The Litle History
In the Minangkabau ethnic group (Minang) in West Sumatra, Indonesia has long been an egalitarian political unity, promote discussion and generalization power. Equity is evident in the system of government Kanagarian; each village leader has a right of autonomy to manage their area. Nagari is a union territory, customs and politics in Minangkabau. In the village government, village leaders do not stand alone in making decisions. Decisions taken with a collective leadership "Tigo Tungku Sajarangan" (in which scholars include / merchants, clerics and traditional leaders / government). So that political decisions are taken more mature because through consultation between the political and community leaders.
The concept was used to make a Minangkabau region producing great figures of Indonesian politics. Should be recognized, outside Java, West Sumatra (Minangkabau tribe) is the largest producer of Indonesian national figures. Deliberation and freedom of thought has given birth Hatta, Tan Malaka, Sutan Syahrir, Agus Salim, Hamka and much more. Can not be denied that from the traditional political Minangkabau (actually much more modern than his time) this is the thinking and ideas Minangkabau leaders adopted for the initial framework formation of Indonesia. Furthermore, Hatta, Syahrir, Agus Salim is an important part of Indonesian government policies are still young, while Tan Malaka took the role of the controller (but ultimately by Sukarno, Indonesia's first president is considered a rebel). What a sweet mix. Togetherness becomes a proven potential power with collective independent Indonesia.
But the way the concept of unity of Indonesia, decentralization and the autonomy is not abandoned. President Sukarno chose centralization of leadership in the center. While the region (province) should follow the will of the center. The Government considers Indonesia prosperity and progress can only be realized if a strong control by the central government. Javanese political culture of centralized hierarchy continue to be used since the time of President Sukarno to Soeharto, even to political reform in Indonesia in 1998.
Long before regional autonomy policy after Indonesia's political reform, has Minang people encourage them. But the central government ignored the demand for regional autonomy. They were disappointed and accumulated in the year 1958. The military officers to form the Buffalo Board of widespread demand for regional autonomy. Then stood Movement Struggle to Save the Republic of Indonesia, chaired by Lt. Col. Hussein Achamad, this movement became the embryo of the Revolutionary Government of the Republic of Indonesia (PRRI). Some of the Minang people are disappointed at the Soekarno support this movement, and Mr. Mohammad Natsir, Mr. Assaat joined. Not only the Minang people who come to support PRRI, former Chairman of the Emergency Government Syafrudin Prawiranegara, Zulkifli Lubis and Soemitro Djoyohadikusumo included in the list PRRI figures.
Sukarno accused PRRI not purely aimed at demanding equal, the main purpose of this movement is a rebellion and overthrow the government. According to foreign powers (United States) to encourage the leaders of this rebellion, because the communists began to close with Sukarno and Indonesia keep American interest from the Communists. Faced with this movement, Sukarno reactive, sending military forces without looking out for the early emergence of PRRI disappointment. Ahmad Yani was assigned master Bukittinggi (Minangkabau) and Kaharudin Nasution attack Pekanbaru, two important cities PRRI resistance. Several other military officers took over the areas in Sumatra, which ruled the Board Bull. A large military force was defeated PRRI.
Since that time there was no great figures of national origin Minang influential in the central government. No more characters that give the Minang desentarilisasi thoughts, the ideals of autonomy lost a dream. The government again ignored the Minang figures. Minang people lost confidence in myself, lost a critical attitude towards the central government, and marginalized.
Until the New Order regime, the system of government Kanagarian removed, replaced with a system of government such as the Javanese village. Village Head to the power holder without the need for input from Tigo Tungku Sajarangan. He only followed the rules of hierarchy Head and Regent. No matter the rules / policies not favored by the community, which is important in accordance with the will of the leadership on it. New Order regime banned the difference, all must be the same, whatever the government's will, that is best for the community, (such as the feudal system is still applicable in the Republic of Indonesia). Whereas traditional Minang people familiar with the deliberations to reach consensus.
Kanagrian removal policy that has systematically weakened the traditional politics of Minangkabau. Collective strength slowly disappear for a long time, very difficult to restore it. New Order regime fell, there came a promising reforms regime winds of heaven, the special autonomy applied. But the special autonomy creates only a small kings of the region, profitable local authorities. A far cry from the concept of autonomy PRRI desired. Unfortunately, these conditions allowed to just happen, Minang tribe already asleep and forgot about being critical. Acceptance is not the nature of the Minang people, this is due to the political dwarfing traditional Minang systemically years.
Not only the ideas that have been dried in the Minangkabau, the critical nature of the vote was already faded. First, critical Minang people in choosing, do not accept without analysis. Minang people never choose a leader based solely on the elegant appearance. Minang people choose rationally. They choose based on ability, not a cult. At this time of Minang people elect a leader only to see the elegant appearance beautiful, gallant officer without knowing who and what they choose.
In current conditions, changes in attitudes and the nature of the Minang people must not happen. It is sad when politicians, thinkers, merchants Minang just a follower, not a burglar, especially the pioneer of change. Minangkabau traditional political thinking is no longer the ideal. Hundreds of ideas Hatta, Syahrir, Tan Malaka's just-just wasted. Minangkabau young people today only know Hatta = Proclaimer, Syahrir = Prime Minister, as required to memorize for the test of history.
Living memories egalitarian tribe ...
wassalam.wr.wb
