Journal of Educational Sciences
Vol. 10 No. 3 (2026): Journal of Educational Sciences

The Transformation of the Surau’s Function in Minangkabau as a Traditional Malay Educational Institution in the Modern Era

Nur ‘Azizah Kallabe (Postgraduate program in Islamic religious Education, Raden Fatah State Islamic university, Palembang City, South Sumatra, 30126, Indonesia)
Nyayu Soraya (Postgraduate program in Islamic religious Education, Raden Fatah State Islamic university, Palembang City, South Sumatra, 30126, Indonesia)
Baldi Anggara (Postgraduate program in Islamic religious Education, Raden Fatah State Islamic university, Palembang City, South Sumatra, 30126, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
15 Mar 2026

Abstract

This study examines the transformation of the surau as a traditional Minangkabau educational institution, tracing its historical roles and its contemporary functions. Historically, the surau served as a multifunctional center for religious instruction, cultural transmission, social interaction, and character formation for young men. It played a significant role in teaching the Qur’an, Hadith, Minangkabau customs, and martial arts, while also functioning as a communal space and temporary residence. However, modernization, the development of formal education, and broader socio-cultural changes have contributed to the decline of these traditional functions. Using a qualitative library research method, this study analyzes historical, ethnographic, and sociological sources to explore the internal and external factors driving this transformation. The findings indicate that institutional reforms, colonial influences, Islamic modernist movements, and evolving community needs have reshaped the surau into a more limited space focused primarily on worship and basic Qur’anic instruction. Nevertheless, the surau remains essential for cultural preservation and character education. This study emphasizes the need to revitalize the surau by integrating traditional values with modern educational demands to strengthen cultural identity and social resilience in the contemporary era.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

JES

Publisher

Subject

Religion Humanities Education Library & Information Science Other

Description

JES publishes original articles on the latest issues and trends occurring regionally and internationally in the educational sciences with the aim to advance our knowledge both in term of theory and practice. Moreover, this journal also covers the issues concerned with the following special sections: ...