Survival strategies of two changing societies’ customary consultative assemblies: The orahua of Nias and the kerapatan adaik of West Sumatra

Figures & data

Table 1. Types of customary consultations in West Sumatra

No.	Theme	Location	Decision
1	Conveyance of news of death from Jambu Lipo Kingdom to Taratak Baru Village to be forwarded to Pulasan Village	Balai Galogah Jambangan Batu, located near the Batang Sibaku River, Taratak Baru Village, Sijunjung Subdistrict. Among those present were: 1) Datuk Mangguang (an Urang Tuo of Taratak Baru Village); 2) Dt. Malano (Cadiak Pandai/Manti Nagari); 3) Dt. Bandaro Sati (Sandi Padek/Penghulu Nagari/Datuak Pucuak Adat of Taratak Baru Village); 4) Dt. Penghulu Batuah (Tiang Panjang/Penghulu Pucuk/Pucuak Adat of Taratak Baru Village); 5) Dt. Galogah (Dubalang of Taratak Baru Village); 6) Pandito (Malin); 7) Pangilomo (of Jambu Lipo Kingdom); 8) Rajo Kuaso/Dubalang Rajo (of Jambu Lipo Kingdom); 9) Urang Tuo; and 10) Bundo Kanduang.	A traditional funeral ceremony was scheduled to take place in Jambu Lipo, Sijunjung, to honor and pay respects to Datuk Jambu Lipo.
2	Sangketo tanah ulayat or dispute over ownership right of communal or sub-tribal customary land	Balai Galogah Jambangan Batu, located near the Batang Sibaku River, Taratak Baru Village, Sijunjung Subdistrict. Among those present were: 1) Dt. Mangguang (Urang Tuo of Taratak Baru Village); 2) Dt. Malano (Cadiak Pandai/Manti Nagari); 3) Dt. Bandaro Sati (Sandi Padek/Penghulu Nagari/Datuak Pucuak Adat of Taratak Baru Village); 4) Dt. Penghulu Batuah (Tiang Panjang/Penghulu Pucuk/Pucuak Adat of Taratak Baru Village); 5) Dt. Galogah (Dubalang of Taratak Baru Village); 6) Pandito (Malin); 7) Pangilomo (of Jambu Lipo Kingdom); 8) Rajo Kuaso/Dubalang Rajo (of Jambu Lipo Kingdom); 9) Urang Tuo; and 10) Bundo Kanduang.	Rules pertaining to customary traditions must be adhered to when dealing with land inheritance.
3	Delivery of Minangkabau youth coaching, or encouragement to nurture, protect, and fortify the anak kemenakan (younger generation)	Balai Saruang, Nagari Tuo, Pariangan Subdistrict. Among those present were: 1) Dt. Sinaro (from the Piliang tribe); 2) Dt. Kayo (Pisang tribe); 3) Dt. Basa (Koto tribe); 4) Dt. Rajo Api (Malay tribe); 5) Dt. Suri Maharajo Dirajo (Dalimo Singkek tribe); 6) Dt. Tunaro (Dalimo Panjang tribe); 7) Dt. Maharajo Depang (Pidiang Laweh tribe); 8) Dt. Tambijo Dirajo (Sikumbang tribe)	It is important for the younger generation to uphold and observe the Minangkabau customs while receiving a comprehensive character education.
4	Case of adultery	Balai Saruang, Nagari Tuo, Pariangan Subdistrict. Among those present were: 1) Dt. Sinaro (from the Piliang tribe); 2) Dt. Kayo (Pisang tribe); 3) Dt. Basa (Koto tribe); 4) Dt. Rajo Api (Malay tribe); 5) Dt. Suri Maharajo Dirajo (Dalimo Singkek tribe); 6) Dt. Tunaro (Dalimo Panjang tribe); 7) Dt. Maharajo Depang (Pidiang Laweh tribe); 8) Dt. Tambijo Dirajo (Sikumbang tribe)	The “dibuang sepanjang adat” (excommunication) punishments still provides the offender with the opportunity to apologize to the ninik mamak (elders) and seek God’s forgiveness.

Figure 1. Balai Galogah Jambangan Batu.

Source: authors’ collection

Figure 2. Balai Galogah Jambangan Batu where customary figures (the panglimo and many datuk) conduct customary consultations.

Source: authors’ collection.

Table 2. Types of customary consultations in Nias

No.	Theme	Location	Decision
1	Village history	In an ewali omo sebua (royal court) in the middle of Hilinawalo Batusalawa Village, South Nias. Among those present were si’ulu (descendants of kings), si’ila (the nobles), sorahu (the elders)	The younger generation needs to be educated about the history of the village.
2	Direct Cash Aid from the government	In an ewali omo sebua (royal court) in the middle of Hilinawalo Batusalawa Village, South Nias. Among those present were si’ulu (descendants of kings), si’ila (the nobles), sorahu (the elders)	It is necessary to provide Direct Cash Aid to individuals who are eligible to receive such assistance.
3	A man had harassed a woman	In a traditional house (omo niha) situated in Tumori Village, Gunung Sitoli, under the guidance of a customary leader called sanuhe	A fine of two pigs
4	An incident involving a fight or coarse words (falele)	In a traditional house (omo niha) situated in Tumori Village, Gunung Sitoli, under the guidance of a customary leader called sanuhe	A fine of two million rupiahs in cash

Figure 3. Ewali orahua (a South Nias king’s court) where orahua is usually conducted.

Source: authors’ collections.

Figure 4. Ewali orahua is where si’ila individuals perform the orahua.

Source: authors’ collection.

Figure 5. A traditional leader titled Panglimo Rajo directed the customary activity of wirid adat, which involved chanting in congregation.

Source: authors’ collection.

Figure 6. A traditional leader titled Panglimo Rajo directed the customary activity of wirid adat, which involved chanting in congregation.

Source: authors’ collection.