Lampung

Who are the Lampung?

The Lampung are an indigenous ethnic group of southern Sumatra, primarily found in Lampung province but also in parts of South Sumatra, Bengkulu, and Banten. They are united by the Lampung language and a shared set of customs and values, though divided into two main groups: the Saibatin (coastal) and Pepadun (interior), each with its own traditions. The Lampung people are known for their strong sense of community, customary law, and distinctive cultural expressions such as poetry and traditional dress.

Where do the Lampung live?

Lampung people live mainly in Lampung province at the southern tip of Sumatra, a region of coastal plains, rivers, and fertile volcanic land. Some communities are also found in South Sumatra, especially along the Tulang Bawang river, as well as in parts of Bengkulu and the southwest coast of Banten. The land supports rice farming, fishing, and other livelihoods, and has long been a crossroads for trade and migration.

What language do the Lampung speak?

The Lampung language is part of the Lampungic branch of the Malayo-Polynesian family and is closely related to Malay, Sundanese, and Javanese. It has two main dialects: Api, spoken by coastal and some interior groups, and Nyo, spoken mainly by interior groups. Lampung script, influenced by South Indian and Arabic scripts, is still taught in schools. Indonesian is also widely spoken, and Arabic is used for religious purposes.

How do the Lampung live?

Traditionally, Lampung people have made their living through rice farming, fishing, crafts, and trade. Many now also work in towns and cities. Houses are often built on stilts, reflecting both local tradition and adaptation to the environment. Crafts such as weaving and metalwork are important, especially for ceremonial use. Food is based on rice, fish, and local vegetables.

How is Lampung society organised?

Lampung society is organized into clans and lineages, with a strong sense of kinship and customary law. The Saibatin group is known for its aristocratic traditions, while the Pepadun group emphasizes more democratic values. Marriage, family ties, and community cooperation are central, and important decisions are often made through consensus. Customary titles and roles are significant, especially in ceremonies.

What do the Lampung believe?

Most Lampung people practice Sunni Islam, which blends with older traditions. Rituals, poetry (adi-adi), and communal gatherings play a big role in cultural life. Traditional weddings feature distinctive dress, such as the bride’s Siger headgear. Lampung philosophy values self-respect, hospitality, and mutual assistance, as expressed in proverbs and poems. The Lampung script is used for cultural and educational purposes.

The history of the Lampung

The Lampung trace their origins to ancient kingdoms mentioned in Chinese records as early as the 5th century. The region was part of the Srivijaya empire and later developed its own kingdoms, such as Sekala Brak and possibly Tulangbawang. Over time, the Lampung people formed two main groups with distinct customs. Their land has long been a meeting point for different cultures and influences, including Indian and Arabic, seen in their script and religion.

Lampung life today

Today, the Lampung number about 2.45 million and live mainly in Indonesia’s Lampung province and nearby areas. Many continue traditional practices, though urbanization and migration have brought changes. The Lampung language and script are taught in schools, and cultural revival efforts are ongoing. Most Lampung people are Muslim, and their customary law and community life remain important.

Questions people ask about the Lampung

Sources and further reading

• Lampung people on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data

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 Lampung themselves. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-02.