Uncovering the Cultural Ties: Negeri Sembilan's Strong Connection with the Minangkabau People

Negeri Sembilan, a state in Malaysia, has a rich cultural heritage that is closely connected to the Minangkabau people of West Sumatra, Indonesia. The Minangkabau are one of the largest ethnic groups in Sumatra, and their unique cultural practices have influenced the development of Negeri Sembilan's society, architecture, and governance.

The Minangkabau people have a matrilineal system of inheritance, where property and wealth are passed down through the female line. This system is also present in Negeri Sembilan, where it is known as adat perpatih. Adat perpatih is a system of customary laws and traditions that govern the social and cultural practices of the local people. This system has been practiced for centuries, and is still observed by the Minangkabau communities in Negeri Sembilan today.

The Minangkabau influence can also be seen in the traditional architecture of Negeri Sembilan. The distinctive roofs of the state's royal palaces and traditional houses are known as rumah adat, which are shaped like buffalo horns. This style of architecture is believed to have been inspired by the Minangkabau's traditional houses, which also have similar roof designs.

Furthermore, the Minangkabau influence can be seen in the governance of Negeri Sembilan. The state's rulers, known as the Yang di-Pertuan Besar, are chosen through a unique system of rotation between the four main royal houses. This system is believed to have been influenced by the Minangkabau's system of governance, where the ruler is chosen through a similar system of rotation between the royal houses.

In addition to these cultural and architectural connections, there are also linguistic ties between Negeri Sembilan and the Minangkabau people. The Minangkabau language, which is part of the Austronesian language family, is closely related to the Malay language that is spoken in Negeri Sembilan.

In conclusion, the cultural and historical ties between Negeri Sembilan and the Minangkabau people are strong and enduring. The Minangkabau influence can be seen in the state's social, cultural, and political practices, as well as in its architecture and language. These connections serve as a reminder of the rich and diverse cultural heritage of Southeast Asia.

References:

"Negeri Sembilan: Land of the Minangkabau", The Star (2012) https://www.thestar.com.my/lifestyle/travel/2012/05/28/negeri-sembilan-land-of-the-minangkabau/
"Minangkabau in Malaysia: A Malay 'Tribe' with a Difference", Inside Indonesia (2009) https://www.insideindonesia.org/minangkabau-in-malaysia-a-malay-tribe-with-a-difference
"The Minangkabau of West Sumatra", UNESCO (2005) https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/minangkabau-of-west-sumatra-00163

Tags: minangkau and negeri sembilan

Akhyari Hananto

I began my career in the banking industry in 1997, and stayed approx 6 years in it. This industry boost his knowledge about the economic condition in Indonesia, both macro and micro, and how to More understand it. My banking career continued in Yogyakarta when I joined in a program funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB),as the coordinator for a program aimed to help improve the quality of learning and teaching process in private universities in Yogyakarta. When the earthquake stroke Yogyakarta, I chose to join an international NGO working in the area of ?disaster response and management, which allows me to help rebuild the city, as well as other disaster-stricken area in Indonesia. I went on to become the coordinator for emergency response in the Asia Pacific region. Then I was assigned for 1 year in Cambodia, as a country coordinator mostly to deliver developmental programs (water and sanitation, education, livelihood). In 2009, he continued his career as a protocol and HR officer at the U.S. Consulate General in Surabaya, and two years later I joined the Political and Economic Section until now, where i have to deal with extensive range of people and government officials, as well as private and government institution troughout eastern Indonesia. I am the founder and Editor-in-Chief in Good News From Indonesia (GNFI), a growing and influential social media movement, and was selected as one of The Most Influential Netizen 2011 by The Marketeers magazine. I also wrote a book on "Fundamentals of Disaster Management in 2007"?, "Good News From Indonesia : Beragam Prestasi Anak Bangsa di dunia"? which was luanched in August 2013, and "Indonesia Bersyukur"? which is launched in Sept 2013. In 2014, 3 books were released in which i was one of the writer; "Indonesia Pelangi Dunia"?, "Indonesia The Untold Stories"? and "Growing! Meretas Jalan Kejayaan" I give lectures to students in lectures nationwide, sharing on full range of issues, from economy, to diplomacy Less

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