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Kabila
Repronegatief. Kerintji was een geïsoleerd gebied, goed verscholen achter bergruggen. Net als in de Bataklanden drong het koloniale bestuur er pas laat (na 1900) door. Het is een gebied met een lange bewoningsgeschiedeni

Kerinci

They call themselves Uhang Kerinci

Austronesian people of the Kerinci highlands in Sumatra and Malaysia

Photo: Unknown author, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Kerinci are an Austronesian ethnic group native to the highland regions of Jambi province, Sumatra, especially around Kerinci Regency and nearby areas. Numbering around 180,000 to 300,000, they speak the Kerinci language and are mostly Muslim. Some Kerinci communities also live in Malaysia, descended from 19th-century migrants.

Who are the Kerinci?

The Kerinci are an Austronesian people whose traditional homeland lies in the highland valleys of Jambi province, Sumatra. They are closely linked by their language, Kerinci, and by shared customs and Islamic faith. The Kerinci maintain a distinct identity, even as some have migrated to other parts of Indonesia and Malaysia. Their community is shaped by the mountainous landscape and a long history in the region.

Where do the Kerinci live?

The Kerinci live mainly in the Kerinci Regency and surrounding areas in Jambi province, on the island of Sumatra. Their homeland is a hilly region within the Bukit Barisan mountain range, dominated by Mount Kerinci, the highest peak in Sumatra. The area covers about 4,200 square kilometers, with fertile valleys and cool highland climate. Some Kerinci also live in West Sumatra and, due to migration, in parts of Peninsular Malaysia.

What language do the Kerinci speak?

Kerinci people speak the Kerinci language, which belongs to the Austronesian family. Many also use Malay, Indonesian, and Minangkabau, especially in urban areas or after migration. The Kerinci language remains a marker of identity, though the use of other regional languages is common.

Kenduri Sko Semurup merupakan salah satu dari kegiatan ritual adat masyarakat kabupaten kerinci, yang di lakukan dalam tahun tahun tertentu, adapun kegiatan yang d lakukan adalah pencucian benda pusaka adat nenek moyang
Kenduri Sko Semurup merupakan salah satu dari kegiatan ritual adat masyarakat kabupaten kerinci, yang di lakukan dalam t. Photo: Rico yuliyanto, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Negatief. Vrouwen met kinderen in draagdoek uit Kerintji in dorp, Westkust Sumatra
Negatief. Vrouwen met kinderen in draagdoek uit Kerintji in dorp, Westkust Sumatra. Photo: Unknown author Unknown author, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

What do the Kerinci believe?

The Kerinci are predominantly Muslim, and Islam plays a central role in their daily life and community events. Religious practices and festivals are important in maintaining social bonds. Traditional customs are often blended with Islamic beliefs, shaping ceremonies and social gatherings.

The history of the Kerinci

The Kerinci have lived in the highlands of Sumatra for centuries. In the 19th century, some migrated to the Malay Peninsula, where their descendants still live in several Malaysian states. Their homeland has long been known for its mountainous terrain and fertile valleys. Over time, the Kerinci have maintained their language and customs, even as they adapted to new surroundings in Indonesia and Malaysia.

Kerinci life today

Today, the Kerinci number around 180,000 to 300,000 people. Most live in Jambi province, with smaller communities in West Sumatra and Malaysia. They continue to speak their language and practice Islam. Migration and urbanization have brought changes, but Kerinci identity remains strong in both homeland and diaspora.

Questions people ask about the Kerinci

Where do the Kerinci live?

The Kerinci live in Indonesia and Malaysia, in the Kerinci highlands, Bukit Barisan Range, Sumatra.

How many Kerinci people are there?

Our sources give the Kerinci population as about 180,000 (Wikidata); 300,000 (1996). Counts of peoples vary with who is counted and when.

What language do the Kerinci speak?

The Kerinci speak Kerinci, Malay, Indonesian, Minangkabau, which belongs to the Austronesian family of languages.

Sources and further reading

This page was written with AI assistance from the sources above and checked automatically before publishing. It may contain mistakes, and it is no substitute for hearing from the Kerinci themselves. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-02.

Neighbours in Indonesia

All peoples of Indonesia
MalaysOrang Melayu 🇲🇾 Malaysia and 4 moreAustronesian people of the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Borneo and nearby islands About 30 million, Austronesian Minangkabaubangso Minangkabau 🇮🇩 Indonesia and 3 moreMatrilineal Muslim society from the highlands of West Sumatra About 6.6 million, Austronesian Sundaneseᮅᮛᮀ ᮞᮥᮔ᮪ᮓ (Urang Sunda) 🇮🇩 Indonesia and 3 moreThe native people of western Java, Indonesia, known for their language and traditions About 42 million, Austronesian Balineseanak Bali 🇮🇩 IndonesiaHindu-majority people of Bali, known for art, dance, and water-temple farming About 3.9 million, Austronesian

Other Austronesian speakers

See them all
Sama-BajauSama 🇵🇭 Philippines and 3 moreSeafaring Austronesian people of the southern Philippines, Borneo, and eastern Indonesia About 1.3 million, Austronesian TorajaTo Raya 🇮🇩 IndonesiaHighland people of South Sulawesi known for elaborate funerals and tongkonan houses About 1.1 million, Austronesian MadureseOrèng Mâdhurâ 🇮🇩 Indonesia and 2 moreCattle herders and satay makers from Madura Island and eastern Java About 7.2 million, Austronesian IbanDayak Iban 🇲🇾 Malaysia and 2 moreDayak people of northwestern Borneo, known for longhouses and weaving About 740,000, Austronesian

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