Religion, tradition and local wisdom in Minangkabau tradisional settlement; a systematic literature review

The traditional Minangkabau settlement represents a cultural landscape shaped by the integration of religion, tradition, and local wisdom. The philosophy of Adat Basandi Syarak-Syarak Basandi Kitabullah (ABS-SBK) emphasizes the interconnection between customary law and Islam, while the matrilineal kinship system and the principle of alam takambang jadi guru (nature as teacher) reinforce the community’s socio-ecological identity. This study aims to identify the typology of Minangkabau settlements and analyze the role of religion, tradition, and local wisdom in their formation through a systematic literature review. The method employed is a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) of journal articles, books, and other scholarly sources, analyzed qualitatively and descriptively. This is the first systematic literature review that maps the cultural landscape of Minangkabau settlements in relation to global discourse. Findings reveal that the typology of the nagari is formed through the integration of physical elements—such as the “rumah gadang”, “balai adat”, “surau”/mosque, rice fields, and communal cemeteries—with non-physical elements including the matrilineal system, customary leadership, and the religious values of ABS-SBK. Comparative analysis with global cultural landscapes such as the Ifugao in the Philippines, Kyoto in Japan, and Cumalıkızık in Turkey shows a shared integration of religion–tradition–ecology, yet Minangkabau remains unique for combining Islam with a matrilineal system. This study highlights the nagari as a distinctive living cultural heritage while opening opportunities for further field research on preservation through values, tradition, and digital technology. This study is the first to systematically map Minangkabau settlements through an SLR approach, highlighting their uniqueness in combining Islamic values with a matrilineal system. The findings contribute to cultural landscape studies by offering both a methodological model and practical insights for heritage conservation.