Minangkabau Philosopical Folklore in a Multicutural Society as Indonesian Identity

Abstract

: Minangkabau is one of the etnic groups in Indonesian archipelago that owns philosophical folklores popular among its society. Philosophical folklore is a way of life containing cultural and religious dimensions. Behind these dimensions, there is a philosophy of tali tigo sapilin (three interwoven threads) covering ninik mamak (tradition affairs), alim ulama (religion affairs), and cadiak pandai (intellectual affairs) that play an important role in the life of Minangkabau people. Another Minangkabau philosophy of ‘alam takambang jadi guru’ (nature as the root of experience or knowledge) is a laws-of-religion-and-nature based philosophy. It views natural phenomena as sources of ideas and inspirations. However, it does not mean to serve as objective knowledge of nature itself. Instead, nature serves as an analog to form set of values and set of behaviors within the context of communal living for Minangkabau society. Minangkabau customary philosophy regards knowledge as a synthesis of empirical and rational aspects. The knowledge of Minangkabau cultural folklore is based not only on physical and rational senses, but also on emotional aspect that lead to ethic-argumentative concept. The relevance of Minangkabau philosophical folklore study for art, religion, and culture lies on dialogue process done by Minangkabau society. Culture and religion are inseparable elements that constitute a way of life for Minangkabau people.