Intercultural values in local wisdom: A global treasure of Minangkabau ethnic in Indonesia

Abstract

Cross-cultural values are known at a global level and can be explored from unique local life practices such as that of the Minangkabau people. Minangkabau is one of the ethnic groups in Indonesia. The Minangkabau people have a specific value system derived from natural and Islamic values called pepatah adat. Minangkabau people use these values as a code of conduct in intercultural affairs. This study aims at analyzing the values contained in pepatah adat and its relational significance to intercultural values, which affects the attitude of the Minangkabau people when interacting with others. This research used content analysis as the method. The main focus of this research is a selection of proverbs embedded in intercultural values; namely, timbang raso, hukum perdamaian, adab taratik, patuik, merantau, sifat kesayangan, dan saiyo. These seven values are related to three indicators of intercultural maturity: commitment, sobbing, and fairness. The results of this study conclude that pepatah adat contains intercultural values which contribute to the formation of self-identity of Minangkabau people, signified by someone having a moral commitment, being open-minded, and being honest.