National Seminar of Rangkayo Minang Indonesia: Irman Gusman Calls for the Minangkabau Tradition of Merantau to Become a Force for Brain Circulation

27 August 2026 oleh admin

Jakarta, dpd.go.id – Senator representing West Sumatra, Irman Gusman, has called for the Minangkabau tradition of merantau leaving one’s hometown to seek knowledge, experience, and opportunities to be given a new meaning as a driving force for brain circulation. He conveyed the idea while delivering the keynote speech at the Rangkayo Minang Indonesia (RMI) National Seminar, themed “Minangkabau Figures Who Transformed Indonesia,” at Jakarta City Hall on Thursday (27/8/2026).

The event was attended, among others, by the Governor of Jakarta, represented by Jakarta Regional Secretary’s Assistant for Government Affairs Sigit Wijatmoko, and West Sumatra Governor Mahyeldi Ansharullah.

According to Irman Gusman, the concept of brain circulation emphasizes that the mobility of human resources does not necessarily have to result in the loss of talent from their regions of origin. Instead, the knowledge, experience, networks, investments, and ideas gained while living away from home can continue to flow back and benefit their communities of origin.

Irman noted that this concept is deeply rooted in Minangkabau philosophy, as reflected in the traditional proverb: “Karatau madang di hulu, babuah babungo balun; marantau bujang dahulu, di rumah baguno balun.”

The proverb illustrates that merantau is an essential part of the process of personal growth and maturity. Young people are encouraged to leave their familiar surroundings to learn, gain experience, develop their abilities, and prepare themselves to eventually make a greater contribution to their families and hometowns.

Furthermore, Irman Gusman emphasized that the tradition of merantau is not merely about leaving one’s hometown. It is a process of personal development through gaining knowledge, broadening experience, building networks, cultivating courage, and learning to become independent.

“For the Minangkabau tradition, brain circulation feels like a natural extension: people may go wherever they wish, but their connections, knowledge, and contributions continue to circulate back to the nagari,” Irman said.

The Chairman of the Economic and MSME Advisory Council of the Muhammadiyah Central Executive Board also noted that West Sumatra possesses significant social capital through its network of Minangkabau people living across Indonesia and around the world.

Therefore, Irman continued, Minangkabau people living in Jakarta, Singapore, Melbourne, New York, and elsewhere can continue to contribute through knowledge, investment, opportunities, networks, and their commitment to their nagari.

“Go forth to grow, stay connected to share, and contribute back,” he said.

Irman stressed that returning to one’s ranah does not necessarily mean physically returning home and settling there. A doctor in Melbourne, for example, can mentor healthcare workers in their hometown. An engineer in Singapore can provide access to technology for students in West Sumatra. An entrepreneur in Jakarta can help local MSMEs expand their markets. An academic abroad can establish research collaborations with universities in West Sumatra.

In this context, Irman Gusman, who also currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Supervisors of the Central Executive Board of the Minangkabau Family Association (DPP IKM), believes that Rangkayo Minang Indonesia can play a role as a platform connecting local governments, universities, the business community, diaspora organizations, and nagari communities. Such collaboration could help channel the potential of the Minangkabau diaspora in a more structured and impactful manner to advance West Sumatra.

At the end of his session, Irman also highlighted that the tradition of merantau has been one of the factors shaping the leadership character of Minangkabau figures who have made significant contributions throughout Indonesia’s history.

He emphasized that this tradition should be passed on to younger generations in the form of independence, adaptability, courage to think critically, and a willingness to build networks.

The RMI National Seminar seeks to explore the leadership values embodied by prominent Minangkabau figures while connecting those values with the needs and challenges facing present and future generations.