South Sumatra is one of the provinces in Indonesia located in the southern part of the island of Sumatra

with the capital of Palembang. Like most other provincial cultures on the island of Sumatra, the culture
of the province of South Sumatra is largely influenced by Malay culture. In addition, there are some
cultures that are influenced by Islam, and some are influenced by the culture of the Sriwijaya kingdom.
South Sumatra’s cultural wealth includes traditional houses, traditional clothing, various types of dances,
as well as typical food from the area. Below will be explained some of them.

1. Custom Houses

Sumatra, as is the case with other regions in Indonesia, has architectural artworks namely Limas House
and still can be found in a residential house in Palembang area. Limas House in Palembang has been
recognized as Traditional House of South Sumatra.

Meanwhile. in general, the architecture of Limas Palembang House typically has on the roof a pyramid
with its top cut off. The uniqueness of Limas house can also be found on its tiered shape and the walls
are wooden shaped board and the Limas Palembang’s house is often built on poles to prevent flooding.

2.Art Dance

In South Sumatra, there are several dances that were performed on different occasions with different
styling.

a. Gending Sriwijaya Art Dance

dance is performed exclusively to greet the honorary guests such as the heads of state, ambassadors,
and other great guests. Gending Sriwijaya Dance is almost the same as the Dance of the Tanggai, only
that the difference lies in the use of dancers number and clothing accessory that were in use in dancing.

On the other hand, this is a dance that comes from the culture of the kingdom of Sriwijaya in the past
and regarded as a symbol of the triumph, power, and superiority of the Sumatran people. The dance is
usually played by 9 dancers and accompanied by a typical Malay song.

b. Tanggai Art Dance

Dance is performed at the time of welcoming the official guests or in the wedding. Generally, this dance
is performed by five people wearing typical local clothes such as Songket clothes, Dodot, necklace and
other accessories.

Then, this dance is a blend of motion on the gracefulness of distinctive regional dress with the elegant
dancers. The dance depicts the friendly and respectful civility of the Palembang community appreciative
towards the guest who visits the area.
3.Local Language.

Palembang Language is derived from Old Malay language that blended with Javanese language and
spoken according to the dialect by Palembang people. Soon after the language that has become the
property of Palembang is also enriched with Arabic, Urdu, Persian, Chinese, Portuguese, English and
Dutch words.

Palembang language consists of two levels, the first is the everyday language that is used almost by
everyone in this city or also called the youth language. Second, the subtle language used by the limited
circle of people and usually spoken among respectable community or elderly people.

4.Food

There are 2 famous foods that come from Palembang and still become favorite for many people in
Indonesia.

a. Typical food of Pempek

Pempek is a typical food of Palembang which has been famous all over Indonesia. By using the main
ingredients of fish and sago meat, Palembang community has successfully developed the basic
ingredients into various types of Pempek.

Furthermore, this is done by varying the contents and other additives such as chicken eggs, fish skin, and
tofu as the basic ingredients.

b. Typical food of Tekwan

Tekwan is a typical snack Palembang made from a mixture of fish meat and tapioca, which is shaped in
the form of small spheres, and served in a typical shrimp sauce. Usually, the mixtures of Ttekwan is
vermicelli, sliced Bengkoang, and mushrooms, and sprinkled with sliced leek, celery, and fried onions.
Meanwhile, Tekwan comes from the word “Berkotek Samo Kawan”, which in Palembang means sitting
chatting with friends.

The culture in South Sumatra is the product of assimilation of many people coming there to trade and
also the influence of Sriwijaya Kingdom is rather massive back in its day and in turn contributed to any
cultures that still in use today in Palembang. Thus it is the duty of today’s generation to preserve the
original identity of Palembang so that it won’t be lost over time