Abstract:
In general speaking, Malay settlement is mostly found in traditional compound which is known
as kampung that is arranged in a particular pattern. The pattern was documented by Sir Thomas Raffles
who noted that Malay’s kampong must have been on or near coast, and not in the interior of a land. Indeed,
on the east coast of Sumatera, there can be also found a koto, which is identified as a small compound
where the oldest settlement and traditional houses are preserved by a community.
This paper is written based on qualitative approach by collecting and structuring field data through
several methods such as observation, fieldwork study, interviews, and group discussion. Through this
paper, it is used to show Malay’s life is not only built in the sea life and trading community, but also is
constructed in riverine life that has brought the culture deep into the interior of Sumatra. In this regard, this
research has found the changing the way of Malay life has affected on Malay settlement. Therefore,
research in this theme becomes significant in order to find out the life of today’s Malay.
