Overview history

The written history of the Minangkabau started in the 14th century, with the introduction of Islam to West Sumatra, at the time of the gold trade with India and Aceh. By the 16th century Pariaman had become the main port, until the people of Aceh captured the harbour and took over the trade so that all trade from West Sumatra went through Badeh Aceh. Pepper cultivation then started to become important and West Sumatra became a leading pepper production area, involving, firstly, traders from India, China and Portugal and later the English and the Dutch. In 1763 the Dutch captured Padang and built a fortified trading post. The Portuguese Ambassador of that time became the first European to visit the royal palace of Bukittingi.

The Minang lived in three valleys, each valley being ruled by a different leader. Their power reached as far as the Batak regions and Rajang. The central Minang government lasted until the end of the 18th century when the wealth of the gold mines was exhausted and the miners had to find other work. This work was found in the direction of coffee, salt, textiles and gambir (a superior vegetable tannin which proved to be an improvement on the original Chinese product). The trade was controlled by Islamic traders from the beginning of the Islamic reformation. Kings, Queens and other secular leaders who refused to follow the Paderi (religious leaders) were conquered during this troubled period in what became known as the Paderi wars. The Islamic university is still called Paderi.

In 1821, the Dutch secured their trade by making agreements with the Raja Alam of Pagaruyung. The Raja gave them the Tanahdatar Valley in which they built Fort de Cock at Bukittingi. From there they extended their power over the highlands.
The Paderi wars continued until 1837 at Bonjol, named after the most powerful Paderi leader, Imam Bonjol, where their power was broken.

From the beginning of the 20th century West Sumatra played an important rôle in modernizing Islam, especially in improving education for women. In the twenties many a well-educated student was frustrated by the lack of work. In 1926 the students, with the aid of the Communists, started a rebellion; many rebels were put into Dutch jails in New Guinea, Irian Jajah.

After the second world war, during the independence struggle, Bukittingi briefly became the capital city of Indonesia; after Sukarno was captured by the Dutch it was the temporary refuge of the Government. On 1st. January 1950 Sumatra became a province of the newly-independent Republic of Indonesia.