Dubalang

Dubalang is an institution (limbago) of security guards in the traditional social system in the Minangkabau culture. They are charged with maintaining the tranquility of the clan and village.[1]

Daniël David Veth (circa 1878)

Dubalang are Bagak (brave), which became one of the elements of the traditional system in a large family / clan under Datuk / penghoeloe (Muslim leader) that serves as the main leader and Imam / Katib who work in the field of religion and Manti who helped the prince / Datuk in terms of governance. Dubalang also serves as enforcement and security guards and peace villages called Dubalang Parik Paga (Dubalang Parit Fence).

Dubalang carry out duties and functions in accordance with the rules of traditional Minangkabau . To carry out its duties, dubalang follow a set of principles.[2] They were involved in the struggle against colonialism. They are instrumental in maintaining and enforcing the rules and customs in their area. In the war for independence, dubalang led in some villages because they are a group that knows no fear, and dare to die in carrying out their duties. [3]

A traditional institution, dubalang have almost no role in the contemporary social system of Minangkabau. They have been largely replaced by security agencies / state security in the form of police and municipal police . But lately a number of public figures Minang feel very worried about the condition of the people that are considered to be in circumstances that are very troubling. Drugs, prostitution and various other social ills has penetrated the joints of people's lives.

Starting from the circumstances that are considered intolerable, some people Minang community leaders, such as Dasrul Lamsudin and Mochtar Naim support the use of traditional institutions and community organizations, and call for the re-activation of the suspended role of the dubalang institution with the name of Barisan Dubalang Paga Nagari ( Rows of Fences Dubalang State) or BDPN. [4]