Pakpak

Pakpak refers to an ethnic group in northern Sumatra, Indonesia. They are part of the Batak ethnolinguistic group and traditionally inhabit the highland regions of northern Sumatra, including areas in Dairi and Pakpak Bharat regencies and surrounding districts.

The Pakpak language, also called Pakpak-Dairi, belongs to the Austronesian language family, within the Batak subgroup. It is spoken by many Pakpak in daily life, though Indonesian is widely used in education and media, especially among younger generations.

Culture and society: Pakpak social organization has historically revolved around clan lineages (marga) and customary law (adat). Traditional ceremonies mark life events such as birth, marriage, and death. The community has diverse religious affiliations, but the majority of Pakpak are Christians (predominantly Protestant), with smaller Muslim communities and followers of traditional beliefs.

Economy and modern life: Many Pakpak engage in agriculture, growing rice and various crops, and in small-scale trade and services. Urban migration and education have expanded employment in government, industry, and urban professions. Cultural expression includes weaving of ulos, music, and traditional dances.

Relations and identity: The Pakpak are one of several Batak subgroups—the Batak peoples—sharing linguistic and cultural features while maintaining distinctive customs. The Pakpak language and cultural practices are unevenly maintained across communities, with ongoing efforts to preserve linguistic and cultural heritage amid Indonesian-wide changes.