Minangkabau perantau and the negotiation of identity: "moved in and out' of the position of an outsider and insider

The aim of this paper is to discuss the movement of Minangkabau, the world's largest matrilineal society, perantau(migrant) in Indonesia in maintaining their dual position and identity. Using qualitative methods, andStuart Hall's theory of identity, the paper will investigate how far these perantaunegotiate their position and identity within their 'two homes' (the origin and the host country). The paper argues that playing with cultural norms, using other and Minangkabau by turn, the perantau 'moved in and out' of the position of an outsider and insider. By doing it they try to maximize their rights and privileges, that have given by the two cultural norms, so they can strengthen their position in the new home, while keeping their position in the old one. Moreover, the perantautend to keep but modifying the Minangkabau Adat while moving out and in their 'two homes'