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North Sumatra
North Sumatra. Indonesia’s most populous province outside of Java, stretches from the Indian
Ocean in the west to the Straits of Malaka in the East, and from Aceh in the north to west Sumatra
in the south. It is thick with virgin rainforest, jungle-covered hills, terraced rice fields, mountain rivers,
beautiful waterfalls, and volcanic lakes and peaceful while beaches.
The people of the region can be can be divided into five main ethnic groups: the Coastal Malays,
living along the Melaka Straits, the Bataks, consisting of the sub-tribes around Lake Toba and
Samosir Island, the Pesisirs along the Indian Ocean coast, the Mandailings of southern Tapanuli, and
Nias Islanders off the western coast of the province. These groups each have their own dialects.
Religious beliefs, arts, costumes and cultures. Several ethnic groups live in Medan and other towns
of Non ¼ Sumatra, tittle largest of these being Chinese and Indian. Other arts of the archipelago arc
represented notably the Acehnese, Lake Toha Minangkabau and Javanese.
The diversity of arts and cultures make this region a treasure chest for social scientists and culture
seeker. Ancient carved-stone graves of Batak kings, the megalithic culture of Nias, unique dances,
ceremonies, arts and crafts are just waiting for you to discover. North Sumatra is also one of the
richest provinces in Indonesia for flora and fauna. And of course the jewel of North
Sumatra. Lake Toba, the legendary birthplace of the mountain-dwelling Bataks and the largest inland
lake in Southeast Asia. The region tiers more than 30% of Indonesia’s export commodities, making
it a vital cog in the economy. Tobacco, palm oil, tea and rubber are produced in large quantities,
particularly around medan in the north of the province.
Other places of interest:
This page: http://www.cockatoo.com/english/indonesia/indonesia_north_sumatra.htm
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