The Padri Movement and The Adat: A Comparative Analysis

Abstract

The Padri Movement was an Islamic puritan movement at the turn of the 19th century in West Sumatra (Indonesia). The leaders wanted to purify the Minangkabau society from un-Islamic influences. The growing conflict led to the Padri war (1821-1838). In this research paper, the author analyzes why many major elements of the matrilineal Minangkabau adat (customary rules) could maintain their significant functions. The author concentrates on three theoretical concepts that intend to answer these questions. Furthermore, the author also wants to offer a new perspective on the Padri movement, namely by using a structuralist way that includes a diachronic and synchronic way of looking at the Padri War. By looking at one concrete historical event, it is intended to get a better understanding of the Minangkabau adat. It was detected that there was not a strict dividing line between the adherents of the traditional system and the puritan movement. However, both sides gradually adjusted to the given situation, and the adat accepted more Islamic norms.