer the ideal. Hundreds of ideas Hatta, Syahrir, Tan Malaka's just-just wasted. Minangkabau young people today only know Hatta = Proclaimer, Syahrir = Prime Minister, as required to memorize for the test of history.

Living memories egalitarian tribe ...

wassalam.wr.wb

Lapek Bugih, Tradisional Cuisine From Minangkabau ( West Sumatra )

noreply@blogger.com (Ismail Afriant) — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 04:13:00 +0000

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Do you want to feel the taste of tradisional cuisine from minangkabau ? Check it out !

Material Content:

250 Grams of shredded coconut

100 Grams of sugar

100 Mili liters of water

2 Pieces of pandan leaves

½ Teaspoon salt

leather:

250 Grams black sticky rice flour (Bareh Puluik)

50 Grams powdered sugar

200 Mili litres of warm water

¼ Teaspoon salt

Banana leaves for wrapping

Sauce:

300 Mili liters of thick coconut milk

3 Tablespoons rice flour

1 Sheet of pandanus leaf

¼ Teaspoon salt

How To Make:

Create content first.

Lapek Bugih

Cook all the ingredients of contents while stir until creamy and mature. Set Aside.Now we make dough sauce. Simmer sauce ingredients until creamy and boil, chill.For skin, mix the flour with rice, sugar, salt, and add the warm water. Knead until smooth. Be Slime 20 grams of dough skin. Add content then make a ball

Create contong (Leather of Lapek Bugih Design) from banana leaves. Enter a single spherical cake. Flush with the sauce. Fold the ends so that it resembles a triangle. Steamed until cooked.

wassalam,wr.wb

Rumah Gadang Minangkabau, The Unique Architecture

noreply@blogger.com (Ismail Afriant) — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 10:34:00 +0000

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Universal Description

A communal Rumah Gadang is a long house, rectangular in plan, with multiple gables and upsweeping ridges, forming buffalo horn-like ends. They normally have three-tiered projections, each with varying floor levels. They are broad and set on wooden piles that can reach as high as 3 meters (10 feet) off the ground; sometimes with a verandah running along the front face of the house which is used as a reception and dining area, and as a sleeping place for guests. Unlike the Toba Batak homes, where the roof essentially creates the living space, the Minangkabau roof rests on conventional walls. Cooking and storage areas are often in separate buildings.

The house is largely constructed of wood; an exception being the being the rear longitudinal wall which is a plain lattice woven in a chequered pattern from split bamboo. The roof is of a truss and cross-beam construction, and is typically covered with thatch from the fibre of the sugar palm (ijuak), the toughest thatch material available and said to last a hundred years. The thatch is laid in bundles which can be easily fitted to the curved, multi-gabled roof. Contemporary homes, however, are more frequently using corrugated iron in place of thatch. Roof finials are formed from thatch bound by decorative metal bindings and drawn into points said to resemble buffalo horns - an allusion to a legend concerning a battle between two water buffaloes from which the 'Minangkabau' name is thought to have been derived. The roof peaks themselves are built up out of many small battens and rafters.

The women who share the house have sleeping quarters set into alcoves - traditionally odd in number - that are set in a row against the rear wall, and curtained off by the vast interior space of the main living area. Traditionally, large communal Rumah Gadang will be surrounded by smaller homes built for married sisters and daughters of the parent family. It is the responsibility of the women's maternal uncle to ensure that each marriageable woman in the family has a room of her own and to this end will build either a new house or more commonly additionally annexes to the original one. It is said that the number of married daughters in a home can be told by the counting its horn-like extensions; as they are not always added symmetrically, Rumah Gadang can sometimes look unbalanced.Adolescent boys traditionally live in the village surau, a small Masjid.

Outdoor and Indoor Element

Interior of the Pagaruyuang Palace showing the long common area of a Rumah Gadang. The two level floor is a symbolic element specific to the palace.

Each element of a Rumah Gadang has its own symbolic meaning, which is referred to in adat speech and aphorisms. The elements of a Rumah Gadang includes:

gonjong, hornlike roof structure
singkok, triangular wall under the ends of gonjong
pereng, shelf under the singkok
anjuang, raised floor at the end of one style of Rumah Gadang
dindiang ari, the walls on the side elevations
dindiang tapi, the walls on the front and back elevations
papan banyak, front facade
papan sakapiang, a shelf or middle band on the periphery of the house
salangko, wall enclosing space under a house that has been built on stilts

Some symbolisms of the house, for example, relate to the gonjong reaching to god, and the dindiang tapi, which is traditionally made of plaited strips of bamboo or Batuang, symbolizing the strength and utility of the community which is formed when individual Minangkabau become part of the larger community instead of standing alone.

The pillars of the ideal Rumah Gadang are arranged in five rows which run the length of the house. These rows divide the interior into four long spaces called lanjar. The lanjar at the rear of the house is divided into bedrooms (ruang). According to adat, a rumah gadang must have at least five ruang, and the ideal number is nine. The other lanjar are used as a common area, called the labuah gajah (elephant road), for living and ceremonial events.

One of Much Model Relief

A number of rice barns (rangkiang) ideally accompany a rumah gadang, with each having a different name and function. The Rangkiang Sitinjau Lauik, contains rice for the family, particularly for adat ceremonies. The Rangkiang Sitangka Lapa contains rice for donation to poor villagers and for times of famine in the village. The Rangkiang Sibayau-Bayau contains rice for the daily needs of the family.

Wassalam, wr. wb

Sarasah Local Name For Unique Water Fall In Harau Valley Minangkabau

noreply@blogger.com (Ismail Afriant) — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 06:25:00 +0000

Assalamualaikum.wr.wb

A relaxing one-hour drive from the bustling market of Bukittinggi in the province of West Sumatra lies the beautiful Harau Valley, - or sometimes called the Arau valley - where lush green ricefields are hemmed in between huge granite cliffs. Here dozens of waterfalls tumble down from 80 to 300 meters height into the valley below, cut by the Batang Arau River. No wonder, therefore, that the Harau Valley is sometimes known as the Yosemite of Indonesia.

Harau Valley

Here gibbons and macaques and a variety of wildlife still roam freely as this area in the Lima Puluh Kota district has actually been designated a nature conservation, covering some 669 acres. Its beautiful landscape, its peaceful serenity interrupted only by the calls of the macaques and the chirping of birds, make the Harau Valley the perfect holiday getaway.

Here one waterfall is named the Bunta Waterfall or locally called Sarasah Bunta that pours down fresh water from the highlands with three other waterfalls nearby. It was first visited in 1926 by a Dutch mayor. A carved stone indicating the year when the mayor visited the waterfall is still there expressing the beauty of this valley. Other the waterfalls are called the Akar Barayun, Sarasah Luluh, and Sarasah Murai.

One theory has it that the Sarasah Harau (Harau Valley) came into being as a result of a tectonic fracture on an ancient land, with parallel rivers running through it. As one part of the land sank, while the other rose, the waterways broke, and waterfalls eventually ensued from the spillways above the rocky hills. Local scientists believe that this theory may prove to be true.

On the other hand, German geologists who had conducted a study here found that the huge granite rocks found in the area are in fact identical to those found on the ocean bed. Thus, there is now another theory that the valley may have once laid at the bottom of the ocean.

Public transportation is available for those wishing to spend the entire vacation time in and around Bukittinggi. Else, renting a minivan or a motorbike will guarantee the time well spent for day trippers to these Minangkabau highlands.

Wassalam. wr. wb

History Of Tari Piriang, Original Dance From Solok Distric Of Minangkabau

noreply@blogger.com (Ismail Afriant) — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 04:21:00 +0000

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Originated in a town called Solok in the province of West Sumatra, Tari Piriang is one of the most enchanting traditional dances of Indonesia. Piriang, as it is called in its original Minangkabau language, symbolizes the farmer’s joy for a successful harvest.


Tari Piriang Kontemporer When TDS Opening

Tari Piriang (plate dance) literally means plate (piriang) dance (tari). It is the cultural dance of the Minangkabau people, influenced by the late Pagaruyuang Kingdom, which ruled West Sumatra in the 14th century.The dance ritual was originally performed by young ladies and men carrying food on the plates, to give thanks to the God for a successful harvest. Nowadays, this fast tempo dance is performed with dancers with only plates on each of their hands.

Depending on the choreography, the plates would sometimes be thrown into the air and the dancers will let them hit the ground to be broken into pieces. The dancers would then, without fear, step or jump or even roll around the broken glass without injuring themselves. This action of people leaping into piles of broken glass is considered to be the magic of Tari Piriang.


Classic Tari Piriang (Broken Glass Action)

Depending on the purpose of performing this dance, Tari Piriang can have many different variations. These days, it is performed on public events, such as wedding parties, cultural events, etc. Some of the well-known variations include Tupai Bagaluik (the moving raccoon), bagalombang (waving/curling), and aka malikik.

Throughout the performance, the dance is accompanied by traditional Minangkabau music, such as talempong (similar to the Javanese gamelan), bansi, puput, salung (a flute that is usually made from bamboo, reed or rice stalks), etc. The music starts off slow and soft but it gets faster with time.

The music is a crucial element in Tari Piriang since it directs the dancers to move in a certain way. In the video below, you would see that the dance was led by a woman shouting out instructions to the other dancers. The dancers would then take turns to step or jump on the pile of broken glass.

wassalam. wr. wb

Palai Bada, Minangkabau Cuisine Unique Taste

noreply@blogger.com (Ismail Afriant) — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 03:51:00 +0000

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Have you ever tried tasting Pepes in Bahasa Indonesia ??

Well, if for those who already frequent tongue to taste the Pepes would not be dumb to try this dish,

called Palai Bada in Baso Minang. Consisting of fresh fish, coconuts,

and other spices. Let us try to make it, guaranteed you’ll like family.

Ingredients:

1 ounce fresh anchov

1 btr shredded coconut

5 red onions

1 whole garlic

5 pieces of red chilli

2 pieces of turmeric leaf, finely sliced

4 cm turmeric

1 sheet of orange leaves

1 / 2 teaspoon salt

Direction:

Pound shallots, garlic with salt. Puree until smooth.

Then enter the red chillies, turmeric, finely minced.

Then proceed with lime leaves and coconut mengiling (coconut be shredded) which has been shredded.

Mix well. Wrap the dough with banana leaf, folding and valves.

Grilled with medium heat, back and forth, and wait up to 20 minutes. Serve warm.

wassalam.wr.wb

Saluang, The Primitive, Unique and Traditional Music Instruments From Minangkabau (Original Music Instrument)

noreply@blogger.com (Ismail Afriant) — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 11:02:00 +0000

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As an ethnic Minangkabau society also has a unique traditional musical instruments. One of many kind of them is "Saluang". Saluang is made of thin bamboo or "talang" (Schizostachyum brachycladum Kurz). with 4 hole. Saluang more simple than other kind of flute because it is made just adding 4 holes and finish. The dimension of saluang is 3-4 cm in diameter and 40-60 cm in length. It is related to the suling of other parts of Indonesia.

Saluang Minangkabau

Saluang player can play that music instrument without interrupting for taking breath from start to end of song. They have developed special breath technique in blowing that instrument without stopping for breathtaking.

Saluang Player and Dendang Singer

Minangkabau people believe that talang which is collected from rack of clothes dryer or found drifting in the river is a good material for making saluang. Traditionally Minangkabau people also use talang as a container for sticky rice food (lamang, lemang) and as horizontal rack for drying clothes under sunlight .

Wassalam,wr.wb

Samba Randang, Unique, Cuisine, and Original Culinary From Minangkabau in Indonesia

noreply@blogger.com (Ismail Afriant) — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 09:13:00 +0000

Assalamualaikum.wr.wb

Diversity of West Sumatra if the pan is very much the uniqueness of this Minangkabau culture. In terms of regional architecture, food, musical instruments, traditional dances and many more in fact that is rarely known to the public. Starting from general knowledge, I want to review a little about the cuisine of the Minangkabau or person is often called Padang cuisine. Maybe everyone knows about the taste of the cuisine of this field which has its own characteristics. Where where there may be food waste, even in foreign countries can be encountered in the cuisine of this field.

RENDANG or call Randang Minangkabau society. One of the traditional cuisine that is unique in terms of shapes and how to cook it. Although the cuisine of the Minangkabau hereditary called traditional cuisine, culinary Randang material is not cheap. In the sense of the word for the material cost of manufacture is also quite expensive today. Starting from the meat, the materials, to manufacture a fairly long duration. Can untill time 6-7 hours to cook in sizes 2 to 4 pounds of meat.

Ordinary Randang presented when there are certain events such as weddings, or large events in West Sumatra. Reviewed when cooking is not as easy as we imagine. Place cooked it is not the same as us when we used to cook food that is cooked. Since cook using gas stoves will not produce the original taste of this Randang. Therefore, in needing a place that is wide enough also from the regular kitchen size. "Cauldron" (where the frying pan) are large and bulky and "furnace" a place to cook with wood.

What makes this unique from cooking Randang when about to enter the meat, which he said included a spoon so that the meat is not easily destroyed. Because begun from scratch cooking spices, pots should be stirred continuously until finally cuisine ready to move. Randang cooked up to look like charred meat. This is what makes this a unique cuisine with its own flavor. So anyone who does not know the cuisine field this one. This recipe was sent down only by word of mouth. There is no manual or similar tutorial in the study. If you want to know how to manufacture the original, it must learn to direct to his native people.

So there are other areas that claim cuisine from West Sumatra say this in their local cuisine. But whatever was said, Randang keep people Minangkabau cuisine. No one can imitate like the taste of that produced by the Minangkabau.

Wassalam,wr.wb

Lineage System And Social System in Minangkabau

noreply@blogger.com (Ismail Afriant) — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 04:47:00 +0000

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Genealogically speaking, the matrilineal Minangkabau Lineage System consisted of four levels : The kaum , paruik , payuang , and suku . Kaum is the smallest genelogical unit who traditionally occupied one rumah gadang ( a big house with horn-shaped roofs and can you look at background of this Blog ) . In the old days, although the central figure of the ingerited communal house was the oldest woman, the head of the house was usually a male, the mamak ( uncle) who was sometimes alho called tungganai.

A group of a maximum of four kaum forms a paruik ( womb). A bigger group is called payuang ( umbrella ) , and the biggest one is the suku ( clan ). One of the major functions of these genealogical units was to secure the orderly transfer of the sacrosanct inherited land. Another function, of course, was to take care of the ranji , the genealogical register. After all, it is the register that should be used to determine one’s right to the pangulu ship.

A man is actually only a guest in his mother’s house. He may inherit the family adat title, but it is his sisters who would acquire the landed property. As a member of his adat community he is involved in two types of social networks. He is a nephew to his uncle ( mamak ) or an uncle to his sister’s children. But at the same time he is responsible for the father – son network, being a son of his father or a father to his children. Therefore, it is expected of Minangkabau males to put into practice the traditional proverb : Anak dipangku kemenakan dibimbing , putting one ‘s children on the lap while holding the hands of nephew and nieces. An individual male then is expected to fulfill both sets of responsibilities. In a conflict between son and nephew – naturally a very common phenomenon, considerable tact is necessary. It is like ‘drawing a hair out of flour so that the hair does not break and the flour is not scattered’

A settlement can be called nagari if it consists of four elements, viz , a balai adat ( adat council hall ), a mosque, and a communal bathing place. A fortified dusun , is called Koto which eventually might become a nagari. According to the tradition the simplest settlement is called taratak ( hamlet ) which might grow a dusun ( compound). The oldest nagari in Minangkabau is, according to the myth, Pariangan Padang Panjang, Tanah Datar.

A nagari was obligarchically ruled by a group of pangulu or heads of matrilineal clans. The Dutch colonial government appointed one of them as the Chief Pangulu, known by the people as Angku Palo . After independence, the nagari, became the lowest administrative unit in West Sumatra. With the application of the Desa Ordinance of 1979 which was uniformally applied over the whole Republic, the lowest administrative unit is called desa . Since then nagari only indicates an adat community, and the rank of pangulu was reduced to a member of the Adat Consultative Council, Kerapatan Adat Nagari .

According to an old saying, a Minangkabau girl is the butterfly of the communal house ( limpapeh rumah nan gadang ). It has a dual meaning. Firstly, she is the price of the family, being the symbol of the lineage continuity, and at the same time she is a treasure to be guarded. Ideally each daughter of dthe house is allotted an individual room whis is placed in a row facing the large living room. She would share this room with her husband.

Formally adolescent boys are not allowed to sleep in the communal house. They have to spend the night with their fellow age – group in the surau (the village mosque) where they also can spend the evening studying to recite the Qur’an. After marriage the young man would become the honoured guest of his wife’s rumah gadang . Although this sleeping arrangement may no longer be obediently followed, the function of the rumah gadang as the sacred inherited property remains unchanged. It is adat that “neither cracks in the sun nor rottens in the rain “.

Minangkabau- side by side with Java and Bali – has the reputation of having a highly developed agricultural system, particularly in its water management for irrigation and its rice pounding technology. In Batu Bapaek (literally, hewed stone), Tanah Datar Regency, one can find of the oldest known irrigation system in Minangkabau. A hole was hewed in a rock to let the water flow and irrigate the rice fields.

All problems dealing with water management and distribution should be decided at meetings under the chairmanship of the Tuo Bundo (the irrigation head). With the consent of the meeting, the Tuo Bundo may decide the time to make repairs and to start the planting season. Both occasions are usually proceeded by a communal festivity called Alek Kapalo Bundo . This may also be the time for folk performances.

The most popular pastime after the harvest season is kite flying. Sometimes a contest is held which is preceded by adat ceremonies. The game of kite flying in a way has its own educational purposes. Boys are not expected to buy their kites. They have to make it with their own hands.

The first lesson is the art of balancing the bamboo frame and the proper use of the thread. As said by the traditional saying: “Hefting the weight, measuring the length. Tightness may break, looseness may slacken. Knowing the wind may turn around, and skilled in unraveling a knot”. In other words, the whole process of kite-making and kite – flying is by itself an education in leadership.

Wassalam,wr.wb

Talempong, The Nice Classic Instrument From Minangkabau

noreply@blogger.com (Ismail Afriant) — Sat, 11 Jun 2011 04:58:00 +0000

Assalamualaikum.wr.wb

A Talempong a small kettle gong which gives its name to an ensemble of four or five talempong as well as other gongs and drums. The term can refer to the instrument, the ensemble, or the genre of music.Talempong is a traditional music of the Minangkabau people of West Sumatra, Indonesia. The Talempong produce a static texture consisting of interlocking rhythms.

Talempong can be made of brass, but some are made of wood and stone. Currently talempong of brass type is more widely used. This talempong circular holes on the bottom while at the top there is a prominent traffic circle two inches in diameter as a place to hit. Talempong has a different tone. The sound generated from a pair of wood that struck the surface.Talempong was brought into Negri Sembilan, Malay Peninsular by people of West Sumatra in 14th century. Here, talempong is also known as caklempong.

You can hear sound of talempong in this blog, take your speaker and listening the sound of talempong :). Talempong Minangkabau consist of two, Talempong Duduak And Talempong Pacik. Talempong duduak, played while sitting with talempong placed on desk, and Talempong Pacik, played while standing with talempong held in his left hand, usually consist of 2 to 3 units talempong

Wassalam.wr.wb

Silek, Martial Arts From Minangkabau

noreply@blogger.com (Ismail Afriant) — Sat, 11 Jun 2011 04:11:00 +0000

Assalamualaikum.wr.wb

Each region would have the martial arts. Including the Minangkabau. Here are the martial arts in the call by Silek. Silek Minangkabau ( Silat Minangkabau) is a martial art which is owned by the people of Minangkabau, West Sumatra, Indonesia passed down from generation to generation from generation to generation. Minangkabau society has a somewhat wandering disposition since hundreds of years ago. Wander, of course, they should have enough stock in keeping away from the worst things during travel or on the coastline, such as being attacked or robbed people. In addition to provisions for going abroad, Silek important for defense against threats from outside the village.

Minangkabau region in the central part of Sumatra as other areas in the archipelago region is a fertile area and an important producer of spices since the first century AD, therefore, of course, security threats can come from visitors to the area of this archipelago. So the function of martial arts can be divided into two, as

* Panjago diri (to defend themselves from enemy attack), and
* Parik Paga dalam nagari(the country's defense system).

For two reasons, the Minangkabau society within which the first must have a good defense system to defend themselves and the country from the threat of the enemy at any time. Silek not only as a tool for self-defense, but also inspire or be the basis of movements of dance (drama Minangkabau) randai. That the development of martial arts movements into art is a strategy for ancestral Silat Minangkabau always repeated in peacetime and for the provision of "energy" of the martial arts which tend to heat and hard to be gentle and calm. In the meantime, if viewed from the side of the term, saying the martial arts in Silek tuo understanding (professor of martial arts) is mancak and Silek. The difference of the word is:

* The word is said and mancak or Silek Bungo (silat interest) is a form of martial arts dance movement is exhibited in the traditional ceremony or other ceremonial occasions. These movements try mancak as beautiful and as good as possible because of the show.

* The word itself does not Silek dance again, but an art of fighting that used to defend themselves from enemy attack, so the movement as little as possible effort, rapid, precise, and paralyze the opponent.

The Silek tuo also said mamancak jiko in galanggang, if musuah (enemy) dimuko basilek (if you do martial dance in the arena, whereas if bersilat face the enemy). Therefore, the Silek tuo (professors) are rarely willing to demonstrate their expertise in public what steps they paralyze the enemy. Therefore, in the tradition of Minangkabau silat festival, audiences will be disappointed if you expect the two professors (Silek tuo) down to the arena to show how they attack each other and defend each other with deadly movement. Both mancak Silek tuo and it just did not hurt each other trying to play against them, because other tuo Silek dropping the show will have an impact not so good for tuo Silek the "losing". In everyday practice, if a martial arts teacher asked if they could bersilat, they usually answer with a fine and said that they could only mancak (martial arts), but they taught Silek (silat). This is the humble nature of island-style community, they say, do not exalt yourself, let the facts do the talking. So said the martial arts and eventually difficult to distinguish. Today, after Silek Minangkabau studied by strangers, they showed us how they're doing deadly attacks. Silek tuo reluctance is understandable because Indonesia was colonized by the Dutch for hundreds of years, and demonstrate the ability to fight definitely will not be accepted by the colonizers in the first, this is clearly harmful to their position.

There are opinions that say martial art that originated from the word Silek. Silek said that some residents consider siliek derived from, or clay, because it was so very crooked and slippery as an eel. In each Nagari have a place to learn martial arts or goals also called Silek, led by a teacher who called Tuo Silek. Tuo Silek has a duty to help her right hand to teach beginners.

People who are adept at playing silat called pandeka (warrior). This Pandeka degree in dilewakan first time (confirmed) by niniak mamak (leader) prevalent in the villages respectively. But at the time of colonization by the Dutch government suspended the title. Pandeka act as Paga turvy in the village (the country's security guards), so they needed in creating a safe and peaceful country.

Wassalam,wr,wb

Batik Tanah Liek, Original Batik From Minangkabau, Indonesia

noreply@blogger.com (Ismail Afriant) — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 09:51:00 +0000

Assalamualaikum.wr.wb

If you consider Batik is only found in Java, you are wrong because Batik is also found in Sumatra precisely in West Sumatra. Minang people call it “Batik Tanah Liek” which means clay Batik ( in Indonesian language is Batik Tanah Liat). Interestingly, Minang people produce Batik immersed in clay to create different colors. Immersion process to make Batik is done before and after manufacture. Besides, dyes were derived from plants. Batik Tanah Liek is typically, you’ll look motif on batik was plant capture that found in nature. Paintings that appear as Batik Tanah Liek motif is non-figurative, emblems or symbols such as found in batik of Java.

Batik Tanah Liek have own characteristics compared with Batik of Java. Batik-making process begins by soaking the cloth to clay. Soaking is done for long lasting color and blend with the cloth. After that, the cloth is washed and then spiked with batik motifs like natural motive.

In West Sumatra ( Minangkabau ) there are three Batik Tanah Liek centers, Dharmasraya and in Pesisir Selatan area. Although fellows are Batik Tanah Liek but in each region motif are vary according to topography and natural resources respectively. For example on Dharmasraya, in besides the basic motif, there is also renewal motif such as palm oil that inspired in the numerous palm plantations in this area.

Wassalam.wr.wb

Tari Piriang or Plate Dance, The Unique, Hard and Magic Dance From Minangkabau

noreply@blogger.com (Ismail Afriant) — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 08:34:00 +0000

Assalamualaikum.wr.wb

Tari Piriang

Tari Piriang or plate dance from west sumatra or Minangkabau. One characteristic of Minangkabau society dances that use the plate in both hands while dancing. Graceful movements that make that look so silent follow the rhythm rhythm of the dancers sang. At the end of the index finger was given something like a ring made of wood or Kemiri ( cover of candle nut ), in order to generate sound twang. Even more exciting again when the plates are on break on the floor and on departure, jumping barefoot. Without any cuts, no pain is felt by the dancers.

This dance is unusual in the show when the wedding party,Initially used to dance when the plate was created to give offerings to the gods when entering the harvest, but after the arrival of Islam in Minangkabau dance to the offering plate is no longer the gods but for the Majlis-Majlis addressed the crowd, which was attended by the king or the Chiefs, dance plate also used in other crowded events such as the wedding ceremony.

Concerning the first time dance plate appearance is not known for sure, but believed that the dance has been in the islands plate wither since more than 800 years ago. Dance dishes are also believed to have been there in western Sumatra and developed until the time of Sri Wijaya. After the emergence of Majapahit in the 16th century who dropped the Sri Wijaya, has pushed the plate dance developed to developing countries along with the other Malay people sri runaway victory at the time.

Dance Sequence Plate

On the Art of dance dishes can be done in various ways or later, it all depends on where the place or village where the dance was performed Plate (piriang). But not so many differences from Dance Dishes made from one place to another place, especially regarding the concept, approach and style offerings. In its entirety, to understand how a dish is served Dance, below is a sequence or arrangement of an offering.

Wassalam.wr.wb

Oral Tradition of Minangkabau

noreply@blogger.com (Ismail Afriant) — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 07:36:00 +0000

Minangkabau culture has a long history of oral traditions. One oral tradition is the pidato adat (ceremonial orations) performed by panghulu (clan chiefs) at formal occasions such as weddings, funerals, adoption ceremonies, and panghulu inaugurations. These ceremonial orations consist of many forms including pantun, aphorisms (patatah-patitih), proverbs (pameo), religious advice (pituah), parables (tamsia), two-line aphorisms (gurindam), and similes (ibarek).

Minangkabau traditional folktales (kaba) are narratives which present the social and personal consequences of either ignoring or observing the ethical teachings and the norms embedded in the adat. The storyteller (tukang kaba) recites the story in poetic or lyrical prose while accompanying himself on a Rabab.

A theme in Minangkabau folktales is the central role of mothers and motherhood in Minangkabau society. Two examples are Rancak di Labuah and Malin Kundang. Rancak di Labueh tells about a mother who acts as teacher and adviser to her two growing children. Initially her son is vain and headstrong, and only after her perseverance does he become a good son who listens to his mother. Malin Kundang is about the dangers of treating your mother badly. A sailor from a poor family voyages to seek his fortune, becomes rich and marries a prestigious wife. On his return home, he refuses to recognize his elderly mother because he is ashamed of his humble origins. He is cursed and dies soon after wards when his ship is flung against rocks by a storm.

Other popular folktales also relate to the important role of the woman in Minangkabau society. In the Cindua Mato epic about the traditions of Minangkabau royalty, woman is the source of wisdom. The story involves a mythical Minangkabau queen, Bundo Kanduang, who embodies the behaviors prescribed by adat. Cindua Mato, a servant of the queen, uses magic to defeat hostile outside forces and save the kingdom. Sabai nan Aluih is about a young girl named Sabai who avenges the murder of her father by a powerful and evil ruler from a neighboring village. When her cowardly elder brother refuses to confront the murderer, Sabai takes matters into her own hands, seeks out the murderer and shoots him for revenge

Silek, The Hardly And Acrobatic Martial Art of Minangkabau

noreply@blogger.com (Ismail Afriant) — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 12:57:00 +0000

Silek is name minangkabau martial art other place known with Silat. system matrilineal that professed to make man child after aqil must live in prayer-house and Silek one of the base important education that must be studied by man child beside islamic religion education. silek be important element in tradition and society custom minangkabau that be ekspersi ethnic minang.

silek in every life everyday and appear as important element in folklore, legend, proverb and tongue tradition at minangkabau. there many current kinds martial silek at west sumatra and can categories in eleven currents silek a success be collected file among others:

silek kumanggo
silek lintau
silek tuo
silek sitaralak ( usual called silek taralak )
silek harimau
silek pauh
silek sungai patai
silek luncua
silek gulo gulo tareh
silek baru
silek ulu ambek

only ten first that can diversified as current martial silek but silek Ulu Ambek many found in beach pariaman.

kind martial silek on found in many place at west sumatra although many kinds other localer may even exist only found in a village and for the things latest this is correcter likely to called institution silek than current mostly call current silek by the name of current origin village silek that come and not associated their self wrongly one current on, even several call self by the name of unique like harimau lalok, gajah badorong, kuciang bagaluik or puti mandi.

practice method silek

silek usually done on place that called target, a opened place or empty and vast close to teacher house silek. practice martial silek carried out at the (time) of approach evening after sholat maghrib (moslem prayers) and go on during 2-3 clock although sometimes until midnight. practice martial silek also done with illumination like moonlight, torch or soil oil lamp. this matter is done to train sight sharpness and also as intuition practice. sometimes practice silek this also attended by village moslem priest and escorted by song, talempong and or saluang. clothes silek galembong (black trousers), taluak balango and destar (cover of head).

Randai, The Game Of Anak Nagari ( Young Games In Minangkabau)

noreply@blogger.com (Ismail Afriant) — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 11:19:00 +0000

Randai be federation from several show. there movement Silek/Pencak, there sing, Saluang, rabab, kaba, theater. federation from several show that, make function Randai doubled. that function is among others for art shows and message delivery, advice or education. Randai one of the game Anak Nagari that many known also international with invitations existence from Nagari Subarang. up to now Randai still often shows. Randai this still liked by various circle so much. this game is usually is perfominged in bight time at opened arena. temporary on looker sits to go around, show to go on center on looker. Randai not games that perfominged self but many people in the form of big circles.

The movement steps with dance style even Silek Acrobatic is interlarded song according to by turns. before song ( Dendang ) is pealed, they make movement with step progresses, retreat, into decry circle, and out again. sometimes they do movement likes to kick, lunge, strike and bop to like martial arts ( Silek ). after wards, they walk while sing to return. somebody beginning intones sebait quatrain or a story then in sentence ends them sing together. finished intone sebait quatrain or pieces story, they return to do movement pencak Silek. then, they sit on circle to take a rest. to fill breathing space, they perfoming dialog delivers story figure, Basilek (Martial arts acrobatic), or do artistry activity likes basaluang, barabab, and as it

Rabab or Barabab, The Traditional Music of The Minangkabau

noreply@blogger.com (Ismail Afriant) — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 10:18:00 +0000

" Rabab" as one of the tradisional artistry that grows and bloom in society culture Minangkabau, widespread on region with area and society communities that has kind and certain spesification. beside" Rabab Darek" , " Rabab Piaman" and " Rabab Pasisie" be one of the tradisional artistry enough bloom with area and at support by local society. " Rabab Darek" grow and bloom at region darek minangkabau cover Luhak Nan Tigo while" Rabab Piaman" bloom at region beach west minangkabau, cover coast edge region.

Pasisia south as culture area minangkabau that follow geohistoris at classify to region" go abro pasisia" area scope very vast and here's bloom it artistry rabab pasisia. rabab pasisia reviewed from physical aspect has spesification aloof and individuality its different with another rabab. especially from tool form aspect resembles, with violin (stringed west) historicly come from portuguese culture influence come to indonesia in century to XVI pass coast west sumatra.

In rabab has composition aloof depending to song desirable with perfoming song has kaba as matter main. song that born be brainchild idea that come from different society communities but there in same region. like society pasisia self, has perception aloof towards this artistry presence is that is rabab pasisia popular now at that good society eye is being seen from also the rhythm aspect sing special also be visualisation or incarnation from alive history and society life pasisia south, because region this long be colony in the past

The Meaning Symbols of Baju Kuruang In Minangkabau ( Traditional Costume Of Bundo Kanduang )

noreply@blogger.com (Ismail Afriant) — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 09:26:00 +0000

Universal Look

At west sumatra,Indonesia there one tribe that called minangkabau. Mention that word origin “minangkabau” many the versions, among others come from “manang adu kabau” (win fight buffalo) then, there version that say that word “minangkabau” come from “manang kabau” (win buffalo); and there also that say to come from “minang kabau” (of a kind sharp weapon that installed in buffalo head). Version other thing say that name origin “minangkabau” not from fight buffalo, but there [are] since long time. That thing looking-glass from the custom house building. Get out of various that version, the tribe is more like to called their region as “ranah minang” and not “ranah kabau”. Temporary, in association tribe person minangkabau with the fellow calleds self as “urang awak” (we person).

Person minangkabau be very unique and special because breed principle them follow differ from another tribe in Indonesia, that is matrilineal. Mean, breed is based in mother line (woman). therefore, woman minangkabau has position and part aloof in tradition growth by the society.

As another tribe society in indonesia, society minangkabau has also clothes (clothing) custom aloof, good to ceremony at individual alive circle (marriage) also another ceremony (custom degree inauguration, like: moslem priest or grandfather (tribe head), sutan1) and bundo kanduang2). Clothing that worn by tribe head, this custom one with another is differ. In this article be discussed to hit clothing from one of [the] tribe head custom at minangkabau, that is bundo kanduang.

Bundo kanduang, among person minangkabau, called as “peti ambon puruk”, that is one who take responsibility to hold the class inherited property. So, a woman that be bundo kanduang will hold important role in the class, so that not all womans be bundo kanduang. Therefore, lifted to be bundo kanduang one who wise and wise, so that can to be protector for the class. And, as a leader, of course has different grandeur clothing from woman usually, because clothing and decoration his wear be symbolic from account to answer it towards son-nephew in a colossal house.

Symbolic meaning that implieds in clothing bundo kanduang :

1. Part clothing on
Tikuluak Tanduak or Tikuluak Ikek made head casing from cloth balapak. This equipment is its for corneous (pointed) berumai gold or gilt brass. Symbolic meaning from this equipment colossal house property. mean, one who wear it bundo kanduang (owner a colossal house).

2. Part clothing middle
Baju Kuruang with black colour, red, blue, or purple that decorated with gold thread and the side is given minsai have a meaning symbolic, especially minsai-, that is a bundo kanduang and the class must obey custom limits and may not break it. temporary, balapak is wear from right shoulder to left side haves symbolic that a bundo kanduang responsible to continue breed.

3. Part clothing under
Saruang (kodek) balapak embroidered gold haves symbolic policy. mean, a bundo kanduang must can laid a certain in the place, as that allegorized by proverb “mamakan abih-abih, manyuruak ilang-ilang” (eats must be finished, hidden must be not seeing).

4. Decoration
Besides clothes there also several decorations or accesories that used by bundo kanduang. decoration consist of set kaluang or Dukuah (necklace) that consist of nine form kinds, bracelet set and ring also consist of various form. decorations in general made from gold ingredient and nature stone. decoration likes set kaluang and look after with has special difference in comparison with woman decoration in general, because be simbols that contain norms and values that serve the purpose of reference in societal life. so, can be said that decoration that worn by bundo kanduang not only functioned to beautify appearance, but has also certain meaning related to customs and traditions minangkabau. necklace and bracelet only worn at the (time) of carried out where bundo kanduang present with all grandeur as a custom leader. follow several decoration kinds (necklace, bracelet and ring) commonly use by bundo kanduang in carry out custom ceremony :

*dukuah nasura, that is necklace , so this necklace often is called cakiak lihia (cakiak mean “strangle”, while lihia mean “neck”). as according to the name, so whenever that necklace will be worn be seen as if will strangle neck the the user (bundo kanduang). symbolic meaning that implieds in this decoration that alive person must discipline (can apply economical mental attitude).

*dukuah palam made necklace from grout (beads) that comes from sea floor. symbolic meaning that implieds in this necklace that alive is struggle. mean, not only submit but think and make a certain about all god creation for human welfare.

*dukuah pitih (money) dukat, made necklace from gold. this necklace contain symbolic meaning that bundo kanduang is mirror a woman minangkabau that can be protector for the class in endure life.

*dukuah rago, dukuah pinyaram, kaban ketek or Kaban Kaciak, kaban manangah and kaban colossal simbol from harmonious islam that must be carried out by everyone minangkabau, especially that profess islamic religion. .

*Galang ula tigo a bracelet look like one of [the] snake formed the end. this bracelet contains symbolic meaning as self good for protects entire nephew (class) bundo kanduang. mean, a bundo kanduang supposed can protect nagari (village) from damage or confusion.

*Galang gadang, look after colossal or called also with look after big custom contains symbolic meaning as pamaga (fence). mean, all actions or task that carried out by bundo kanduang must as according to custom rule and approved by mamak or panghulu. so, look after colossal functioned as reminder bundo kanduang so that always obey custom rules that appointed.

Entire dukuah be wealth simbol a bundo kanduang in custom proverb is said “nak tuah batabua urai”. impliedly a bundo kanduang besides has many treasures, also wise and wise. wisdom and policy which is on the turn can be used to break various class troubleshoot and nagari (village).

Besides necklace and bracelet, ring also belong decoration in completion bundo kanduang. but, ring that used is not defined form and the model (based on taste).

Culture value

Clothing function for somebody not just as body patron from cold weather and sunshine, but has also function other in social structure a society. from clothing that worn by one can known persons involved social status in the society. in society minangkabau for example, custom clothing that worn by tribe head (grandfather and sutan) differ from rank and file, so that person detects according to exactly social status the user. . and so do clothing that worn by bundo kanduang differ from woman majority. clothing that worn by bundo kanduang also not just clothing, but at return it there symbolic meaning loaded with values which is on the turn can be made as reference in life. that values: persistence and resposibility, policy, frugality, hard work, protection, and loyalty.

looking-glass leadership value in head casing symbolic meaning is called tikuluak tanduak or tikuluak ikek. this head casing as simbol a leader in colossal house.

persistence value and responsibility looking-glass in symbolic meaning minsai and balapak. minsai simbol that a bundo contain and the class know exactly about custom and may not break it. while, balapak breed router simbol. mean, a bundo contain to responsible to continue breed.

looking-glass policy value in saruang (sarong) symbolic meaning (kodek) balapak embroidered gold, that is a bundo kanduang must can laid a certain in the place. while, looking-glass frugality value in symbolic meaning dukuah nasura, that is alive person must can apply economical mental attitude.

looking-glass hard work value in symbolic meaning dukuah grout, that is alive may not capitulate (to submit) but must think, make and struggle to get a certain by human welfare.

value looking-glass in symbolic meaning dukuah pitih (money necklace) dukat, that is bundo contain to be mirror a woman minangkabau that can be protector for the class in endure life.

value religion looking-glass in symbolic meaning: dukuah rago, dukuah pinyaram, kaban ketek, kaban manangah and kaban gadang, harmonious islam that must be carried out by everyone minangkabau, especially that profess islamic religion. .

looking-glass protection value in symbolic meaning looks ula tigo return, that is self good for protect entire nephew (class) bundo kanduang. mean, a bundo kanduang supposed can protect nagari from damage or confusion.

looking-glass loyalty value in symbolic meaning looks colossal, that is as pamaga (fence). mean, all actions or task that carried out by bundo kanduang must as according to custom rule and approved by mamak or panghulu.

1) sutan degree that given to a man (boy) that accepted at society custom milieu nagari. usually this degree is equiped by the name of degree (not little name), like: sutan pamenan, sutan tanbijo, sutan alamsyah, and as it

2) bundo kanduang special term that is attributed towards woman class leader in custom order minangkabau. a bundo kanduang traditionally one who responsible to protect and guide society member (the class), belong to increase the class life quality, either through also materials.

The Profil Of Minangkabau People

noreply@blogger.com (Ismail Afriant) — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 07:00:00 +0000

The Land

The people of Minangkabau is the Malayu who reside current West Sumatra Province with the capital city of Padang. A city with around 300.000 residents located on the west coast of West Sumatra, facing Indian ocean Other big city in West Sumatra is Bukit Tinggi located on highland with nice temperature which is considered the capital city of Minangkabau land. Historical researches revealed that the first kingdom on the country was located around 60 kms away from Bukit Tinggi city, a place called Pagaruyung. Here was found stone inscription in old Malayu language and old Javanese writing. The inscription mentioned that king Adityawarman was ruling the country who was assigned by the kingdom of Pajajaran from West Java in 14th century. During the time West Java was under the control of the Great Kingdom of Majapahit.

To reach the country one can fly directly to Padang from any big cities in Indonesia. Fly from Jakarta need only 2 hours, and from Medan the capital city of North Sumatra is only 1 hour. Yet one who wish to travel with visit to some great places along the land of North and West Sumatra will take car from Medan to Padang, a distance of 800 kms and can be completed within 7 days with overnight stop at some places such as Mountain resort of Berastagi, 2 night at Lake Toba and Samosir Island the land of Batak Tribe, the city of Padang Sidempuan the border between the land of Batak and Minangkabau, then continue to Bukit Tinggi and Padang by crossing the equator line at the town of Bonjol, between Bukit Tinggi and Padang. One thing that is well known from West Sumatra is the cuisine called "Masakan Padang"

Kinship Tradition

The only ethnic of Indonesia using mother line or mother genealogy as the main lineage of family heir in Indonesia. In relation to the family genealogy and heritages the Minangkabau has typical tradition called matrilineal or matriarchart system. Children are considered belong to the mother and her sister(s), not belong to father and his sister(s) or brother(s). A father seems to be out of the family, out of his wife and his children. He has no right to claim the heritage(s) of the family and acts as the guard only for the whole heritages and heirlooms of the family to be safe, or just like a security for a company. The concept of a family in Minangkabau society is different from the rest of Indonesian ethnic group, the core family ( father, mother and their children ) is not a family, but is only part of a of a family. The understanding of a family in Minangkabau society is a unit consist of mother's sister(s), mother's brother(s), son(s) and daughter(s) of mother's sister(s). While father and his son(s) are belong to other family that is father's sister(s). The core family has no right to the whole management of family heritages and heirlooms and in the society structure of obligation and rights. Yet the growth and education of the children sons or daughters is the full responsibility of father and mother apart. A father or son is not the heir of a family, but it is the daughter(s) of mother and her sister(s) of mother. Husband has the duty to guard the family heritages, managing, and distributing to the heirs safely, not for the sake of himself. Wife or wife's sister(s) will not allow him to rent or sell the heritages. Heritages in the Minangkabau language is called "Pusako", compared to Indonesian "Pusaka" which has almost the same meaning. Pusako is divided into 2 groups, the high pusako including land of rice field or dry land, estate or plantations, while low pusako is heirlooms, or gift. All these heritages are owned by the line of mother from generation to generation. All these heritages will go to mother's daughter(s), and in case the heir is absent, then based on consensus will be taken the girl from mother's line to be the family heir. That is the main reason that a man from Minangkabau prefers to leave their land and go to other country

Core Family

A unit of family in Minangkabau society as mentioned above is consist of big family which is called pariuk or perut, kampueng or suku, depending on the area, weather they are on lowland or on the mountain area. But it shows the smallest unit of a family, reflected in the architecture of their house called " Rumah Gadang" Kampuang or Suku was formed by Datuak Parpatiah Nan Sabatang based on his visit to China. The way the Chinese identify their family by using family names amazed him and inspired him to manage the people of Minangkabau with this system. At the beginning it is said only 3 groups were exist those were the group of Suku Koto, Suku Piliang, Suku Bodi, and Suku Caniago. As the number and area of West Sumatra was to wide, each of these Suku again divided into smaller units. At some places a Suku had far bigger number of residents, while the Suku of their neighbors had much fewer members. Since the marriage is regulated between Suku, so it was not enough for one Suku that had bigger members to merry the Suku with fewer member. Based on this condition, again the bigger Suku was divided into smaller unit of Sukus called Paruik or Perut. Here Paruik became the smaller unit of administration. A Suku or Paruik is headed by 4 elders: The Panghulu, the Malim, the Manti and the Dubalang.

Who was Datuak Parpatiah? Researches so far era the latest of 14th century West Sumatra was under the control of Hindu and Buddhist kingdom. Sriwijaya kingdom believed to have ruled Sumatra from the beginning of Christian era up to 10th century, then taken over by the great kingdom of Majapahit. The terminology " Parpatiah" makes no doubt that it is " Patiah ", the prime minister of the minister of Hindu king, weather Sriwijaya or Majapahit who trusted to rule the country. The relation between the country with China as mentioned above gives the indication that the person was a Hindu or Buddhist, not Islam. Other interesting question is why only West Sumatra that use the tradition of Matriarchart, while the rest of Indonesian ethnic using patriarchart? This is still un-answered until today.

The country of Minangkabau is the area now called West Sumatera with their capital is Padang city, located on the beach facing Indian Ocean. The area is divided into 3 administrative government at the level of 2 under the province. The unit customary organization of the people similar to a unit of a village which is called Nagari. Nagari is the total unit that bound their members on customs and life. It is estimated that the number of population is around 4.000.000. The people of Minangkabau used to leave their country and live at other areas of Indonesia, even in Malaysia. If you see a restaurant named "Rumah Makan Padang" it is a Minangkabau restaurant, and sometimes in short called "Rumah Makan Minang". Many experts say that matrilineal system of their society that force Minangkabau men to leave their land. Minangkabau people speak Malay with some silght different, which can be grouped as dialect /a/ tends to use /a/ as the first vowel, and dialect /o/ tends to use /o/ as the first vowel.

The original house of Minangkabau is a high house, built on poles with roofs shaped as horn, almost similar with that of Torajan in south Sulawesi. Thie house is called "Rumah Gadang"
Basic economic activities are farming, trade, and small part also introduce handicraft such as weaving and silver works. Most of the trades activities have been handled by Minangkabau people themselves, and very few outsiders that can participate in this economic activities. Within the Nagari organization system it is introduced 2 basic systems. Firstly is Body-Caniago, a democratic system, and Koto-Piliang system, an autocratic system. Today these 2 systems have become more and more disappeared due to the application of national system. Almost all people of Minangkabau is Moslem. In the past many rituals that had relation with religion now already discarded or simply forgotten. Some people are still believe in invisible being or holy spirits that could effect human life. The famous tourist's object in West Sumatera are the Canyon ( Ngarai Sihanok ), just on the west border of Bukit Tinggi city, Japanese Militery Defense Cave on the west corner of Bukit Tinggi city, Rumah Gadang at Pagaruyuang, Songket weaving at Pandai Sikek village, and natural sceneries for lakes and mountains and Anai waterfall ( Lembah Anai )

Massive earth quake hit the country of Minangkabau killing more then 1000 persons and thousands of houses building, supermarkets and shops were in a total damage as by information collected by National Disaster Agency

Unique Story About The History of The Name Minangkabau

noreply@blogger.com (Ismail Afriant) — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 03:49:00 +0000

The history of the Minangkabau name has a unique legend associated with it and it's about how a Minangkabau prince and a neighboring nation had a dispute over land. Instead of going to war and destroying each other the two princes decided to settle the dispute with two fighting water buffaloes. The prince of the neighboring nation raised their buffalo to be a mean and ruthless beast ready for destruction. The Minangkabau decided to take a baby buffalo and sharpen its horns like knives. When the two animals were released to fight one another the older water buffalo didn't pay the kid buffalo any mind. The baby buffalo killed its elder because it shoved its horns into its underbelly while searching for some milk.

This legend suggest a way that the Minangkabau might have obtained their name and it also shows the intelligence, cunning, and wisdom of this Indonesian people. The name is derived from minang (or victorious) and kabau (or buffalo). There are close to 5.5 million people who are of Minangkabau heritage and they reside in the Middle East in places such as Java, Sumatra, and Riau.

The Minangkabau people are highly educated and many of them are dominate the educated classes of people in Indonesia. This is because they place such an emphasis on learning. They also enjoy middle and higher class lifestyles compared with other peoples in the region. Poverty exists for some of the Minangkabau but it's not common.

There society is matrilineal and they pass property down from mother to daughter. Women hold a great deal of power within their culture. Men dominate the religious and political institutions. The Minangkabau people are also strongly Islamic worshippers and they lived in the fertile and rich resource lands of Sumatra. Some of the population still worships their traditional animist beliefs. The Minangkabau are strong adherents of Islam and they look for different ways to incorporate this belief into modernized cities and communities.

The Journey Of Islam In Minangkabau

noreply@blogger.com (Ismail Afriant) — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 08:55:00 +0000

At the time of Adityawarman, a Muslim Kingdom – Samudra Pasai – was already firmly established in the northern part of Sumatra. The famous Arab traveler of the 14th century, Ibn Batutah, reported the vigorous Islamic life in the country. It was, perhaps, because of the expansion of Islam that Adityawarman felt it necessary to erect Amoghapasa, a demonic bhairava, but apparently this action failed to mythically threaten the Islamic drive into Minangkabau.

In his report on the west coast of Sumatra, Tome’ Pires the early 16th century Portuguese writer, stated that Minangkabau had three kings. One of them has embraced Islam, the “Moorish” religion. Of course, Minangkabau tradition recognizes the Kings of the Three Seats ( Tigo Selo ), viz, the king of adat, the king of religion, and the king of the world. Who could have been the first to be Islamized?

Thomas Dias, the first European who ever set foot in the Minangkabau heartland, who resided in Sumpur Kudus. He was the king of religion. Since the rather elaborate Islamic character of the royal reception, it can be assumed that Islam had penetrated the region at a much earlier period.

Most probably Islam came to Minangkabau through two gateways : from the east through Malaka, the great 15th century emporium of Southeast Asia, or from the west through Pariaman and Tiku, two important ports under the domination of the Acehnese empire. Later the Islamization of Minangkabau in its turn gave an impetus to the continuous spread of the religion in the Malay Peninsula and the world beyond, including the southern Philipines and South Sulawesi.

Pepper might have been the driving force behind the expansion of Acehnese political dominance along the west coast of Sumatera. But it was tradition of religious schools that made a lasting impact of Acehnese influence which gave shape to the history of Minangkabau.

In the 17th century Syekh Burhanuddin, a student of the renowed Syekh Abdurrauf of Singkil (known in Acehnese history as Teungku Di Kuala), established the first religious centre in Ulakan near Pariaman. It was from this place that a network if religious schools ( pesantren ) began to expand into the interior. Hence it is said in a proverb “ Adat descended ( to the coast ), while religion ascended ( to the highland)”. With the establishment of this network of religious centres the path toward a social and Cultural Revolution was paved.

With the change of the economic system in Minangkabau as a result of the opening of the west coast to Western trade, this network became more receptive to the new religious ideas that emerged in the Middle East. In 1803 Haji Miskin, Haji Piobang and Haji Sumanik returned from Mekah which was then already under the influence of the Wahabi movement. They radicalized the incipient reform movement in the religious centres by harshly condemning the old practices which they considered to be unlawful innovations (bid’ah ).

Thus a religiously motivated civil war broke out, known in history as the Padri War. In the process the Minangkabau monarchy, the symbol of unity, was destroyed. In 1821 the Dutch intervened and before long the war was transformed into a struggle for independence. In 1837 the last important fortress of Bonjol was captured, and the Minangkabau fell into the colonial domination of the Dutch.

But at the end of the Padri War, Minangkabau acquired a new definition of itself. It is a world whose “adat is based on religion, ang religion is based on the Holybook ( Al-Qura’n)”. The leadership is conceptualized as consisting of three elements : the Niniak Mamak ( adat dignitaries ) , the Alim Ulama ( religious leaders ) , and the Cadiak Pandai ( intellectuals ) .

The Padri movement not only shaped Minangkabau religious life but also gave impetus to the rapid development of religious education. Already at the end of the 19th century Syekh Ahmad Khatib was appointed as a Grand Imam of the Shafi’ite School ( mazhab) at the Masjidil Haram in Mekah. A prolife writer Syekh Ahmad Khatib wrote a number of treaties on fiqh ( law ) , tharekat ( mystic school ) , and social matters.

Famous for his criticism on the prevailing practices of the tharekat shools and the Minangkabau matrilineal inheritance system, he sowed the seeds of the orthodox movement in the Malay world. This movement was particularly launched by his former students who on their return from the Holy Land became prominent ulamain their own right. They were, among others, Syekh Muhammad Jamil Jambek, Dr Abdul Karim Amrullah, Dr Abdullah Ahmad, Syekh Thaib Sungayang - the four pioneers of the modernist movement in Minangkabau, and Syekh Abbas Padang Japang , a younger member of the group.

His other students were Syekh Jamil Jaho and Syekh Muhammad Zein Simabur, both traditionalist leaders of the Kaum Tua ulama. His most prominent student in Java was K.H Ahmad Dahlan, the founder of the Islamic modernist organization, the Muhammadiyah.

Nowadays the province of West Sumatra has 3517 mosques, 1662 musholla, and 9000 langgar. Masjids are built in various style, from the traditional one such as the oldest edifice in Limo Kaum and the most modern one in Padang Siminyak, Pagaruyuang.

Samba Teri Kuah Aie Nasi (Teri Air Tajin Sauce)

noreply@blogger.com (Ismail Afriant) — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 04:13:00 +0000

Some say the paced Minang cuisine full of heavy and cholesterol. This is an ancient recipe from the Minangkabau, shores of Lake Singkarak. It feels like a curry coconut milk, but no Coconut milk elements that can trigger cholesterol.

This name Samba Bada Teri Kuah Aie Nasi. It was not clear why so named. This cuisine is unique because it uses Tajins water

aka rice water as a substitute for coconut milk. Certainly healthier. Suitable for pampering digestion.

Here's how to make it.

Ingredients:

- One stem talas (taro), cut and squeezed with salt, then wash with water.

- One ounce of Teri.

- Handful gelugur acid or star fruit vegetable, halved.

- 1 red tomato, rough cut.

- One tablespoon milled red chilli.

- Leaf of ruku-ruku.

- Leaf of salam.

- Red onion, garlic and chopped scallions.

- Jangek crackers (skin crackers).

- Air tajin (rice water taken when boiling)

Directions:

Combine all ingredients, except jangek crackers, add air tajin for sauce and cook until boiling, add salt. Finally before turning off the stove fire, add jangek crackers.

Samba Teri Kuah Aie Nasi ready to be eaten. Gravy was thick because it uses air tajin. It feels mild and fresh.

Toga Dance, The Traditional Dance Ban From Siguntur Kingdom

noreply@blogger.com (Ismail Afriant) — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 03:24:00 +0000

Tari Larangan or Dance Ban

Toga Dance which means "Dance Ban" is an ancient traditional dance Siguntur Kingdom, empire that is still associated with the Minangkabau kingdom in Pagaruyung and supposedly still in touch with the Royal Malayu Dharmasraya in Hindu-Buddhist era. Because it is still associated with the Minangkabau and Malayu, some dance movement is similar to Dance Minangkabau and Malayu.

Toga Dance, Traditional Dance of Siguntur Kingdom, West Sumatra

According to the heir to the Kingdom Siguntur, Toga Dance is the official dance of Dharmasraya's Empire since based in Siguntur in the 14th century. This dance is still used when the Hindu-Buddhist kingdom that converted to Islam which one of them become the Kingdom Siguntur since the 15th century or in 1673 with the first Islamic king Sutan Abdul Jalil Sutan Syah Tuanku Bagindo Ratu.

Toga Dance at that time become the official royal dance and displayed on the king's coronation ceremony (batagak gala), family wedding king, Turun mandi ceremony child king, battle victory celebration, and contest to become the son of king.

When the Dutch successful entry into Siguntur in 1908 and kings of the Siguntur and surrounding areas forced to acknowledge the sovereignty of the Dutch Colonial, King lost its sovereignty. Many royal objects taken, including Tambo (royal history is written) and royal art activity, including Toga Dance, even vacuum is.

Batobo is clean up the garden or harvesting rice together, 30 to 60 people. Si pendendang always Batobo so that they are not tired of working all day, he was told singing while working.

The story of King Punishment

Toga Dance poem contains the story about a man who kindly named Sutan Elok who died headlong buffalo. The owner of the buffalo named Bujang Salamaik brought before the king to stand trial. King finally issued a decree that he was beheaded, usual penalties at the time of the Kingdom Dharmasraya.

Hearing it penalties, then Cati Bilang Pandai, advisor to the king, illustrated with a row pendendang, berdendang comfort king. Cati sayed, why buffalo killed but the owner who punished to death. Dendang that is conveyed together king was ultimately consoled of restlessness and forgive the owner of the buffalo with a message to the Bujang Salamaik not make the mistake again to maintain their livestock.

Actually, Toga Dance with dendang Bujang Salamaik just one of other dendang who ever lived at Siguntur Kingdom sung in Toga Dance. So sad, just story Bujang Salamaik that is left . Other Dendang, as Dendang Ameh, just remember the title without knowing the contents dendang.

Enjoy the beauty of Lake Singkarak

noreply@blogger.com (Ismail Afriant) — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 10:42:00 +0000

The lake is located on two districts is indeed very fascinating, This lake can be a list of areas that should be visited for those of you who feel a real adventurer. Singkarak Tours is located in District Sapuluah Koto Singkarak, on the edge of the highway traffic on the path of Solok Sumatra - Bukittinggi are along the nearly half of the lake edge. Lake Singkarak is located about 10 km from the city of Solok and ± 35 km from
Kayu Aro. Overlays the lake is located in two districts, the District of Solok and Tanah Datar, with an area of ±1129.29 ha. Lake Singkarak is the largest lake in West Sumatra and the second largest lake after Lake Toba in Sumatra

Danau Singkarak dari Pinggir Jalan

This lake when using public transport can be achieved with approximately 1 hour travel time from Terminal Bareh Solok at Solok City. Lake Singkarak is located at an altitude of 362.5 m above sea level this mhas a unique fish species that lives only in this lake and the only one in the world. Local people call it Fish Bilih. Uniquely this fish can not be cultivated outside their habitat, both in the aquarium, pond or even a floating nets. Fish is widely used as a source of livelihood of fishing communities around the lake.You can enjoy the fish that tastes this good and specific in a restaurant on many points of tourist locations around the lake Singkarak.

All around Lake Singkarak there are many public facilities such as lodging facilities, hhotel, guesthouse, restaurant and water sport facilities. Everything can be used with reasonable rents. In addition to tourism facilities and as a source of livelihoods around the lake, this time the water of Lake Singkarak also being used as a source of Hydroelectric Poweror PLTA Sicincin.Indonesia is the World Tourism Paradise

Salah Satu Olahan Ikan Bilih

Staring at the beauty of Lake Singkarak in altitude really dazzle. From the Puncak By Pass, Sumatra's second largest lake is seen surrounded by padi fields and the farm population as well as rows of Bukit Barisan. Among the green paddy fields, also obvious railroad tracks toward Ombilin melintas panjang. Puncak Kubang or Puncak Pass is located at Jorong Pasir Jaya, Nagari Padang Luar, Tiga Koto, Kecamatan Rambatan, Kabupaten Tanah Datar. Located at an altitude of 1,500 meters above sea level, this region and become an alternative way of Batusangkar toward Ombilin or vice versa.

Since its opening become a tourist attraction, This area became a favorite place motorist or a motor that was seeked for a brief rest, even Puncak Pass is now a favorite hangout of young people. They even come from some cities like Bukittinggi, Padangpanjang, Solok and Batusangkar and also many foreign tourists milling about here.

Most of these locations become youth hangout in the evening. Most of them come in pairs with a motor and at home hanging out for hours there. Uniquely local or state regulations Nagari Padang Luar stating the area is only open until around 20:00 pm.