Muhamad Jamil

Tracing Minangkabau: A Model of Empowerment Based on Local Wisdom

Community empowerment begins with defining the community as the main object, which is important because empowerment should be directed at the local community, including in Minangkabau. The local community in Minangkabau, known as Kaum, is capable of meeting its social needs despite facing modernization challenges that affect traditional values. This article aims to explain how community empowerment based on Kaum has been realized in local community life in Minangkabau. This research uses a case study approach by collecting data through interviews, observations, and document analysis, focusing on five Kaum in Nagari Tabek Patah as the locus of study. Data analysis integrates theory to generate findings that identify four stages of community empowerment based on Kaum: (1) the Tahu di Nan Ampek stage, (2) the Sauak Aie Mandikan Diri stage, (3) the Karajo Ba Pokok stage, and (4) the Ingek Jo Jago stage. These four stages reflect the cultural values and social system of traditional Minangka