The Batak in Padang, West Sumatra

Pic: A Batak gathering in Lim Clan Association in Padang

Although this was a Chinese clan association building, I was mildly surprised not to see any Chinese inside the huge hall.

They were all Batak people. Being a busybody I stood outside the entrance and watched the proceedings. Prizes were given out and the audience applauded.

And where the Batak go there are always songs and music. They are famed for their singing. Hailing from the Batak Highlands and Lake Toba in the north, they claim to be of Polynesian descent. They are all Christian.