Randai is a traditional theater from Minangkabau, West Sumatra, which combines Minangkabau martial arts (silek), music, dance, and drama. Each performance of randai is rich in moral values and community life. Randai is performed by a group of around 14-25 people, with 2-3 main characters who tell the story.
The Roots of Randai
The origins of randai art are uncertain and divided into several versions. Some say that randai was originally a traditional game often played by children in Minangkabau, which then developed into a theater format. Others say that randai originated from silek martial arts schools, which developed the dynamic movements of silek into a dance.
Randai performances are usually held in open spaces, creating an atmosphere without barriers between performers and audience. This makes the story feel more alive and integrated with the community. Randai is performed in a circle formation, where the main characters which total 2-3 people take turns performing to tell the story.
Traditionally, Randai is performed in the evening around 8-10 PM. This time is chosen so that the entire community, especially those of the Islamic faith, can first fulfill their religious obligations before enjoying the performance together.
The Cultural Soul of Randai
The stories performed in Randai are adapted from traditional Minangkabau folk tales, locally known as kaba. These narratives are rich in cultural wisdom and often carry moral lessons about bravery, justice, loyalty, and respect for tradition.
Passed down through generations in oral form, kaba serves not only as entertainment but also as a means of preserving collective memory and social values.
Some of the most well-known kaba frequently brought to life in Randai include Sabai Nan Aluih, Cindua Mato, and Anggun Nan Tongga. Each of these stories resonates with the Minangkabau worldview and continues to inspire audiences through the rhythmic and collaborative spirit of Randai.
The Rich Styles of Randai
Randai involves various elements ranging from traditional musical instruments, clapping sounds, and dances with harmonious coordination. The musical instruments commonly used in randai performances are the talempong, saluang, and sarunai.
The main clapping sounds during the performance come from the galembong, that is oversized pants typical of Minangkabau.
A Randai performance opens with sambah silek, a respectful martial arts greeting that honors both the audience and tradition. It typically ends with a unifying song or poetic chant performed in a circle, reminding everyone of the story’s message and the communal spirit that binds it all together.
The clothing and accessories worn by Randai performers vary depending on the region and the folk tale being performed. Generally, randai performers wear traditional attire, such as the guntiang cino and galembong pants.
The main accessories used by performers include the cawek songket [a cloth wrapped around the waist], the suntiang (a traditional Minangkabau crown for women), and the deta (a head covering for men).
Keeping Randai Alive
Nowadays, randai performers are still alive, although their numbers are fewer. A study from Padang State University in 2024 highlights various factors that have caused randai to begin to disappear, such as the inability of trainers to train because they are no longer strong enough to perform the movements perfectly due to age, as they are now 70 years old.
Additionally, the lack of resources or equipment, such as the loss of costumes, props, and other accessories due to the previous management's failure to take responsibility, has hindered the optimal preservation of Randai.
Randai is a cultural treasure that must be kept alive, especially by the younger generation, to prevent it from fading into obscurity. Officially recognized as Indonesia’s Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2017, Randai holds deep historical and artistic value.
We must not let it become merely a memory, lost to time and disconnected from future generations. By watching, supporting, and promoting local performances, no matter how small we take part in keeping this cultural heartbeat alive.
