Batak

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Scope note
The Batak are a collective term for closely related Austronesian ethnic groups predominantly found in North Sumatra and adjacent provinces of Indonesia, who speak related Batak languages and share cultural traditions. The term encompasses six main subgroups—the Toba, Karo, Simalungun, Pakpak-Dairi, Angkola, and Mandailing—as well as other related ethnic groups with distinct languages and traditional customs (adat). With an estimated population of 6 million centered around Lake Toba, the Batak maintain indigenous writing systems (surat Batak) and diverse religious practices including Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and syncretic traditions such as Malim.
Batak
Accepted term: 09-Mar-2026