TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - West Sumatra is set to host Matrilineal Festival that will become the first and biggest ever matrilineal festival in Indonesia. The festival is scheduled to enliven the Gadang (Minangkabau traditional house) house complex in Tanah Datar, Padang starting from on October 25 to November 1.
The Head of Padang Cultural Heritage Preservation Agency, Nurmatias said he will invite representatives of indigenous tribes from various countries such as Kerala from India; Mosu from China, Patani from Thailand, and Negeri Sembilan from Malaysia, as well as indigenous matrilineal tribes in Indonesia such as Semende from Muara Enim, South Sumatera; Enggano and Muko-Muko from Bengkulu; Kuantan, Kampar, and Rokan from Riau; Kerinci from Jambi; Anak Jamek, the Minangkabau descendant in South Aceh; and Sibolga from Central Tapanuli.
“West Sumatra - where majority of the residents are of Minangkabau indigenous-- is the world’s largest matrilineal indigenous tribe. Minangkabau people who live here is now more than 5 millions people and more than five million other are migrating to other regions,” said Nurmatias.
“They still hold onto the matrilineal system.”
The festival is aimed to promote matrilineal culture among domination of patriarchy culture to empower women.
Art and culinary experience and cultural exhibition will be offered during the festival dates and participants will be staying at traditional Minangkabau house.
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