INTRODUCTION

WELCOME TO WEST SUMATERA
A GLORIUS TROPICAL PARADISE

The land of Minangkabau, West Sumatera has a distinct culture which distinguishes it from the rest of the island, a land of scenic beauty with blue green lakes and mountain.

Most prominent in the landscape is the horn-shaped roofs of the houses, nested in the coconut groves. The name of Minangkabau means triumphant buffalo. It leads a community and family life based on a matrilineal system which clusters around mosques and tradition adat houses. As it is women who own properties, the men are known for their wanderlust an entrepreneurship, traveling is considered a mark of success and therefore many of them are found MERANTAU (emigrated) to other part of the country. Proof of this many Minang or Padang restaurants, serving very spicy food, found in many major town in the nation. The people are hospitable and eloquent in a poetic style of speech and ceremonies. Festivals are colorful occasions.

West Sumatra has costal line where the capital is situated. The hinterland is a range of high mountains which dip into picturesque valleys and lakes. Amongst them are remnants of the old Minangkabau Kingdom of Pagaruyung. The centre for silver, hand weaving, wood carving, embroidery, etc.