Perantau
NOUN, ADJECTIVE
An Indonesian term used to describe someone who has left their hometown or country to live or work in another place, usually in search of better opportunities.
We often use it with a sense of pride, considering it a journey in exploring new horizons.
Perantau culture was deeply associated with the ethnic Minangkabau people of West Sumatra, a culture that encouraged the accruement of wealth, knowledge, and life experience by going abroad.
This practice is now the spiritual backbone of contemporary overseas Indonesians and the Indonesian diaspora.
Read our breakdown on the history of the perantau, what it means for the Indonesian diaspora, and more.
Latest on The Perantau Podcast
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Episode 5: Bridging Young Australians and Indonesians with Angus Baranikow and Australia-Indonesia Youth Association (AIYA) Victoria
The Australia-Indonesia Youth Association (AIYA) is a non-profit, youth-run organisation that bridges young Indonesians and Australians together with active chapters in every Australian state and territory, as well as Jakarta, Jawa Barat, Yogyakarta, South Sulawesi and East Nusa Tenggara. AIYA Victoria President Angus Baranikow joins Billy Adison…
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Episode 4: Being Perantau Muslims with Eqi Rikansa, Ahmad Alfath, and the Young Indonesian Muslim Students Association
Ramadan Mubarak! Happy fasting to all observing Muslims. In this blessed month for some, it is also a time for reflection and to look at how we view religion when we’re far away from home. Eqi and Alfath from the Young Indonesian Muslim Students Association (YIMSA) join…
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Episode 3: The Highs and Lows of Making a Social Impact from Abroad with Jane Vieren, Kresentia Aretha and Solar Chapter Melbourne
The things you do will always matter to someone, even if you don’t realise. Just because you’re abroad, doesn’t mean you’re helpless to what goes on back home. You can still make a difference! Jane and Aretha from Solar Chapter Melbourne join Billy Adison Aditijanto on The…
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