Kerinci

Kerinci refers to a highland region and a set of administrative and cultural entities on the island of Sumatra, Indonesia. The most common contemporary reference is Kerinci Regency (Kabupaten Kerinci) in Jambi Province, with Sungai Penuh as its administrative capital. The Kerinci Highlands lie inland from the Sumatran coast and include volcanic and forested terrain.

Geography and nature are prominent features of Kerinci. The region is dominated by volcanic landscapes, including Gunung Kerinci, the highest peak on Sumatra at about 3,805 meters. The Kerinci area overlaps with Kerinci Seblat National Park, one of Sumatra’s largest protected areas, which spans parts of West Sumatra, Jambi and Bengkulu provinces. The park protects montane and lowland forests that are habitat to a range of wildlife such as tigers, elephants and other endangered species, as well as diverse plant life.

People and language form a key aspect of Kerinci. The Kerinci are an indigenous ethnic group in the highlands, with their own language, Kerinci, which belongs to the Malayic branch of the Austronesian language family and is related to other regional languages such as Indonesian and Minangkabau.

Economy and culture in Kerinci are closely tied to the land. Agriculture is a primary livelihood, with coffee (particularly Arabica) and pepper among important crops. The region also supports forestry, horticulture and small-scale crafts. Tourism to Gunung Kerinci and to parts of Kerinci Seblat National Park contributes to the local economy while emphasizing conservation and cultural heritage.