West Sumatra
Encyclopedia
West Sumatra is a province
of Indonesia
. It lies on the west coast of the island Sumatra
. It borders the provinces of North Sumatra
(Sumatera Utara) to the north, Riau and Jambi to the east, and Bengkulu
to the southeast. It includes the Mentawai Islands
off the coast. The capital of the province is Padang
.
The history of West Sumatra is related to the history of the Minangkabau people. Archaeological evidence indicates that the area surrounding the Limapuluh Koto
regency forms the first area inhabited by the Minangkabau. Limapuluh Koto regency covers a number of large rivers which meet at the eastern part of the Sumatran coastline and provided sailing transportation until the end of the last century. The Minangkabau ancestors were believed to have arrived via this route. They sailed from Asia (Indo-China) via the South China Sea
, crossing the Malacca Strait and later settled along the Kampar, Siak and Indragiri (or Kuantan) rivers. Some lived and developed their culture and traits around the Limapuluh Koto regency.
The integration with migrants in the ensuing periods introduced cultural changes and an increase in population. Their settlement area gradually became diminished and eventually they spread to other parts of West Sumatra. A portion of them went to the Agam regency while others went to the now Tanah Datar regency. From those areas onward, further spread of the population occurred north of the Agam regency, in particular, the Lubuk Sikaping. Rao and Ophir districts. Most of them settled in the western area such as the coastline and some in the southern parts in Solok, Selayo and the surrounding areas of Muara and Sijunjung.
The history of the West Sumatra Province became more accessible at the time of the rule by Adityawarman
. This ruler left considerable amount of evidence of himself, although he did not proclaim that he was the Minangkabau King. Adityawarman ruled Pagaruyung, a region believed by the Minangkabau to be the center of its culture. Adityawarman was the most important figure in Minangkabau history. Apart from introducing a government system by a ruling monarch, he also contributed significantly to the Minangkabau world. His most important contribution was the spread of Buddhism
. This religion had a very strong influence in the Minangkabau life. The evidence of such influence found in West Sumatra today includes names such as Saruaso, Pariangan, Padang Barhalo, Candi, Biaro, Sumpur and Selo.
Since the death of Adityawarman in the middle of the 17th century the history of West Sumatra seems more complex. During that time, the connection of West Sumatra with the outside world, in particular, Aceh
, became more intense. West Sumatra at that time was the political dominion of Aceh which also monopolized the economy of the area. Coupled with the intensive connection Islam
entered into West Sumatra. The new faith eventually became fundamental to the social and cultural way of life in the region. Sheik Burhanuddin was regarded as the first preacher of Islam in West Sumatra. Prior to expanding the faith in the region, he was studying in Aceh.
The dominating influence of Aceh’s politics and economy did not make the people of West Sumatra happy. Ultimately, the growing dissatisfaction gave way to the acceptance of the Dutch although the presence of them also opened up a new chapter in the history of West Sumatra. The arrival of the Dutch in the region caused them to enter the era of colonialism in the very of essence of its meaning.
The first westerner to reach West Sumatra was the French
explorer Jean Parmentier
in 1529. However, the westerners who came for economic and political reasons were the Dutch. The Dutch commercial fleet was seen along the southern coast of West Sumatra between 1595–1598. Apart from the Dutch, other European nationalities also came to the region such as the Portuguese
and the English
.
West Sumatra lies in the middle of the western coast of Sumatra
, and has an area of 42,130.82 km². Geographic features include plain
s, mountainous volcanic highlands formed by the Barisan
mountain range that runs from north-west to south-east, and an offshore island archipelago called the Mentawai Islands
. The West Sumatran coastline faces the Indian Ocean
and stretches 375 km from North Sumatra
province in the north-west to Bengkulu
in the south-east. The lakes of West Sumatra include: Maninjau
(99.5 km²), Singkarak
(130.1 km²), Diatas
(31.5 km²), Dibawah
(14.0 km²), Talang (5.0 km²). The rivers of West Sumatra include: Kuranji, Anai, Ombilin
, Suliki, Agam, Sinamar
, Arau. The mountains & volcanoes of West Sumatra include: Marapi
(2,891 m), Sago
(2,271 m), Singgalang
(2,877 m), Talakmau
(2,912 m), Talang
(2,572 m), Tandikat
(2,438 m).
(world's largest flower), Sumatran Tiger
, Siamang
, Malayan tapir
, Sumatran Serow
, Rusa Deer
, Malayan Sun Bear
, Bornean Clouded Leopard
, and many birds and butterflies.
The province includes two National Parks: Siberut National Park
and Kerinci Seblat National Park
, as well as a number of nature reserves: Rimbo Panti Nature Reserve, Batang Palupuh Nature Reserve, Lembah Anai Nature Reserve, Lembah Harau Nature Reserve, Bung Hatta Grand Forest Park, Beringin Sakti Nature Reserve.
, opened in July 2005, 23 km north-west of Padang
in Ketaping, Padang Pariaman
regency. The airport has direct international services to Kuala Lumpur
in Malaysia and Singapore
, as well as servicing most large cities in Indonesia.
Significant roads include the Trans-Sumatran Highway
which runs the length of the province, heading north-west towards Medan
and south-east towards Jakarta
, the road between Padang
and Bukittinggi
, and the road between Bukittinggi
and Pekanbaru
. The provincial government plans to upgrade the later two roads over the next few years to improve traffic flows http://www.kkppi.go.id/lintassektor.php?pgstate=N&enid=BO04050001&langsel=E&subid=A&secid=O.
Regular bus services run between Padang
and Bukittinggi
, and the other major cities of Sumatra
. Other public transport options within the province include oplet, taxi
and horse cart (bendi
).
Teluk Bayur
port in Padang
is the largest and busiest on the western coast of Sumatra
. It is used for exporting goods from West Sumatra as well as from some areas of the neighboring provinces.
Railway services run between Padang and Pariaman on weekends only and make a good day trip.
West Sumatra consists of the following cities:
While the regencies are:
Before the reforms of 1999 and the implementation of regional autonomy in 2001, the lowest local government unit under the district administrations was the Javanese model of the village, the desa
. Under regional autonomy, the traditional Minangkabau nagari, which are larger than villages elsewhere in Indonesia, have been reintroduced in place of the desa.
The Minangkabau people inhabit the area of West Sumatra province on the island Sumatra. They are predominantly Muslim
, and they have a reputation throughout Indonesia as traders.
Mentawaians live on the Mentawai Islands, off the western coast of Sumatra, that are also part of the province. They speak Mentawai language
s, which are not intelligible with either Indonesian nor Minangkabau. Most of the Mentawais are Christian
s nowadays.
clubs. The most popular of them is Semen Padang, which regularly plays its matches in Haji Agus Salim Stadium
, the biggest stadium in West Sumatra. Tour de Singkarak
, an annual road cycling race since 2009 is an official tournament series of Union Cycliste International (UCI). It covers more than 700 kilometres, from Padang passing around lake Singkarak
and runs through inland West Sumatran cities. This sporting event is also meant to promote West Sumatra tourism.
The prime tourist attractions of West Sumatra are the natural environment, and the culture and history of the Minangkabau and Mentawai people.
Natural attractions of the mainland include the tropical forests, mountains, volcanos, lakes, valleys, rivers & waterfalls in the highlands, the fauna and flora, and the beaches around Padang
. Many areas are protected as part of National Parks and Reserves. The city of Bukittinggi
is a popular central location in the highlands from which to explore the culture and history of the Minangkabau people, including architecture, crafts, dances, music and food. There are a number of museums and cultural centers. Pariaman has one of the famous festivals, Tabuik
. The Mentawai Islands
are a popular destination for surfers and those looking to experience the culture and more primitive lifestyle of the Mentawai people. For developing West Sumatra tourism, in 2006 the government opened tourist train railway service run between Padang - Padang Panjang - Sawahlunto.
The favourite tourism places are :
There are 25 islands at Pesisir Selatan Regency potential to be tourist sites. Cubadak Island (9 hectares), Pagang Island (12 hectares) and Pulau Penyu (Turtle Island) have been developed well. At the northern part will be developed Semangki Besar Island, Semangki Kecil Island, Marak Island, Setan Terusan Island, and Karao Island. At the southern part will be developed Kerabak Ketek Island, Kerabak Gadang Island, and Kosong Island.
Provinces of Indonesia
The province is the highest tier of local government subnational entity in Indonesia. Each province has its own local government, headed by a governor, and has its own legislative body...
of Indonesia
Indonesia
Indonesia , officially the Republic of Indonesia , is a country in Southeast Asia and Oceania. Indonesia is an archipelago comprising approximately 13,000 islands. It has 33 provinces with over 238 million people, and is the world's fourth most populous country. Indonesia is a republic, with an...
. It lies on the west coast of the island Sumatra
Sumatra
Sumatra is an island in western Indonesia, westernmost of the Sunda Islands. It is the largest island entirely in Indonesia , and the sixth largest island in the world at 473,481 km2 with a population of 50,365,538...
. It borders the provinces of North Sumatra
North Sumatra
North Sumatra is a province of Indonesia on the Sumatra island. Its capital is Medan. It is the most populous Indonesian province outside of Java. It is slightly larger than Sri Lanka in area.- Geography and population :...
(Sumatera Utara) to the north, Riau and Jambi to the east, and Bengkulu
Bengkulu
Bengkulu is a province of Indonesia. It is on the southwest coast of the island of Sumatra, and borders the provinces of West Sumatra, Jambi, South Sumatra and Lampung. The capital and largest city is Bengkulu city. It was formerly the site of a British garrison, which they called Bencoolen...
to the southeast. It includes the Mentawai Islands
Mentawai Islands
The Mentawai Islands are a chain of about seventy islands and islets off the western coast of Sumatra in Indonesia. Siberut is the largest of the islands. The other major islands are Sipura, North Pagai and South Pagai . The islands lie approximately 150 km off the Sumatran coast, across the...
off the coast. The capital of the province is Padang
Padang, Indonesia
Padang is the capital and largest city of West Sumatra, Indonesia. It is located on the western coast of Sumatra at . It has an area of and a population of over 833,000 people at the 2010 Census.-History:...
.
History
Limapuluh Koto
Limapuluh Koto is a regency of West Sumatra, Indonesia. It has an area of 3,354.53 km² and a population of approximately 312,500 people...
regency forms the first area inhabited by the Minangkabau. Limapuluh Koto regency covers a number of large rivers which meet at the eastern part of the Sumatran coastline and provided sailing transportation until the end of the last century. The Minangkabau ancestors were believed to have arrived via this route. They sailed from Asia (Indo-China) via the South China Sea
South China Sea
The South China Sea is a marginal sea that is part of the Pacific Ocean, encompassing an area from the Singapore and Malacca Straits to the Strait of Taiwan of around...
, crossing the Malacca Strait and later settled along the Kampar, Siak and Indragiri (or Kuantan) rivers. Some lived and developed their culture and traits around the Limapuluh Koto regency.
The integration with migrants in the ensuing periods introduced cultural changes and an increase in population. Their settlement area gradually became diminished and eventually they spread to other parts of West Sumatra. A portion of them went to the Agam regency while others went to the now Tanah Datar regency. From those areas onward, further spread of the population occurred north of the Agam regency, in particular, the Lubuk Sikaping. Rao and Ophir districts. Most of them settled in the western area such as the coastline and some in the southern parts in Solok, Selayo and the surrounding areas of Muara and Sijunjung.
The history of the West Sumatra Province became more accessible at the time of the rule by Adityawarman
Adityawarman
Adityawarman , a nobleman born in east Java, from Pararaton poem, his mother's name was Dara Jingga from Dharmasraya princess; his father’s name was Adwayawarman from Kuburajo Inscription around Limo Kaum in West Sumatra...
. This ruler left considerable amount of evidence of himself, although he did not proclaim that he was the Minangkabau King. Adityawarman ruled Pagaruyung, a region believed by the Minangkabau to be the center of its culture. Adityawarman was the most important figure in Minangkabau history. Apart from introducing a government system by a ruling monarch, he also contributed significantly to the Minangkabau world. His most important contribution was the spread of Buddhism
Buddhism
Buddhism is a religion and philosophy encompassing a variety of traditions, beliefs and practices, largely based on teachings attributed to Siddhartha Gautama, commonly known as the Buddha . The Buddha lived and taught in the northeastern Indian subcontinent some time between the 6th and 4th...
. This religion had a very strong influence in the Minangkabau life. The evidence of such influence found in West Sumatra today includes names such as Saruaso, Pariangan, Padang Barhalo, Candi, Biaro, Sumpur and Selo.
Since the death of Adityawarman in the middle of the 17th century the history of West Sumatra seems more complex. During that time, the connection of West Sumatra with the outside world, in particular, Aceh
Aceh
Aceh is a special region of Indonesia, located on the northern tip of the island of Sumatra. Its full name is Daerah Istimewa Aceh , Nanggroë Aceh Darussalam and Aceh . Past spellings of its name include Acheh, Atjeh and Achin...
, became more intense. West Sumatra at that time was the political dominion of Aceh which also monopolized the economy of the area. Coupled with the intensive connection Islam
Islam
Islam . The most common are and . : Arabic pronunciation varies regionally. The first vowel ranges from ~~. The second vowel ranges from ~~~...
entered into West Sumatra. The new faith eventually became fundamental to the social and cultural way of life in the region. Sheik Burhanuddin was regarded as the first preacher of Islam in West Sumatra. Prior to expanding the faith in the region, he was studying in Aceh.
The dominating influence of Aceh’s politics and economy did not make the people of West Sumatra happy. Ultimately, the growing dissatisfaction gave way to the acceptance of the Dutch although the presence of them also opened up a new chapter in the history of West Sumatra. The arrival of the Dutch in the region caused them to enter the era of colonialism in the very of essence of its meaning.
The first westerner to reach West Sumatra was the French
French people
The French are a nation that share a common French culture and speak the French language as a mother tongue. Historically, the French population are descended from peoples of Celtic, Latin and Germanic origin, and are today a mixture of several ethnic groups...
explorer Jean Parmentier
Jean Parmentier
Jean Parmentier , born in Dieppe, France, was a navigator, cartographer, and poet. Jean and his brother Raoul made numerous voyages for the shipowner Jean Ango, and sailed to the coasts of Brazil, North America, West Africa and Sumatra....
in 1529. However, the westerners who came for economic and political reasons were the Dutch. The Dutch commercial fleet was seen along the southern coast of West Sumatra between 1595–1598. Apart from the Dutch, other European nationalities also came to the region such as the Portuguese
Portuguese people
The Portuguese are a nation and ethnic group native to the country of Portugal, in the west of the Iberian peninsula of south-west Europe. Their language is Portuguese, and Roman Catholicism is the predominant religion....
and the English
English people
The English are a nation and ethnic group native to England, who speak English. The English identity is of early mediaeval origin, when they were known in Old English as the Anglecynn. England is now a country of the United Kingdom, and the majority of English people in England are British Citizens...
.
Geography
Sumatra
Sumatra is an island in western Indonesia, westernmost of the Sunda Islands. It is the largest island entirely in Indonesia , and the sixth largest island in the world at 473,481 km2 with a population of 50,365,538...
, and has an area of 42,130.82 km². Geographic features include plain
Plain
In geography, a plain is land with relatively low relief, that is flat or gently rolling. Prairies and steppes are types of plains, and the archetype for a plain is often thought of as a grassland, but plains in their natural state may also be covered in shrublands, woodland and forest, or...
s, mountainous volcanic highlands formed by the Barisan
Barisan Mountains
The Bukit Barisan or the Barisan Mountains are a mountain range on the western side of Sumatra, Indonesia, covering nearly 1,700 km from the north to the south of the island. The Bukit Barisan range consists primarily of volcanoes shrouded in dense jungle cover, including Sumatran tropical pine...
mountain range that runs from north-west to south-east, and an offshore island archipelago called the Mentawai Islands
Mentawai Islands
The Mentawai Islands are a chain of about seventy islands and islets off the western coast of Sumatra in Indonesia. Siberut is the largest of the islands. The other major islands are Sipura, North Pagai and South Pagai . The islands lie approximately 150 km off the Sumatran coast, across the...
. The West Sumatran coastline faces the Indian Ocean
Indian Ocean
The Indian Ocean is the third largest of the world's oceanic divisions, covering approximately 20% of the water on the Earth's surface. It is bounded on the north by the Indian Subcontinent and Arabian Peninsula ; on the west by eastern Africa; on the east by Indochina, the Sunda Islands, and...
and stretches 375 km from North Sumatra
North Sumatra
North Sumatra is a province of Indonesia on the Sumatra island. Its capital is Medan. It is the most populous Indonesian province outside of Java. It is slightly larger than Sri Lanka in area.- Geography and population :...
province in the north-west to Bengkulu
Bengkulu
Bengkulu is a province of Indonesia. It is on the southwest coast of the island of Sumatra, and borders the provinces of West Sumatra, Jambi, South Sumatra and Lampung. The capital and largest city is Bengkulu city. It was formerly the site of a British garrison, which they called Bencoolen...
in the south-east. The lakes of West Sumatra include: Maninjau
Lake Maninjau
Lake Maninjau is a caldera lake in West Sumatra, Indonesia. It is located 36 km to the west of Bukittinggi, at .-Formation:The Maninjau caldera was formed by a volcanic eruption estimated to have occurred around 52,000 years ago...
(99.5 km²), Singkarak
Lake Singkarak
Lake Singkarak is a lake in West Sumatra, Indonesia. It is located between the cities of Padang Panjang and Solok. It has an area of 107.8 km², being approximately 21 km long and 7 km wide. The natural outlet for excess water is the Ombilin river which flows eastward to the Strait of...
(130.1 km²), Diatas
Lake Diatas
Lake Diatas is a lake in West Sumatra, Indonesia. It is located at . This lake together with Lake Dibawah, are known as the Twin Lakes ....
(31.5 km²), Dibawah
Lake Dibawah
Lake Dibawah is a lake in West Sumatra, Indonesia. It is located at . This lake together with Lake Diatas, are known as the Twin Lakes ....
(14.0 km²), Talang (5.0 km²). The rivers of West Sumatra include: Kuranji, Anai, Ombilin
Ombilin River
Ombilin River is a river in northern Sumatra, Indonesia.It is a tributary of the Indragiri River....
, Suliki, Agam, Sinamar
Sinamar River
Sinamar River is a river in northern Sumatra, Indonesia.It is a tributary of the Indragiri River....
, Arau. The mountains & volcanoes of West Sumatra include: Marapi
Mount Marapi
Marapi is a complex volcano in West Sumatra, Indonesia. Its name means Mountain of Fire, and it is the most active volcano in Sumatra. Its elevation is...
(2,891 m), Sago
Mount Sago
Sago is a mountain in West Sumatra, Indonesia. It is near to the city of Payakumbuh and the town of Batusangkar....
(2,271 m), Singgalang
Mount Singgalang
Singgalang is a volcano in West Sumatra, Indonesia. Its elevation is 2,877 m . It is a twin volcano with Mount Tandikat, which is located to the south-south-west of Singgalang. However, only Tandikat has had historical volcanic activity...
(2,877 m), Talakmau
Mount Talakmau
Talakmau is a volcano in West Sumatra, Indonesia. Its elevation is 2,919 m .-External links :*...
(2,912 m), Talang
Mount Talang
Mount Talang is an active stratovolcano in West Sumatra, Indonesia. Talang has two crater lakes on its flanks, the largest of which is 1 x 2 km wide and is called Lake Talang....
(2,572 m), Tandikat
Mount Tandikat
Tandikat is a stratovolcano in West Sumatra, Indonesia. Its elevation is 2,438 m . It is a twin volcano with Mount Singgalang, which is located to the north-north-east of Tandikat. However, only Tandikat has had historical volcanic activity. The city of Padang Panjang is located at the foot of the...
(2,438 m).
Demographics
The population of West Sumatra was 2.8 million in 1971, 1980 3 million, 1990 3.5 million, and 2000 4.2 million, finally 2010 Census 4.846 million with 2.404.472 malesFlora and fauna
The province includes large areas of dense tropical forest, which is home to a host of species including: Rafflesia arnoldiiRafflesia arnoldii
Rafflesia arnoldii is a member of the genus Rafflesia. It is noted for producing the largest individual flower on earth, and a strong odor of decaying flesh - the latter point earning it the nickname of "corpse flower". It is an endemic plant that occurs only in the rainforest of Bengkulu and...
(world's largest flower), Sumatran Tiger
Sumatran Tiger
The Sumatran tiger is a tiger subspecies that inhabits the Indonesian island of Sumatra and has been classified as critically endangered by IUCN in 2008 as the population is projected at 176 to 271 mature individuals, with no subpopulation having an effective population size larger than 50...
, Siamang
Siamang
The siamang is a tailless, arboreal, black-furred gibbon native to the forests of Malaysia, Thailand, and Sumatra. The largest of the lesser apes, the siamang can be twice the size of other gibbons, reaching 1 m in height, and weighing up to 14 kg...
, Malayan tapir
Malayan Tapir
The Malayan Tapir , also called the Asian Tapir, is the largest of the four species of tapir and the only one native to Asia. The scientific name refers to the East Indies, the species' natural habitat...
, Sumatran Serow
Goat antelope
A goat-antelope or caprid is any of the species of mostly medium-sized bovids that make up the subfamily Caprinae , part of the Bovidae family of ruminants...
, Rusa Deer
Rusa Deer
The Javan Rusa or Sunda Sambar is a deer native to the islands of Java, Bali and Timor in Indonesia...
, Malayan Sun Bear
Sun Bear
The sun bear , sometimes known as the honey bear, is a bear found primarily in the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia; North-East India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Southern China, Peninsular Malaysia, and the islands of Sumatra and Borneo.-Description:The sun bear...
, Bornean Clouded Leopard
Bornean Clouded Leopard
The Sunda clouded leopard , also known as the Sundaland clouded leopard and is a medium-sized wild cat found in Borneo and Sumatra...
, and many birds and butterflies.
The province includes two National Parks: Siberut National Park
Siberut National Park
Siberut National Park comprises 1,905 km2 of the island of Siberut in the Mentawai Islands of West Sumatra, Indonesia. The whole island including the national park is part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves....
and Kerinci Seblat National Park
Kerinci Seblat National Park
Kerinci Seblat National Park is the largest national park in Sumatra Indonesia. It has a total area of 13,791 km2, and spans four provinces: West Sumatra, Jambi, Bengkulu and South Sumatra....
, as well as a number of nature reserves: Rimbo Panti Nature Reserve, Batang Palupuh Nature Reserve, Lembah Anai Nature Reserve, Lembah Harau Nature Reserve, Bung Hatta Grand Forest Park, Beringin Sakti Nature Reserve.
Transport
The province is served by Minangkabau International AirportMinangkabau International Airport
Minangkabau International Airport is the principal airport serving the province of West Sumatra on the island of Sumatra, Indonesia. It is located about 23 km north-west of Padang, in Ketaping, Padang Pariaman regency. The airport became operational in July 2005, replacing the old Tabing Airport...
, opened in July 2005, 23 km north-west of Padang
Padang, Indonesia
Padang is the capital and largest city of West Sumatra, Indonesia. It is located on the western coast of Sumatra at . It has an area of and a population of over 833,000 people at the 2010 Census.-History:...
in Ketaping, Padang Pariaman
Padang Pariaman
Padang Pariaman is a regency of West Sumatra, Indonesia. The regency capital is Parit Malintang. It has an area of 1328,79 Km2, and the population is 387,452 people...
regency. The airport has direct international services to Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur is the capital and the second largest city in Malaysia by population. The city proper, making up an area of , has a population of 1.4 million as of 2010. Greater Kuala Lumpur, also known as the Klang Valley, is an urban agglomeration of 7.2 million...
in Malaysia and Singapore
Singapore
Singapore , officially the Republic of Singapore, is a Southeast Asian city-state off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, north of the equator. An island country made up of 63 islands, it is separated from Malaysia by the Straits of Johor to its north and from Indonesia's Riau Islands by the...
, as well as servicing most large cities in Indonesia.
Significant roads include the Trans-Sumatran Highway
Trans-Sumatran Highway
The Trans-Sumatran Highway is a primarily north-south road in the Indonesian island of Sumatra, 2,508.5 km long, and connecting the north of the island in Banda Aceh to Bandar Lampung in the south, running through many major cities, including Medan and Padang on the way.The road is a major...
which runs the length of the province, heading north-west towards Medan
Medan
- Demography :The city is Indonesia's fourth most populous after Jakarta, Surabaya, and Bandung, and Indonesia's largest city outside of Java island. Much of the population lies outside its city limits, especially in Deli Serdang....
and south-east towards Jakarta
Jakarta
Jakarta is the capital and largest city of Indonesia. Officially known as the Special Capital Territory of Jakarta, it is located on the northwest coast of Java, has an area of , and a population of 9,580,000. Jakarta is the country's economic, cultural and political centre...
, the road between Padang
Padang, Indonesia
Padang is the capital and largest city of West Sumatra, Indonesia. It is located on the western coast of Sumatra at . It has an area of and a population of over 833,000 people at the 2010 Census.-History:...
and Bukittinggi
Bukittinggi
Bukittinggi is one of the larger cities in West Sumatra, Indonesia, with a population of over 91,000 people and an area of 25.24 km². It is situated in the Minangkabau highlands, 90 km by road from the West Sumatran capital city of Padang. It is located at , near the volcanoes Mount...
, and the road between Bukittinggi
Bukittinggi
Bukittinggi is one of the larger cities in West Sumatra, Indonesia, with a population of over 91,000 people and an area of 25.24 km². It is situated in the Minangkabau highlands, 90 km by road from the West Sumatran capital city of Padang. It is located at , near the volcanoes Mount...
and Pekanbaru
Pekanbaru
Pekanbaru is the capital of Riau, a province in Indonesia on the island of Sumatra. It has an area of 632.26 km² and a population of 903,902. Located on the Siak River, which drains to the Strait of Malacca...
. The provincial government plans to upgrade the later two roads over the next few years to improve traffic flows http://www.kkppi.go.id/lintassektor.php?pgstate=N&enid=BO04050001&langsel=E&subid=A&secid=O.
Regular bus services run between Padang
Padang, Indonesia
Padang is the capital and largest city of West Sumatra, Indonesia. It is located on the western coast of Sumatra at . It has an area of and a population of over 833,000 people at the 2010 Census.-History:...
and Bukittinggi
Bukittinggi
Bukittinggi is one of the larger cities in West Sumatra, Indonesia, with a population of over 91,000 people and an area of 25.24 km². It is situated in the Minangkabau highlands, 90 km by road from the West Sumatran capital city of Padang. It is located at , near the volcanoes Mount...
, and the other major cities of Sumatra
Sumatra
Sumatra is an island in western Indonesia, westernmost of the Sunda Islands. It is the largest island entirely in Indonesia , and the sixth largest island in the world at 473,481 km2 with a population of 50,365,538...
. Other public transport options within the province include oplet, taxi
Taxicab
A taxicab, also taxi or cab, is a type of vehicle for hire with a driver, used by a single passenger or small group of passengers, often for a non-shared ride. A taxicab conveys passengers between locations of their choice...
and horse cart (bendi
Bendi
Bendi may refer to:* Bendi languages in the Congo-Nigeria region*Bendi people of Ituri, in western Africa*Punti, the Cantonese-speaking populations of Guangdong province in southern China* Avre Bendi, a Konkani recipe in India...
).
Teluk Bayur
Teluk Bayur
Teluk Bayur formerly known as Emma Haven or Emmahaven is a port located in Bayur Bay of Padang city, West Sumatra, Indonesia. The port, the largest and busiest on the western coast of Sumatra, is operated by the government owned company PT. Pelabuhan Indonesia II .-External links:**...
port in Padang
Padang, Indonesia
Padang is the capital and largest city of West Sumatra, Indonesia. It is located on the western coast of Sumatra at . It has an area of and a population of over 833,000 people at the 2010 Census.-History:...
is the largest and busiest on the western coast of Sumatra
Sumatra
Sumatra is an island in western Indonesia, westernmost of the Sunda Islands. It is the largest island entirely in Indonesia , and the sixth largest island in the world at 473,481 km2 with a population of 50,365,538...
. It is used for exporting goods from West Sumatra as well as from some areas of the neighboring provinces.
Railway services run between Padang and Pariaman on weekends only and make a good day trip.
Administrative areas
- BukittinggiBukittinggiBukittinggi is one of the larger cities in West Sumatra, Indonesia, with a population of over 91,000 people and an area of 25.24 km². It is situated in the Minangkabau highlands, 90 km by road from the West Sumatran capital city of Padang. It is located at , near the volcanoes Mount...
- PadangPadang, IndonesiaPadang is the capital and largest city of West Sumatra, Indonesia. It is located on the western coast of Sumatra at . It has an area of and a population of over 833,000 people at the 2010 Census.-History:...
- Padang PanjangPadang PanjangPadang Panjang is located in the cool highlands of West Sumatra, inland from the provincial capital Padang. It sits on a plateau beneath the volcanoes Mount Marapi and Mount Singgalang. It has an area of 23 km² and a population of over 40,000...
- PariamanPariamanPariaman is a coastal city in West Sumatra, Indonesia. Pariaman has 72,089 inhabitants , an area of and a coastline. "Pariaman" means "safe area".-History:...
- PayakumbuhPayakumbuhPayakumbuh is a city north-east of Bukittinggi , Indonesia. It has an area of 80.43 km² and a population of over 99,300 people. Literally translated, the city name means "grassy swamp"....
- SawahluntoSawahluntoKota Sawahlunto or Sawah Lunto is a town in West Sumatra, Indonesia. This town covers 5.86 km² and has a population of 15,279.Sawahlunto is one of the mining towns in West Sumatra. It was first established as a town in 1982 by the Dutch along with the coal mining operations during that time....
- SolokSolokSolok is a city in West Sumatra, Indonesia. Its motto is Kota Beras, which means "the rice city". It has an area of 57.34 km² and a population of over 52,100 people.-External links:...
While the regencies are:
- AgamAgam RegencyAgam is a regency of West Sumatra, Indonesia. It has an area of 2,232.30 km² and a population of approximately 419,800 people. The capital is Lubuk Basung....
- capital: Lubuk BasungLubuk BasungLubuk Basung is a town, and the capital of the Agam regency of West Sumatra province, Indonesia.... - Dharmasraya - capital: Pulau Punjung, as a new regency, Dharmasraya got the highest score 59.43 from a possible 100 among other new regencies
- Mentawai IslandsMentawai IslandsThe Mentawai Islands are a chain of about seventy islands and islets off the western coast of Sumatra in Indonesia. Siberut is the largest of the islands. The other major islands are Sipura, North Pagai and South Pagai . The islands lie approximately 150 km off the Sumatran coast, across the...
(Kepulauan Mentawai) - capital: Tua Pejat - Limapuluh KotoLimapuluh KotoLimapuluh Koto is a regency of West Sumatra, Indonesia. It has an area of 3,354.53 km² and a population of approximately 312,500 people...
- capital: Sarilamak - Padang PariamanPadang PariamanPadang Pariaman is a regency of West Sumatra, Indonesia. The regency capital is Parit Malintang. It has an area of 1328,79 Km2, and the population is 387,452 people...
- capital: Parit Malintang - PasamanPasamanPasaman is a regency of West Sumatra, Indonesia. It has an area of 3,947.63 km² and a population of approximately 243,000 people. The capital is Lubuk Sikaping....
- capital: Lubuk Sikaping - West PasamanWest PasamanWest Pasaman is a regency of West Sumatra, Indonesia.-Mount Talamau:Talamau Peak can be accessed from Bundaran Simpang Empat Pasaman vice versa in two or three days trip and located at Jorong Pinagar Nagari Aur Kuning, Pasaman District, West Pasaman Regency...
(Pasaman Barat) - capital: Simpang EmpatSimpang EmpatSimpang Empat or Simpang Ampat or Sempang Ampat may refer to:In Malaysia:*Simpang Empat, Kedah*Simpang Ampat, Kedah*Simpang Ampat, Melaka*Simpang Ampat, Penang*Simpang Empat , Perak*Simpang Empat, Perak*Simpang Empat, Perlis... - South PesisirSouth PesisirSouth Pesisir is a regency of West Sumatra, Indonesia. It has an area of 5,727.89 km² and a population of approximately 413,800 people...
(Pesisir Selatan) - capital: PainanPainanPainan is a coastal town, and the capital of the South Pesisir regency of West Sumatra, Indonesia.... - Sijunjung - capital: Muaro Sijunjung
- SolokSolok RegencySolok Regency is a regency of West Sumatra, Indonesia.Besides mining, Solok Regency also has tourism attractions such as Mount Red and White in Nagari Sulit Air with 3 waterfalls close to each other with beautiful scenery provided by Jonjang Seribu .- External links :...
- capital: Arosuka - South SolokSouth SolokSouth Solok is a regency of West Sumatra, Indonesia.- External links :...
(Solok Selatan) - capital: Padang Aro - Tanah DatarTanah DatarTanah Datar is a regency in West Sumatra province, Indonesia. The regency has a population of 334,000. The capital of the regency is Batusangkar...
- capital: BatusangkarBatusangkarBatusangkar is the capital of the Tanah Datar regency of West Sumatra, Indonesia.The town is near the former seat of the Minangkabau royalty established by Adityawarman in Pagaruyung, represented by the reconstructed Pagaruyung Palace...
Before the reforms of 1999 and the implementation of regional autonomy in 2001, the lowest local government unit under the district administrations was the Javanese model of the village, the desa
Village (Indonesia)
An administrative village is the lowest level of government administration in Indonesia. It could be a village or a kelurahan. A village is headed by a village chief , which is elected by popular vote. A kelurahan is headed by a lurah....
. Under regional autonomy, the traditional Minangkabau nagari, which are larger than villages elsewhere in Indonesia, have been reintroduced in place of the desa.
People
Muslim
A Muslim, also spelled Moslem, is an adherent of Islam, a monotheistic, Abrahamic religion based on the Quran, which Muslims consider the verbatim word of God as revealed to prophet Muhammad. "Muslim" is the Arabic term for "submitter" .Muslims believe that God is one and incomparable...
, and they have a reputation throughout Indonesia as traders.
Mentawaians live on the Mentawai Islands, off the western coast of Sumatra, that are also part of the province. They speak Mentawai language
Mentawai language
The Mentawai language is an Austronesian language, spoken by the Mentawai-people of the Mentawai Islands, West Sumatra. The dialects of the language include: – Silabu, Sipura – Simalegi, Sakalagan, Saumanganja – North Siberut, South Siberut – Taikaku – Pagai....
s, which are not intelligible with either Indonesian nor Minangkabau. Most of the Mentawais are Christian
Christian
A Christian is a person who adheres to Christianity, an Abrahamic, monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth as recorded in the Canonical gospels and the letters of the New Testament...
s nowadays.
Sport
West Sumatra is also home of several professional soccerFootball (soccer)
Association football, more commonly known as football or soccer, is a sport played between two teams of eleven players with a spherical ball...
clubs. The most popular of them is Semen Padang, which regularly plays its matches in Haji Agus Salim Stadium
Haji Agus Salim Stadium
----Haji Agus Salim Stadium is a multi-use stadium in Padang, Indonesia. It is currently used mostly for football matches and is the home stadium of Semen Padang F.C....
, the biggest stadium in West Sumatra. Tour de Singkarak
Tour de Singkarak
Tour de Singkarak is an annual road bicycle racing held in West Sumatra, Indonesia, and named after the Lake Singkarak. First staged in 2009, Tour de Singkarak together with Tour d'Indonesia and Tour de East Java is one of Indonesian official tournament series of Union Cycliste International...
, an annual road cycling race since 2009 is an official tournament series of Union Cycliste International (UCI). It covers more than 700 kilometres, from Padang passing around lake Singkarak
Lake Singkarak
Lake Singkarak is a lake in West Sumatra, Indonesia. It is located between the cities of Padang Panjang and Solok. It has an area of 107.8 km², being approximately 21 km long and 7 km wide. The natural outlet for excess water is the Ombilin river which flows eastward to the Strait of...
and runs through inland West Sumatran cities. This sporting event is also meant to promote West Sumatra tourism.
Tourism
Natural attractions of the mainland include the tropical forests, mountains, volcanos, lakes, valleys, rivers & waterfalls in the highlands, the fauna and flora, and the beaches around Padang
Padang, Indonesia
Padang is the capital and largest city of West Sumatra, Indonesia. It is located on the western coast of Sumatra at . It has an area of and a population of over 833,000 people at the 2010 Census.-History:...
. Many areas are protected as part of National Parks and Reserves. The city of Bukittinggi
Bukittinggi
Bukittinggi is one of the larger cities in West Sumatra, Indonesia, with a population of over 91,000 people and an area of 25.24 km². It is situated in the Minangkabau highlands, 90 km by road from the West Sumatran capital city of Padang. It is located at , near the volcanoes Mount...
is a popular central location in the highlands from which to explore the culture and history of the Minangkabau people, including architecture, crafts, dances, music and food. There are a number of museums and cultural centers. Pariaman has one of the famous festivals, Tabuik
Tabuik
Tabuik is the local manifestation of the Remembrance of Muharram among the Minangkabau people in the coastal regions of West Sumatra, Indonesia, particularly in the city of Pariaman. The festival includes reenactments of the Battle of Karbala, and the playing of tassa and dhol drums...
. The Mentawai Islands
Mentawai Islands
The Mentawai Islands are a chain of about seventy islands and islets off the western coast of Sumatra in Indonesia. Siberut is the largest of the islands. The other major islands are Sipura, North Pagai and South Pagai . The islands lie approximately 150 km off the Sumatran coast, across the...
are a popular destination for surfers and those looking to experience the culture and more primitive lifestyle of the Mentawai people. For developing West Sumatra tourism, in 2006 the government opened tourist train railway service run between Padang - Padang Panjang - Sawahlunto.
The favourite tourism places are :
- Jam GadangJam GadangJam Gadang is a clocktower and major landmark of the city of Bukit Tinggi, West Sumatra, Indonesia. It is located in the centre of the city, near the main market, Pasar Atas, and is a tourist attraction.-History:...
- the clocktower in the downtown of Bukittinggi - Panorama - Viewing to Sianok valley
- Air Manih beach - The beach that stretch from the north to south of Padang coastal
- Padang mountain
- Caroline beach
- Pagarruyung - The Pagarruyung palace in Batusangkar
- Harau valley
- Lake ManinjauLake ManinjauLake Maninjau is a caldera lake in West Sumatra, Indonesia. It is located 36 km to the west of Bukittinggi, at .-Formation:The Maninjau caldera was formed by a volcanic eruption estimated to have occurred around 52,000 years ago...
- Lake SingkarakLake SingkarakLake Singkarak is a lake in West Sumatra, Indonesia. It is located between the cities of Padang Panjang and Solok. It has an area of 107.8 km², being approximately 21 km long and 7 km wide. The natural outlet for excess water is the Ombilin river which flows eastward to the Strait of...
- Lake DiatasLake DiatasLake Diatas is a lake in West Sumatra, Indonesia. It is located at . This lake together with Lake Dibawah, are known as the Twin Lakes ....
and Lake DibawahLake DibawahLake Dibawah is a lake in West Sumatra, Indonesia. It is located at . This lake together with Lake Diatas, are known as the Twin Lakes .... - Sikuai Island
There are 25 islands at Pesisir Selatan Regency potential to be tourist sites. Cubadak Island (9 hectares), Pagang Island (12 hectares) and Pulau Penyu (Turtle Island) have been developed well. At the northern part will be developed Semangki Besar Island, Semangki Kecil Island, Marak Island, Setan Terusan Island, and Karao Island. At the southern part will be developed Kerabak Ketek Island, Kerabak Gadang Island, and Kosong Island.