W Sumatra is Exploring Regional Names Based on Minang Language

Padang, (Antara Sumbar) - West Sumatra Provincial Government is exploring the possibility of returning the name of region that was previously adapted to Indonesian, became the language of Minangkabau.

"We will first explore the history of regional name change to Indonesian spelling, if possible, we will return it to the original spelling," Vice Governor of West Sumatra Nasrul Abit told in Padang on Thursday (Oct 12).

"It is related to the number of regional names in West Sumatra that use Indonesian spelling, but the meaning is not in accordance with region original name, some even have no meaning anymore.

He cited the name of Nagari Padang Lawas Selatan in Koto Tujuh Sub-district of Sijunjung Regency. Supposedly, the name of the nagari in Minang language is Padang Laweh which means broad field.

But the name of the area was changed to Padang Lawas, as if adapted to Indonesian language, but the meaning is not the same. Padang Lawas in the Indonesian language can mean a field that is old, not a vast field.

Similarly, the name Padang Kerambil Village in Payakumbuh. Originally, according to Minangkabau language the name of the area is Padang Karambia, or a field that is overgrown by coconut plants. After being transformed into Indonesian, the name of the area no longer has meaning.

In the Great Indonesian Dictionary (KBBI) there is no word kerambil so that the name of the area is far from the actual naming.

"Many more examples of regional names in West Sumatra are Indonesia, but it means to be deviated from the name of real area," he said.

Nasrul believes the effort to restore the name of the area can be done, because the positive law in Indonesia also recognizes local wisdom and regional culture.

Even so, not an easy matter because the name of the area at the nagari or kecamatan level has been registered in Ministry of Home Affairs (Kemendagri).

"But we first explore the possibility," he added. (cha)

Editor: Vicha Faradika