Malaysians of Nagari origin

There is a big group of Malaysians in Indonesia whose ancestors came from Nagari and I am one of them.

We hear from our elders and in my case from my late grandmother stories about places such as Payo Kumbuh and Padang Panjang in West Sumatra. I have also heard about social and cultural activities such as the berandai and others. I have always wanted to learn more about the Nagari.

I soon plan to retire from government service. I am intending to devote some time to help establishing a relationship between the Malays of Minang origin and the Minang people in Nagari.

Toward this objective I propose to set up a Malaysia- Indonesia Minangkabau Friendship Society. One activity of the society would be a youth exchange between the groups.

I would appreciate the support of some of The Jakarta Post readers who may be interested in helping me.

YUSSOF AHMAD, Malaysia