After getting to Muara Jambi, each one of the guys invited us to their homes to meet their wives & kids. Jalil (39) is a village head, because of family traditions through his mother’s blood-line (a Minankabau tradition of matrilineal heritage & cultural custodianship).

According to Minankabau tradition, women own all property, men manage the assets. He explained parts of his duties include arbitrating any property disputes, divorces, and prospective husbands must get his permission first before they are allowed to propose to their girlfriends. Huh! He is originally from West Sumatra, and frequently has to makes trips to take care of these social duties. He’s had the burden of this post for 3 years now, since his uncle passed. He says he didn’t want it,,, but tradition is tradition. His mom’s family was important.