Merantau is the characteristic of Minangkabau culture. However, there is just a little bit scientific study discuss about it. Moreover, merantau is the unique social mobility activity which is not all of the ethnics in Indonesia owns it. Apparently, merantau becomes a cultural socio trans study that can be explained scientifically by social science.
This research is done in Pekanbaru which is Minang immigrant is the second biggest ethnic from the whole ethnics in Pekanbaru. It is the interesting thing because Minang immigrant is usually as the minority. This research uses the qualitative approach with case study research method. Therefore, the researcher uses the the concept about culture, identity and the definition of merantau as the conceptual theory and framework.
The research description in the field finds that merantau is the culture product of Minangkabau ethnic since long time ago. This research finds the polarity of Minangkabau immigrant type one decade late. The transformation of Minangkabau values in the foreign country causes the emerging or new paradigm about Minangkabau by the immigrant today.
Minang culture empowerment by the origin region (West Sumatera) and the leader of the ethnic in hometown is important. Due to the researcher find many weaknesses in preserving Minangkabau culture in rantau (Pekanbaru)
Keyword : Merantau, Pekanbaru, Minangkabau.
1 This research paper is conducted by Azizul Mendra and Rica Hartami. Presented by Azizul Mendra.
