Minangkabau Overview

The Minangkabau region is located in the mountainous area of western Central Sumatra. Its territory covers 18,000 square miles, stretching from north to south. Navis (1984) and Murad (1978) state that the Minangkabau cultural area includes the Luhak and Rantau areas. Luhak is the area of origin of the Minangkabau people, Luhak area consists of three regions, namely Luhak Tanah DatarLuhak Agam, and Luhak Limo Puluah Koto. These three areas are known as Luhak nan Tigo. While Rantau is an area of the expansion of Luhak nan Tigo. The overseas area consists of the downstream region (the area around the Malacca Strait), the coastal area (measurements on the west coast of Sumatra), and the overland area (Solok, Pasaman, and others). Most of the Minangkabau area is currently in the Province of West Sumatra.