Minangkabau Society Research Articles

Evolution of the Minangkabau Inheritance System and its Relevance to Gender Justice in Islamic Law

The inheritance system in Minangkabau, known for its matrilineal lineage, offers a unique perspective on property distribution, especially when contrasted with the patrilineal structure of Islamic inheritance law. This research delves into the historical and cultural evolution of the Minangkabau inheritance system, examining how it has adapted over time due to various social, legal, and religious influences. While Minangkabau customary law (adat) traditionally prioritizes female heirs, particularly through maternal lines, Islamic inheritance law advocates a more balanced approach, emphasizing the rights of both male and female heirs based on predetermined shares. The contrast between these two systems raises important questions about gender justice and the equitable distribution of wealth. Through a detailed exploration of Minangkabau customs and Islamic jurisprudence, this study investigates how these systems have coexisted and the efforts made by scholars and legal authorities to reconcile the differences. A significant focus is placed on the role of reformist thinkers within the Minangkabau community, who have sought to align local practices with the broader principles of Islamic inheritance law while preserving cultural identity. The research also examines the practical implications of these reform efforts, particularly in light of the evolving role of women in Minangkabau society and the growing calls for gender equality. The findings offer valuable insights into the potential for developing an inheritance model that respects both cultural traditions and Islamic values of justice, ultimately contributing to a broader discourse on gender equity in inheritance laws across diverse Muslim societies.

The Evolution of Minangkabau Elite: Modernization and Cultural Shifts in Nagari Kurai, 19th-20th Century

The problem addressed in this research focuses on the socio-cultural transformation of the Minangkabau elite during the colonial period, particularly in Nagari Kurai. Using the historical research method, the study traces the evolution of the local elites through archival analysis and ethnographic records. The key finding reveals that the establishment of Bukittinggi as a colonial center and the spread of modernity in the early 20th century prompted the rise of a new urban elite, distinct from traditional authorities. In conclusion, the study suggests that colonial modernity played a pivotal role in reshaping cultural and political hierarchies in Minangkabau society.

Dialog Hukum Adat dan Islam: Kritik Syeikh Ahmad Khatib Al-Minangkabawi Terhadap Sistem Waris di Minangkabau

This research discusses the two main forces influencing Minangkabau society, namely custom and religion. The matrilineal system practiced in Minangkabau has significant differences compared to the Islamic kinship system, particularly in terms of inheritance distribution. These differences often become a source of conflict and academic interest, especially among scholars of Islamic law. One figure who firmly opposes the customary inheritance system in Minangkabau is Sheikh Ahmad Khatib al-Minangkabawi, a prominent scholar who served as Imam, Khatib, and teacher in Mecca. This study employs a library research approach with a descriptive analytical method to explore Sheikh Ahmad Khatib's critiques of the prevailing inheritance system. Sheikh Ahmad Khatib argues that customary practices that divert inheritance to nephews rather than biological children contradict Islamic principles. He even equates this action with consuming the wealth of orphans, a deed prohibited in Islam. During his time, there was ambiguity regarding the ownership status of property in Minangkabau society whether it belonged to a father or was property of the clan managed by the niniak mamak. When a father passed away, the inheritance that should rightfully go to biological children often ended up with nephews, leading to injustice. Sheikh Ahmad Khatib's sharp criticism emphasizes the need for reform in the customary inheritance system to align it with Islamic law and protect the rights of children, thereby reducing conflict and injustice in Minangkabau society in the future.

Politik Identitas Minang dan Multikulturalisme Dalam Film ”Tenggelamnya Kapal Van Der Wijck”

This scientific paper aims to find out the politics of identity and multiculturalism contained in the film ‘Tenggelamnya Kapal Van Der Wijck’. This research analyses identity politics and multiculturalism in the film ‘Tenggelamnya Kapal Van Der Wijck’. Through in-depth analysis, it is found that social inequality in Minangkabau society is an important factor influencing the dynamics of this film. Identity politics emerges through the concepts of treasure and custom that dominate social interactions, where power and social status become the main determinants in decision-making, especially in relationships between characters. The film also reflects Bugis cultural values, such as loyalty and honour, which become the foundation for the main character in facing life's challenges. In addition, multiculturalism in this film can be seen from the representation of Minangkabau culture, acculturation with Western culture, and the prominent social differences between the main character who comes from Makassar and the Minangkabau community. In conclusion, this film confirms that identity politics and multiculturalism play a significant role in shaping the narrative and dynamics between characters, and reflects the cultural complexity that exists in Indonesian society.

Analisis Pelanggaran Nilai-Nilai Kepemilikan Komunal Atas Rendang Minang Akibat Adanya Produk Rendang Babi

Public knowledge about Intellectual Property Rights is currently lacking, especially with regard to the right of Communal Intellectual Property. One type of communal intellectual property that is not widely known by society is the Indication of Origin. The latest case related to Indication of Origin that has become a polemic is the case of the sale of Rendang Babi products at a Padang Restaurant in Jakarta. Rendang Babi doesn't measure up to the values of Minangkabau Society as the original proprietor of Rendang Minang. The issue that the author discussed in this case is whether Rendang Babi is a violation of the communal property values of Indication of Origin Rendang Minang and how to protect Communal Intellectual Property right of Rendang Minang according to the act. Based on analysis by the author that the Rendang Minang has the values embodied in it, namely cultural values, customs, religion (kehalalan), precision, and togetherness. Rendang gives an impression on the cultural identity of the Minangkabau based on Islamic Wisdom. The existence of a Rendang Babi was not thought to match the meanings contained in the Rendang. Thus, Rendang Babi product violates the communal possession value of the Rendang Minang.

Resilience and Matriarchal Values: A Study of Women and Single Mothers in the Minangkabau Community

In the matriarchal Minangkabau community of West Sumatra, women’s roles are often downplayed despite their substantial engagement in both public and private life. This study aimed to uncover the unique value system embraced by Minangkabau women, particularly their resilience and exemplary practices that contribute to local sustainable development. Women’s mental well-being is closely tied to global sustainable development goals, spanning education, non-communicable disease reduction, and social protection. Poverty-induced depression is common among widowed women worldwide, underscoring the need to explore how Minangkabau women respond to contemporary challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and economic hardships. Resilience, a central theme, is shaped by spiritual and environmental factors, fostering overall well-being. The “saparuik” family in Minangkabau society strengthens familial bonds and plays a pivotal role in nurturing resilience. The matrilineal kinship structure offers social security to families, but its impact on women’s resilience amid modern challenges requires further investigation. This study employed qualitative methods, specifically a case study design, to examine women’s experiences in rural areas (Padang Pariaman Regency) and urban settings (Padang City). Interviews with these women revealed a common thread despite their diverse backgrounds. While the Minangkabau matriarchal system may limit women’s influence within the family’s “saparuik,” women consistently embody strong matriarchal ideals when facing adversity. This research enhances our understanding of gender roles in matriarchal systems and underscores women’s crucial contributions to broader sustainable development. Minangkabau women’s resilience serves as a testament to their resilience and their ability to address contemporary challenges, making significant strides toward achieving sustainable development goals. Keywords: Resilience; Single Mother; Matrilineal; Minangkabau; Mental health; SDG’s

Inheritance Law: Conceptions of Inheritance According to Minangkabau Customary Law

Minangkabau customary inheritance law has always been a matter of debate. This may be because Minangkabau traditional inheritance law is unique and distinctive compared to traditional inheritance law systems in other regions in Indonesia. As a result, inheritance law is also affected by Minangkabau dualization which originates from the partnership paradigm in Minangkabau marriages. This research uses normative legal research methods. In this research, it was found that according to Minang Kabau Customary Law, the process of inheritance and distribution of inheritance is often influenced by cultural values and norms that exist in Minangkabau society.

Cultivating Sustainability: A Cultural Linguistic Study of Minangkabau Environmental Proverbs

The research aims to examine the connection between language, culture, and environment by analyzing the representation of nature in Minangkabau proverbs and its cultural implications and cognitive awareness in traditional Minangkabau society. It is a descriptive study that analyzes meaning and cultural representation through a cultural linguistics approach. The research used 287 proverbs from various written Minangkabau resources, including tambo and books containing Minangkabau proverbs. The study focuses on three sustainability pillars: social, environmental, and economic. The research findings show that Minangkabau proverbs frequently utilize symbolism of nature and the environment to describe and reflect cultural values and rules of Minangkabau customs. The natural representations reveal the close relationship between the Minangkabau people and nature and the cognitive awareness and shared knowledge passed down from generation to generation. The results of this study highlight the need for further research on Minangkabau proverbs to explore cultural values and wisdom that can support program sustainability. Hence, preserving and promoting cultural heritage values are crucial for sustainable development, as it can contribute to socio-economic development and create new values for future generations.

Kaum dan Nagari: Eksistensi Kaum dalam Pembangunan di Nagari Pasia Laweh Kecamatan Palupuah Kabupaten Agam

Kaum is one of three forms of kinship groups in Minangkabau society. Kaum is a collection of several paruik, and suku is a collection of several kaum and nagari consists of at least four suku. The existence of paruik, kaum and suku in the lives of nagari people is still felt to this day. The existence of this group is still felt in Nagari Pasia Laweh, including in development activities. This research will look further at the existence of groups in development in Nagari Pasia Laweh, Palupuah District, Agam Regency. The research method used is qualitative with descriptive analysis. Data collection techniques use interviews and documentation. The results of the research show that the people of Nagari Pasia Laweh still live in groups called tribes. People are the most important element in development in Nagari Pasia Laweh, and every stage of development is carried out by people. sahino samalu motto makes all people want to be actively involved in development activities, in order to advance the nagari and meet the needs of the people.

Minangkabaunese matrilineal: The correlation between the Qur’an and gender

Upon previous research, the matrilineal system seems to oppose Islamic teaching. However, the matrilineal system practiced by the Minangkabau society in West Sumatra, Indonesia has its uniqueness. Thus, this study aims to examine the correlation between the Qur’an and gender roles within the context of Minangkabau customs, specifically focusing on the matrilineal aspect. The present study employs qualitative methods for conducting library research through critical analysis. This study discovered that the matrilineal system practiced by the Minangkabau society aligns with Qur’anic teachings that respect the position of women in Islam. In the matrilineal system of Minangkabau, women hold significant strength and play an influential role in cultural and traditional practices. The Minangkabau tribe’s matrilineal system encompasses three key elements: marriage, inheritance and offspring. The marriage system is exogamous. Additionally, the practice of marriage is localised, with the husband typically residing in the wife’s household. Their inheritance is divided into pusako tinggi [from ancestors from generation to generation] and pusako randah (from the efforts of married couple). Women get pusako tinggi as they serve as protectors and a symbol of their community. In comparison, men take the responsibility of overseeing its preservation to prevent any form of misuse. Pusako randah is distributed as Islamic teaching. Lineage determination is primarily based on paternal lineage, aligning with Islamic teaching. Upon comprehensive analysis, it becomes evident that there is no conflict between the matrilineal system and Islamic teachings, particularly concerning principles of gender equality. Both women and men have significant roles, as the Qur’an provides extensive explanations regarding gender equality.Contribution: This research holds significant findings in establishing a great relation between Islamic teachings based on the Qur’an and the matrilineal principles practiced by the Minangkabau tribe.

From Communal to Individual: Shifting Authorities of Family Dispute Resolution in Minangkabau Society

This study aims to explain the shift of authority in resolving family disputes in Minangkabau society. At least three authorities are involved in resolving family issues in Minangkabau: religious authority, represented by leaders with religious knowledge; customary authority, held by leaders with their own laws; and state authority, enforced by judges in court based on laws and regulations. This research is a field study with a socio-legal approach. The study examined Minangkabau households in both rural and urban areas, utilizing questionnaires and in-depth interviews to collect data from individuals involved in household disputes. The data were then reduced, presented and verified. This study found that in addition to using the three long-standing authorities in Minangkabau society, disputants are more likely to use individual authority in resolving their family disputes. The disputants are more likely to resolve their family problems independently without involving religious leaders, customary leaders, or religious court judges. The tendency towards individual authority is more prevalent in urban communities. The strengthening of individual authority coincides with the weakening of the formal institutions of the three authorities in Minangkabau society. The factors contributing to the diminishment of these authorities include modernisation, technological advancements, and digitalisation which incentivises the involved parties to logically settle their disputes for their individual gains and aspirations. Based on the research findings, the current study confirms that the shift in family dispute resolution authority indicates that there has been a shift from extended to core family patterns in Minangkabau society

Minangkabau Ethnic Women and the Shadows of Patriarchy Perspective of Customary Law and Islamic Law

In the Minangkabau tradition, women hold a distinct society and cultural standing referred to as Bundo Kanduang, signifying their unique and esteemed position. This paper aims to examine the position upheld by ethnic Minangkabau women within patriarchy framework of the customary law of West Sumatra and the general Islamic law. This study is qualitative and was conducted using a comparative law approach. To achieve the study aim, data were obtained from interviews with academics, cultural and religious leaders, as well as tradition leaders. The obtained results showed a decline in the status of Bundo Kanduang within the Minangkabau customs. In this custom, the glory of women holding heirloom property was only being used as a symbol. Meanwhile, Islamic law acknowledges that granting rights to women is not contradictory or incompatible. Typically, Islam creates room for equality in the roles and functions of women and men within the Minangkabau community, allowing women (Bundo Kanduang), to have equal opportunities in the public sphere, particularly in the field of work. Based on this understanding, it is crucial to deeply instill in the younger generation an understanding of their position within the customs, religious values, family dynamics, and cultural heritage. This comprehensive education is particularly important as it ensures their awareness of functions and positions, aiming to prevent cultural disparities within the Minangkabau society.

Traditional Art in Minangkabau Culture

Minangkabau society adheres to philosophies as conceptions that are implied into its culture, one of which is the presence of art. Art in Minangkabau culture lives and develops with the passage of time and the creativity of the people is dynamic. This research is a type of qualitative research by observing the arts, especially those related to traditions in the culture of the Minangkabau people using the Hermeneutic approach and literature study. The research was conducted by observing the forms of Minangkabau traditional art, especially traditional music and its development in Minangkabau society. The results and discussion of this research include; forms of Minangkabau traditional art and art in Minangkabau culture.

Study of Shamanic Witchcraft (Santet) Culture in the Indonesian Archipelago

Various ethnic groups in Sumatra also possess shamanic traditions that involve traditional rites and the involvement of shamans or individuals with specialized skills in countering black magic. Each of these ethnic groups possesses distinct practices and beliefs. The Batak tribe has diverse ethnic subgroups, including Toba Batak, Karo, Mandailing, and others. Within Batak culture, there exist shamanistic rituals, and individuals who perform these rituals are referred to as "datu" or "Batak shamans." The shaman has a crucial function in upholding social and spiritual equilibrium within society. They possess the ability to retaliate against dark sorcery or provide healing for ailments through their expertise and spiritual wisdom. The Minangkabau tribe upholds robust traditional customs, which encompass shamanic rituals associated with the veneration of ancestors and nature deities. Within Minangkabau society, there exist individuals known as "bundo kanduang" who possess specialized expertise in countering the effects of black magic and healing ailments by traditional means. The Bukit Barisan tribe is an indigenous population dispersed over the Bukit Barisan region, encompassing a significant portion of Sumatra Island. Their religious system encompasses shamanic ideologies and rituals that revolve around the veneration of nature spirits and ancestral figures. Shamans, or spiritual leaders, play a crucial role in upholding social and spiritual equilibrium within their communities. It is crucial to bear in mind that these shamanic rituals exhibit variations among different ethnic groups and subgroups in Sumatra. Moreover, the impact of religions like Islam and Christianity has also had an influence on certain shamanic activities within these communities. Shamanic practices encompass a range of functions, including customary rituals and endeavors to address societal and metaphysical discord. Gaining insight into this cultural legacy and shamanistic customs enables us to value the cultural variety in Indonesia and the ongoing evolution and adjustment of various cultures in response to changing circumstances.

Tradisi Maisi Sasuduik dalam Perkawinan Masyarakat Minangkabau:

This study aims to analyze the sasuduik tradition in the minangkabau indigenous people, the influence of women’s social strata on the amount of “uang sasuduik”, the relationship between religion and custom, and its relevance to the marriage law. The maisi sasuduik tradition is the giving of a sum of money or goods that must be fulfilled by the man when he is about to marry a women based on an agreement made by the female ninik mamak and the male ninik mamak. This tradition only applies in Luhak Nan Limo Puluah which covers the entire Lima Puluh Kota and Payakumbuh City. This tradition is also called Adat Salingka Nagari because it only applies to one particular area and is not obligatory for other areas. This study departs from the theoretical framework of al-‘adah muhakkamah. Because, the maisi sasuduik tradition can be used as a behavioral attitude or habit in society. The research method used is qualitative research ehich uses more subjective qualitative with a legal anthropological approach that ficuses on studying the legal system in terms of human norms and culture. The main source for explaining this research is by conducting interviews with traditional leaders (datuak), cadiak pandai and indigenous people who understand the maisi sasuduik tradition in Nagari Andiang, Suliki District, Lima Puluh Kota District. Costoms and religion in Minangkabau Society cannot be separated as is the philosophy of life in Minangkabau: “Adaik basandi syarak, syarak basandi Kitabullah.”even though the maisi sasuduik tradition does not have written rules, the community still adheres to it because of the awareness of the law that exists in every individual in the community itself. Keywords: Maisi Sasuduik Tradition, Custom, Islamic Law, Minangkabau

Perancangan Buku Ilustrasi “Nyanyian Anak Balam Rabab Pasisia“

The Balam Rabab Pasisia Children's Song is a folk tale from the Minangkabau people, West Sumatra, South Coast. It is said that the children's singing of Balam is a traditional healing process. In the past, someone from the family who was sick would be taken to a shaman (smart person) to carry out a healing ritual. In line with the development of the Balam Children's Song era, it has now entered the Pesisian rabab performing arts. Besides that, rabab is a performing art that tells stories about kaba from other folk tales. This is what prompted the designer to design the illustrated book ''Nyaniyan Anak Balam Rabab Pasisia''. There are still many among the younger generation who do not know the culture, traditions and folklore because there is a lack of information and dissemination is still not effective. The aim of designing the illustration book "Song of Children's Balam Rabab Pasisia" is to provide information to the Minangkabau community about the story of the Song of Children's Balam Rabab Pasisia, as well as a medium for preserving folklore in Minangkabau society. The design of the illustration "Balam Rabab Pasisia Children's Song" uses the glass box design method with the 5W1H analysis technique. The type of illustration used is a 2D semi-realist cartoon. The output of this design is a book measuring 18 cm x 18 cm which contains narrative and related illustrations to clarify the narrative and also add to the aesthetic value of the book. After carrying out a feasibility test, the results showed that the design was good starting from the colors, illustrations, fonts and layout. And it can be concluded that the Illustrated Book "Children's Songs of Balam Rabab Pasisia" was well received by respondents. In this design there is also supporting media which includes: posters, banners, bookmarks, e-books, t-shirts, tote bags, key chains, tumblers and stickers.

Tradition’s Vital Role: Exploring the Multifaceted Functions of Mandi Ka Luak in Minangkabau Society

Traditions play a significant role in preserving the identity and values of a society. One such tradition that has been passed down through generations is the Mandi Ka Luak tradition in Nagari Sungai Antuan. This research aims to trace the symbolic meanings embedded in the Mandi Ka Luak tradition and understand the functions associated with it. A qualitative research method was employed with a case study approach. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with traditional leaders, religious figures, and community leaders, as well as document analysis. The findings reveal that the Mandi Ka Luak tradition holds symbolic meanings within elements such as the seven-colored thread bracelet, baby’s hair-cutting ceremony, symbolic feeding, the use of coconut shells, and communal feasting. Furthermore, the tradition continues to be practiced because it plays a crucial role in fulfilling various basic needs of the community. It meets the needs for security and growth by eliminating taboos and superstitions, providing recreation, and strengthening social bonds through family and community ties. Additionally, Mandi Ka Luak contributes to the preservation of cultural identity as part of the ancestral heritage carefully upheld by the community. This research provides a deeper understanding of the continuity of the Mandi Ka Luak tradition within the context of Nagari Sungai Antuan and raises questions about the role of culture in an ever-changing modern society.

The Rise of Islamic Populism and Social Alliances of the Muslim Middle-Class in the West Sumatra

This study explores the manifestation of religious populism through a case study in West Sumatra, highlighting its rise to power and the consequent shift towards religion as a central factor in public policy decisions. In West Sumatra, where the Minangkabau reside, Islamic populism received support from the economically established, middle-class traders. It occurred due to the change within Minangkabau society, where the clan’s traditional role in meeting the needs of its members has been disrupted by modernization. Replacing the clan’s roles, financially stable middle-class Muslims have come to support the needy and community activities, eventually leading to the rise of Islamic populism. This transformation, from clan-based to multi-clan alliances, has provided the consolidated middle class with the impetus to advocate for a conservative Islamic agenda. The research findings also underscore the necessity of considering contextual factors, including urban-rural dynamics and community-specific socio-cultural structures. Data for this research were collected by employing vis-à-vis interviews and active observation from August 2019 to December 2020 in West Sumatra, Indonesia.

Development Model of Traditional Ritual Festivalization as Cultural Tourism Attraction in Padang Panjang City, West Sumatra

Traditional rituals were part of the daily life of the Minangkabau and Mentawai indigenous peoples in the past. Since the arrival of Islam, the understanding that has developed in Minangkabau society is "adat basandi syarak, syarak basandi Kitabullah", which means that adat refers to Shari'a, Shari'a refers to the Koran. Halal branding has become a framework for developing tourism in West Sumatra which has resulted in tensions with the indigenous Mentawai people who do not adhere to Islam. The Festival Ritual Nagari raised in this thesis raises both rituals from the culture of the Minangkabau and Mentawai indigenous peoples. This thesis discusses the festivalization of traditional rituals carried out in the city of Padang Panjang, West Sumatra. This research aims to enrich cultural tourism attractions that are inclusive of Mentawai traditional culture so as to achieve the common goal of increasing visitors to West Sumatra. This research was conducted in a qualitative descriptive manner with cultural thematic analysis methods. In-depth interviews were conducted with stakeholders involved in developing the traditional ritual festival in Padang Panjang. The results of this study indicate that the development of traditional rituals as a cultural tourism attraction requires a development model so that the ritual festivals carried out can be sustainable. This study shows that the collaboration of stakeholders greatly influences the continuity of traditional ritual festivals. In addition to the development model, an event management flow chart for the Festival Ritual Nagari 2 and the 2023-2026 Nagari Festival Ritual event calendar were also found. The active collaboration of all stakeholders is suggested so that the Festival Ritual Nagari can be carried out continuously in the future. The establishment of regulations regarding the festival of traditional rituals is needed because it does not only function as a cultural tourism attraction but also cultural diplomacy.

Metaphors in Kaba tuanku lareh simawang story

This paper discusses the use of metaphor in Kaba Tuanku Lareh Simawang. Using the Metaphor Identification Procedure at Vrije Universiteit (MIPVU) method, this study analyzes the metaphorical expressions found in the text, which was written by Syamsuddin St. Radjo Endah and published by Balai Bahasa Provinsi Sumatra Barat in 2021. This research aims to examine how metaphor is used in the text to reflect human proximity to nature. The findings show that metaphor is employed in the form of phrases and clauses in Kaba Tuanku Lareh Simawang, taking the form of analogies related to human faces, fate, events, and animals. All the metaphors reflect the concepts that are alive and continuously developing in Minangkabau society. Metaphors serve as a reflection of human proximity to nature, following the adage "alam takambang menjadi guru”. The results of this study offer insights into the culture and way of thinking of the Minangkabau people. Metaphors are significant elements of language that represent people's thoughts and cultures. Each culture has its way of using metaphors related to values and experiences considered important in their lives. Thus, understanding the concepts and metaphors in language can provide profound insights into people's thoughts and cultures. In conclusion, this study highlights that the use of metaphor in Kaba Tuanku Lareh Simawang reflects human proximity to nature. Metaphors are powerful tools in language that represent people's thoughts and cultures. Analyzing metaphors in traditional literature can provide a deep understanding of the culture and way of thinking of a society.