Pasaman

Pasaman is a regency in West Sumatra that covers mountainous terrain across twelve districts with Lubuk Sikaping as its administrative seat. The region connects through the Trans-Sumatran Highway, which runs through Bonjol district and links it to wider Sumatran networks.

Pasaman was established on October 8, 1945, following Indonesia's declaration of independence from Dutch colonial rule. The regency developed as an important administrative area in West Sumatra during the early years of the modern Indonesian state.

The name Pasaman comes from the Minangkabau language spoken by the majority population, who share this land with the Mandailing people. Both groups practice distinct crafts and maintain separate culinary traditions that shape daily life in villages and towns.

The best time to visit is during the dry season when mountain roads are easier to travel. Remote districts are best reached by local transportation, so it helps to ask for directions and transportation options once you arrive.

The region is crisscrossed by steep mountains that have served as natural boundaries between tribal territories for centuries. This geographic separation has allowed different village communities to preserve their own craft traditions and local languages to this day.

Location: West Sumatra

Inception: October 8, 1945

Capital city: Lubuk Sikaping

Elevation above the sea: 1,426 m

Shares border with: Lima Puluh Kota, Agam, West Pasaman, Mandailing Natal, Padang Lawas, Rokan Hulu

Website: http://pasamankab.go.id

GPS coordinates: 0.16667,100.11700

Latest update: December 7, 2025 10:06