One in Diversity

Indonesia is unique, unlike other Country; there are 34 provinces across Indonesia's archipelagos.  Indonesia is one in diversity of many ethnically distinct groups.

Every ethnic has their own culture and language that most commonly used among them. Despite all the differentiation, we speak Indonesian nationwide.

Malay
Malay tribe is a name that refers to a group whose main characteristic is the narrative of Malay. Malays live in most part of Malaysia, the eastern coast of Sumatra, around the coast of Kalimantan, Southern Thailand, and small islands that stretch along the Straits of Malacca and the Strait of Karimata. In Indonesia, the number of Malays is around 15% of the entire population, most of which inhabit the provinces of North Sumatra, Riau, Riau Islands, Jambi, South Sumatra, Bangka Belitung, and West Kalimantan.

Simalungun
The Simalungun tribe or also called the Batak Simalungun is one of the indigenous tribes of the province of North Sumatra, which settled in Simalungun District and its surroundings. Some sources stated that the ancestors of this tribe came from South Indian region.

Throughout history this tribe has been divided into several kingdoms. The original clan of the population of Simalungun is Damanik, and 3 migrant clans namely, Saragih, Sinaga, and Purba. Then the clans (surname) became 4 large clans in Simalungun.

Nias
Nias tribe lives on Nias island. Nias people called themselves "Ono Niha" (Ono = child / offspring; Niha = human) and Nias island as "Tanö Niha" (Tanö = land).
The Nias tribe is a community who lives in a highly traditional and cultural environment. Nias traditional law is generally called "fondrakö" which regulates all aspects of life from birth to death.

Ancient Nias people lived in a megalithic culture as evidenced by historical relics in the form of carvings on large stones that are still found in the hinterland of the island today. The Nias tribe consists of 12 level of Castes; wherein the highest caste level is "Balugu". To reach this level, one must be able to host a large party by inviting thousands of people and slaughtering thousands of pigs for days.

Batak Samosir

The Samosir Batak tribe, lives in  a small part of the Toba Samosir district whose territory is on the island of Samosir and its surroundings.

Formerly the Samosir Batak tribe was grouped into the Toba Batak tribe unit. But recently some news said that this Samosir Batak tribe was a different ethnic group and separated from the Toba Batak tribe.

What you are seeing on this post is only four different tribes of North Sumatra and there are still many tribes to come.

Thinking about exploring those tribes of Indonesia. Feel free to contact us, so we can discuss your itinerary deeply together in other to make your exploration happen. Whatsup: +62812-6734-6766