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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S2E18. How an Indonesian became a Melbourne food content creator | Jane Vieren
Description Sometimes moving cities and between cultures pushes you to meet a completely new version of yourself. For many Indonesians abroad, that can happen through the food we chase, the values we hold onto, and the moments where we realise we don’t quite fit into one box…
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S2E17. Generasi Muda Harus Pulang? Perubahan Lingkungan Dimulai dari Desa | Alfin Nurul Firdaus
Description Mencintai Indonesia itu kadang rumit, apalagi ketika rumah yang kita tinggalkan masih menyisakan banyak pertanyaan dan kekecewaan. Tapi justru dari rasa itulah, muncul dorongan untuk kembali dan memperbaiki. Alfin Nurul Firdaus adalah seorang penggerak muda dari Pasuruan, Jawa Timur, yang kini melanjutkan studi waste management di…
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S2E16. From Indonesia to Melbourne: Coffee, Culture & Belonging | Jordan Setiawan
Description What does it take to build a life, and a business, far from home? Meet Jordan Setiawan, an Indonesian entrepreneur in Melbourne who transformed his student journey into a thriving career in hospitality. After arriving in 2019 with limited English, Jordan faced Melbourne’s strict COVID lockdowns,…
The Perantau 