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| BRIEF INFORMATION |
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Motto: Tuah Sakato
(Minangkabau, "United Prosperity") |
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| Capital |
Padang |
Government
- Governor
- Vice governor |
Gamawan Fauzi
Marlis Rahman |
Area
- % Maritime |
42,297.30 km²
2.59% |
Population
- Total (2000)
- Density |
4,248,931
99/km² |
| Ethnic groups |
Minangkabau (88%), Mentawai (1.5%) |
| Language |
Minangkabau, Indonesian, Mentawai |
| Religion |
Islam (98%), Christian (1.6%), Hindu (0.0032%), Buddhism (0.26%) |
| Time zone |
WIB (UTC +7) |
Coordinates
- Latitude
- Longitude |
0°54'N to 3°30'S
98°36'E to 101°53'E |
Elevation
- Highest point
- Lowest point |
2,912 m (Mount Talakmau)
0 m |
| Web site |
http://www.sumbarprov.go.id |
West Sumatra lies in the middle of the western coast of Sumatra, and has an area of 42,297.30 km². Geographic features include plains, mountainous volcanic highlands formed by the Barisan mountain range that runs from north-west to south-east, and an offshore island archipelago called the Mentawai Islands. The West Sumatran coastline faces the Indian Ocean and stretches 375 km from North Sumatra province in the north-west to Bengkulu in the south-east. The lakes of West Sumatra include: Maninjau (99.5 km²), Singkarak (130.1 km²), Diatas (31.5 km²), Dibawah (14.0 km²), Talang (5.0 km²). The rivers of West Sumatra include: Kuranji, Anai, Ombilin, Suliki, Arau. The mountains & volcanoes of West Sumatra include: Marapi (2,891 m), Sago (2,271 m), Singgalang (2,877 m), Talakmau (2,912 m), Talang (2,572 m), Tandikat (2,438 m).
GROSS REGIONAL DOMESTIC PRODUCTS
In 2000, the GRDP of West Sumatra reached Rp. 21,36 trillion. The agriculture sector accounted for 22.78%; followed by 18.08% trade, restaurant and hotel, 13.5% transportation and communication, 13.16% manufacturing, and 4.59% building & construction sector.
EXPORT-IMPORT
In the year 2001 export value was US$. 213,644.87 thousands, while the import value was US$. 37,673.67 thousands.
MINIMUM WAGE RATES
In 2001 the lowest minimum wage in manufacturing sector was Rp 385,000/month. The highest wages were delivered by wholesale business and agricultural sector product of which reached Rp 395,000/month.
AGRICULTURE
The available area of food crops (non fields) in West Sumatra is 650.310 Ha, consisting of crops and horticulture which their product in 2000 was 182,803 tons and 247,373 tons. Considering the beach length of 375 km², the use of sea fishery resources reached 37% (92,758 tons) in 2000.
PLANTATION
In 2000, plantation products were rubber (74,194 tons), coconut (66,698 tons), cinnamon (25,093 tons), palm oil (324,380 tons). The area of palm oil plantation is 189,695 Ha, which produce the stem of fresh fruits (TBS) of 324,380 tons/year. The area of cocoa plantation is 10,711 ha which produce dried cocoa seed, while the 93,007 ha area of rubber plantation can produce 59,304 tons yearly. The potential area for the development of plantation is 290,285 Ha, spreading over Pasaman, Solok, Pesisir Selatan Regencies and 50 Cities Regencies.
There are also seven palm oil (CPO) processing factories, with the installed capacity 280 tons TBS per hour with production capacity of palm oil (CPO) around 354,816 tons/year.
LIVESTOCK
The potential resources for investment in animal husbandry sector are cow or buffalo, in general, this live stock is cultivated by farmers in two places, namely Air Runding, Pasaman Regency and Padang Mangatas, 50 Kota Regency. In 1999, the cow population was 425,918.
MINING
West Sumatra's land is known for its coal mining resources which its deposits are located in 50 Regency and Sawahlunto Regency, granite in Pasaman Regency with its deposit 2,037,000 tons.
The province is served by the newly-opened Minangkabau International Airport, 23 km north-west of Padang in Ketaping, Padang Pariaman regency.
Significant roads include the Trans-Sumatran Highway which runs through the province and heads north-west towards Medan and south-east towards Jakarta, the road between Padang and Bukittinggi, and the road between Bukittinggi and Pekanbaru. The provincial government plans to upgrade the later two roads over the next few years to improve traffic flows [[1]].
Regular bus services run between Padang and Bukittinggi, and other major cities of Sumatra. Other public transport options within the province include oplet, taxi and horse cart (bendi).
The Teluk Bayur port in Padang is the largest and busiest on the western coast of Sumatra. It is used for exporting goods from West Sumatra as well as from some areas of the neighboring provinces.
The province includes large areas of dense tropical forest, which is home to a host of species including: Rafflesia arnoldii (world's largest flower), Sumatran Tiger, Siamang, Malayan tapir, Sumatran Serow, Rusa Deer, Malayan Sun Bear, Clouded Leopard, and many birds and butterflies.
The province includes two National Parks: Siberut National Park and Kerinci Seblat National Park, as well as a number of nature reserves: Rimbo Panti Nature Reserve, Batang Palupuh Nature Reserve, Lembah Anai Nature Reserve, Lembah Harau Nature Reserve, Bung Hatta Grand Forest Park, Beringin Sakti Nature Reserve.
The Minangkabau people of Sumatra, Indonesia inhabit the area of West Sumatra province. They are predominantly Muslim, and they have a reputation throughout Indonesia as traders. They are generally polite and welcome tourists and other travellers.
The prime tourist attractions of West Sumatra are the natural environment, and the culture and history of the Minangkabau and Mentawi people.
Natural attractions of the mainland include the tropical forests, mountains, volcanos, lakes, valleys, rivers & waterfalls in the highlands, the fauna and flora, and the beaches around Padang. Many areas are protected as part of National Parks and Reserves.
The city of Bukittinggi is a popular central location in the highlands from which to explore the culture and history of the Minangkabau people, including architecture, crafts, dances, music and food. There are a number of museums and cultural centers.
The Mentawai Islands are a popular destination for surfers and those looking to experience the culture and more primitive lifestyle of the Mentawai people.
(this information is taken from Wikipedia, BKPM and http://www.aceh.net).
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