[1] The title of Datuk was agreed upon by local, traditional leaders (Kerapatan Adat Nagari, abbreviated "KAN").
The title engenders great respect, and is only used for Minangkabau men who have become stakeholders of traditional leaders or penghulu (noblemen) for a particular tribe.
When a datuk dies his title may pass to his brother or nephew, whoever is closest in the maternal line.
[citation needed] The social status of a people in Minangkabau society may be seen from its datuk title.
The beginning of the oldest titles usually consists of one syllable and is derived from Sanskrit (for example, Datuk Ketemanggungan).