Here’s an interesting fact: Do you know that in the Minangkabau tradition, women have the upper hand and have ownership in ancestral properties and rice fields? The ownership of houses and other properties are traditionally passed from mother to daughter. This has been the practice for centuries and is purely because of the matrilineal society of the Minangkabau.
The Minangkabau or Minang in Malaysia are descendants of the Minangkabau people from West Sumatra, Indonesia. They speak Malay, but they have their own dialect that reflects lingual roots in the language of their Indonesian heritage.
The Minang people are distinguished for their strong customs and traditions that are dated back several centuries.
Credits to the event organisers and Gaya Travel and Pertubuhan Belia Negeri Selangor for their initiatives bringing back the spirits of the old traditions and getting the ‘kampung’ (village) community together. I’m honoured to be part of this event which took place in Kampung Batu Sesapan Minangkabau in Selangor, involving the villages around the area.
The media team were given the exposure about Minangkabau culture and tradition, its architecture, traditional businesses and experienced the great variety of Minang food.
KITA REWANG KE KAMPUNG
The tradition ‘rewang’ meaning working together in a community, sharing both joyous moments and burdens is a tradition that is common among Malaysians for decades. This tradition brings the community together. It is however diminishing with time and modernisation. I’m grateful to be part of this event, with initiatives to keep this tradition alive.
Men, women, village chief, cooks and just any Tom, Dick and Harry worked together, chopped and pounded 260kg of onions and garlic, 50kg of chillies (MAMMA-MIA!!) sliced 180kg of buffalo meat, cooked 350kg of rice, prepared 350kg of chicken dishes, 200kg of prawns and the list went on. This was to cater for 300 people for this remarkable 3 days 2 nights event.
The smile, the laughter and the joyful spirits of working together in harmony truly touched my heart.
I’m still smiling thinking about that moment hanging-out with Makcik Rahimah and her sister Sarinah, pounding lemongrass when the toothless Makcik Rahimah claimed that she’s ‘Ratu Minang’ (the Queen of Minang) and I’m Ratu Bali 🙂 We laughed, took selfies and she told me about life in the village.
Rewang, also well-known as ‘gotong-royong’ in Malay language, ought to be kept alive as it strengthens the community and instils the spirits of peace and harmony.
MINANGKABAU WEDDING
The highlight of the event is of course the celebration of a Minangkabau wedding. This celebration breaks the routine of daily life with crescendo of colours, elaborate costumes and ritual eating. Among the impressive features that amazed me was the headdress worn by the bride and Caklempong, a traditional musician performance.
The food prepared over the course of 3 days and 2 nights were served at the wedding. Guests turned up in colourful traditional costumes. Friends, families and even us the media team, total strangers to everyone in the village sat together enjoying the sumptuous buffet. It was such a warm, friendly and joyful event.
The wedding certainly brought together the community and families from near and far.
Check out the photos of the bride and groom. All smiles despite a heavy headdress worn all day!
MINANGKABAU ARCHITECTURE
A trip appreciating the cultural lifestyle of the Minang society isn’t complete without a visit to a Minangkabau house.
Rumah Traditional Tanjak that I visited was built in 1933. It is still standing handsomely in the village of Kampung Sesapan Batu Minangkabau, Beranang, Selangor. It is currently occupied by its 4th generation.
The unique architecture of a Minangkabau house is known to be laced with cultural values and customs that are harmonious with nature. It is built with high-skilled construction, all the timber put together without using a single iron nail. The geometrical designs, columns and elevation from the ground compliments the tropical environment.
A Minang house serves not only as residence but for ceremonial gatherings and communal activities.
IT’S TIME FOR SATAY MINANG
Satay Minang is totally unique. It isn’t like the usual satay you may have had.
We headed to Kedai Makan Kenari Satay Minang, well-known for its satay Minang.
Satay Minang, either chicken or beef, is served with a creamy sauce instead of the usual peanut sauce. It is often presented on banana leaves and garnished with crispy fried shallots. Goes well with a classic Malaysian cold Rose Syrup drink! YUMMMl! My picture says it all!
ROSEAYANG CRISPY BERANANG ‘REMPEYEK’
‘Rempeyek’, also known as ‘peyek’ , is an ultra crispy deep-fried savoury cracker made with eggless batter and loaded with peanuts, anchovies or herbs. It is absolutely delicious that once you pop, you will find it hard to stop!
I had the opportunity to learn to make rempeyek with Encik Mohamad Fairus Khan and his dear wife, Puan Yang Azida. This lovely and bubbly couple are the owners of Roseayang Rempeyek. The Rempeyek were so tasty that I asked if I could bring some back to Bali. They said yes without hesitance and handed me a big container! WOOHOOO!! The Roseayang Rempeyek has now taken its first flight to Bali. The staff at my villa in Bali really enjoyed them and apparently raved about them in the village. #proudmalaysianmoment!
If you’re located in Malaysia and would like to try this to-die-for snack, you may contact Mr Fairus +60123872461
BERANANG LEMONGRASS FIELDS
No, this isn’t a rice field! It is actually a lemongrass farm. Clear blue skies, greenery that soothes the eyes, I can’t believe how beautiful this lemongrass field is. It is absolutely stunning. It could be an Instagram or Tik Tok worthy spot!
Ladang Serai Beranang (Beranang Lemongrass Fields) in Kampung Sesapan Batu Minangkabau is the biggest supplier for lemongrass in the state of Selangor. It is estimated that there are 300 acres of lemongrass fields around this area.
Lemongrass, popular in Asian cooking, is also used for medical and curative purposes. It is delicious in tea, soups and smoothies! The lemongrass scent is known to scare the mozzies away.
According to the owner of this farm, it is a lot easier to manage lemongrass fields (and more economical) than paddy, therefore, most of the former rice fields in this area have been converted to lemongrass farming.
Lemongrass takes only 90 days to harvest. It is estimated that approximately 7000 tufts of lemongrass are grown within an acre of land. There is no machinery required, only basic instruments for gardening and cutting.
An interesting new discovery for me!
AND IT’S A WRAP!
It’s always hard to say goodbye…
We ended this wondrous event with lots of Happy Birthday pranks at Chill and Feel Cafe, Eco Majestic Semenyih. The food was so delicious they barely had time to pose for me!
A special shout-out to Gaya Travel team and Puan Puteri Idayu Raja Shamsuddin, known among all as Mommy, who tirelessly looked after the media team. I’m truly honoured to be part of this supportive team with great initiatives to promote and create awareness of our local tradition.
I have only great memories to cherish. Fun and giggles with my Japanese roomie, a fellow writer, playing Rock Paper Scissors with her in Japanese, teaching her singing ‘Sinaran’ , a famous Malaysian song, getting to know fellow media team and learning endlessly not just about the Minangkabau culture and tradition but also about life and travels in general.
Please share in the comment section if you have experienced a Minang tradition or have any questions at all.
One question…how you simpan peyek sampai atas kapal terbang? Power!
Handcarry! No problem at all. I placed the container in my rucksack (I’m a light traveller-never checked in my bags at least in the last few years)