Minangkabau in Indonesia

The Minangkabau have only been reported in Indonesia
Population
Main Language
Largest Religion
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge

Introduction / History

The Minangkabau (also called the Minang) come from West Sumatra Province and are the majority ethnic group in all areas of the province other than in the islands inhabited by the Mentawai people. They speak the Minang language, which has many dialects.
They are famous for their tradition of leaving their home village and working in other areas to find their fortune. Many of them have moved to other regions of Indonesia. They are the fourth largest ethnic group in Indonesia and have a great deal of influence.
The very name Minangkabau witnesses to a high degree of wit. Literally the name is said to mean "winning" (menang) "water buffalo" (kabau or kerbau). It supposedly reflects an ancient contest that was used to determine the outcome of a war. The Javanese "champion" was a huge buffalo, while the Minangkabau chose an unweaned calf. After starving the calf before the fight, they tied a knife to its snout. When the animals met, the hunger-crazed Minangkabau calf tried to nurse, causing the Javanese beast to bleed to death. Today, the water buffalo figures prominently in Minangkabau myth, culture and architecture. Traditional Minangkabau homes have roof eaves that soar outwards like the horns of the buffalo.


What Are Their Lives Like?

In the past, Minangkabau villages were small and led by a chief and his advisors. Every village had autonomy. Kings and nobles were not allowed to interfere. Other than owning restaurants, Minangkabau also are famous as traders. They deal primarily in clothing and jewlery The Minangkabau are very proud of their traditions. In their matrilineal culture, the family name and the family wealth are inherited by the daughter. In the house, much of the responsibilities are held by the wife's brother, called ninik mamak. This uncle is required to take care of his nephews and nieces and watch over everything connected to the family heirlooms and inheritance. The role of the uncle is decreasing these days as more Minangkabau change to the more common way of life of the husband leading the house. This change is primarily seen in Minangkabau who have moved out of the Minangkabau areas to find their fortune. The Minangkabau are famous nationwide for their cuisine. They have restaurants literally all over country. They are also famous as traders. They deal primarily in clothing and jewlery.


What Are Their Beliefs?

Most Minangkabau are orthodox Muslims. There is a Minangkabau saying, "To be Minangkabau is to be Muslim". The Minangkabau who leave Islam are disowned by their family and neighborhood and lose their job. In the 1800s, the Dutch took advantage of a conflict between the guardians of Minangkabau traditions and the Muslim religious leaders to increase their power in the area. Once the religious leaders united with the traditional elders to oppose the Dutch, Islam was added to the Minangkabau traditions.


What Are Their Needs?

In education and business, the Minangkabau are relatively better off than other ethnic groups in Indonesia. Nevertheless, education and industry in West Sumatra still need improvement. Home industries are mainly weaving, sewing and knitting. These crafts have the potential to be increased. Tourism is the only other industry that could be developed in the Mentawai islands and the areas of Lake Maninjau, Lake Singkrak and Bukittinggi.


Prayer Points

Pray for bold and loving witnesses of Christ’s grace and glory.
Pray for their elders to have dreams and visions of the risen Christ that will open this community to Jesus.
Pray for the Minangkabau people to be blessed beyond measure as they learn to follow the Lamb of God.
Pray for disciples who will make more disciples.


Scripture Prayers for the Minangkabau in Indonesia.


References

IPN, 2011 Copyrighted © Used with permission


Profile Source:   Joshua Project  

People Name General Minangkabau
People Name in Country Minangkabau
Pronunciation mee-nanhg-kah-BOW
Alternate Names Minang; Padang
Population this Country 6,971,000
Population all Countries 6,971,000
Total Countries 1
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale 1
Unreached Yes
Frontier People Group No
GSEC 2  (per PeopleGroups.org)
Pioneer Workers Needed 139
PeopleID3 13724
ROP3 Code 106640
Country Indonesia
Region Asia, Southeast
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank 42  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Location in Country Widespread in the Indonesian Archipelago; west central Sumatra, Padang area. Nearly half live outside central Sumatra; South Sumatra, west coast Mukomuko area   Source:  Ethnologue 2016
Country Indonesia
Region Asia, Southeast
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank 42  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Location in Country Widespread in the Indonesian Archipelago; west central Sumatra, Padang area. Nearly half live outside central Sumatra; South Sumatra, west coast Mukomuko area.   Source:  Ethnologue 2016
Map of Minangkabau in Indonesia Ethnolinguistic map or other map

Primary Religion: Islam
Major Religion Percent
Buddhism
0.02 %
Christianity  (Evangelical 0.02 %)
0.26 %
Ethnic Religions
0.00 %
Hinduism
0.00 %
Islam
99.72 %
Non-Religious
0.00 %
Other / Small
0.00 %
Unknown
0.00 %
Primary Language Minangkabau
Language Code min   Ethnologue Listing
Language Written Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 2
Secondary Languages
Indonesian, Makassar
Primary Language Minangkabau
Language Code min   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 2
Secondary Languages
  Indonesian, Makassar
People Groups Speaking Minangkabau
Photo Source Harry Sulistio - Wikimedia  Creative Commons 
Map Source People Group location: IMB. Map geography: ESRI / GMI. Map design: Joshua Project.  
Profile Source Joshua Project 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.


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