References

- http://go2travelmalaysia.com/tour_malaysia/ns_historical.htm

Difference between Minangkabau in Sumatera and Negeri Sembilan ( PART 3 )

In Negeri Sembilan, the Minangkabau descendants are still holding fast to Perpatih tradition that was subscribed to and practiced by their ancestors (Dom [21]). These houses (figure 8) that are passed on through generations remain to this day and exist around traditional villages in Negeri Sembilan located at upstream and along the rivers found (Idrus [19]) The houses that are still embellished with traditions can be found in districts of Rembau, Kuala Pilah and small parts in Tampin (figure 9). These houses place emphasis more on the verandah, leaving few areas for room spaces. This is the opposite of the house in Western Sumatera.
 

Difference between Minangkabau in Sumatera and Negeri Sembilan ( PART 2 )

There are two types of the Western Sumatera Minangkabau house designs (Widya [9]). They are based on the Koto Piliang district system and Bodi Caniago district system. Koto Piliang house is known as the Sitinjau Laut or ‘towards the sea’ which is located throughout the Tanah Datar region, while Bodi Caniago Minangkabau house known as the Rumah Gadang or ‘big house’ covers the entire region of Agam and Kota Lima Puluh (Asri [4]; Is [5]; Soeroto [6]; Jayatri [8]; Widya [9]).

 The difference between Koto Piliang house and Bodi Caniago can be seen on the porch at the side of the house. Koto Piliang house has balcony and a different floor height from the main house (figure 6). The Bodi Caniago house does not have a balcony and the entire floor has equal height (figure 7). 

 This difference arises from the system of government practiced by the two leaders of the custom systems. Koto Piliang was led by Datuk Ketemenggungan who was bureaucratic while the Bodi Caniago people were led by Datuk Perpatih who practiced democracy. Ultimately, the equal floor levels in the Bodi Caniago house represent the leader and his people of the same status while the different heights of the Kota Piliang house floor level represent a hierarchical people (Idrus [19]). 

Difference between Minangkabau in Sumatera and Negeri Sembilan ( PART 1 )

The Minangkabau house in Western Sumatera 

-The studies undertaken by others (Asri [4]; Is [5]; Widya [9]; Manggis [17]) stated that the design of the Minangkabau houses in Western Sumatera was greatly influenced by nature. The houses are different from other ethnic groups’ traditional houses. They are easily recognised by their unique architectural features, especially the concave roof design that looks like buffalo horns or bumbung bergonjong (Idrus [19]) (figure 4 and figure 5).

 

Figure 4: The Bundo Kanduang house.

                   

 Figure 5: The Pagar Ruyung palace

. 



The Western Sumatera Minangkabau house is a traditional house used for living as well as a place for rituals or customary ceremonies. It can also be used for conference or communal meetings (Yovita [1]; Soeroto [6]). The house can be owned by a certain clan or certain individuals as the house is inherited from ancestors. It cannot be sold or bought like other inheritances such as farmland, paddy fields and plantations [6]. The house can accommodate more than one family that can be the family of the grandmother, the family of the mother and the family of the daughter, while the head of the house known as tungganai, will be appointed to lead the occupants (Erman et al. [20]).
 

Prayer Points

-    Pray for God to open the hearts and minds of the Minang to the Good News of God's grace and mercy.  

-        Pray for the few Minangkabau followers of Jesus to be united and faithful witnesses among their people group.  

-          Pray for God to touch the hearts of believers from other Indonesian ethnic groups to reach out to their Minang neighbours and friends.  

-           Pray for followers of Jesus serving among the Minangkabau that they may be faithful to share the Good News and to support each other.

-         Pray for more followers of Jesus to join them.

-         Pray that the seeds now being sown will one day lead to the growth ofindigenous fellowships of Jesus-followers among this people group

What Are Their Needs?

The Minang feel the need to protect their culture from future assimilation. As other areas of Negeri Sembilan have shown, mixing with other Malay groups results in a loss of their unique matrilineal customs. As a result, the Minang feel a sense of loss of identity. May the unique culture of the Minang be preserved and blessed as a culture designed by the All-Compassionate One.

In the Minangkabau homeland, agriculture is the main industry. Minang people are also well known for their business and trading ability and there are few places in Indonesia without some Minang presence. Perhaps most well known are traditional Minang restaurants, where rendang, beef cooked in coconut milk, is a popular choice.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Minang are devout Muslims in spite of their matrilineal heritage. Polygamy is rare within the Minang culture because it conflicts with a pure inheritance line. The aspect of female inheritance and men being unable to take a second wife draws criticism from more fundamental Islamic people groups.

The Minang practice the five pillars of Islam and wear Muslim clothing that is consistent with other Malay groups throughout Malaysia. A large majority of Minang women wear a head covering and the percentage that do not are of the younger generation.

Marriage ceremonies and funerals are in keeping with Islamic tradition and both male and female children are circumcised: boys when they are twelve years old and girls when they are still babies. Only the circumcision of the male is celebrated.