Minangkabau

An Indonesian people of western Sumatra. In addition to approximately 3 million Minangkabau in western Sumatra, there are sizeable communities in the major Indonesian cities. The Minangkabau language belongs to the Austronesian family.

Although western Sumatra has a Hindu heritage, the Minangkabau were converted to Islam. Customary law, however, remains important and descent is traced through the female line (matrilineally). When married, a man remains part of his mother's lineage, while his children belong to his wife's lineage. The traditional home of a high born Minangkabau family comprises a large central room, used for feasts, and smaller adjoining bedrooms occupied by the married female members of the household. The Minangkabau cultivate irrigated rice fields and are known for their distinctive Padang cuisine.

They are renowned in Indonesia as poets, playwrights, and novelists, as well as entrepreneurs.