Nevertheless, the Istano Basa Pagaruyung was quite faithfully restored using traditional techniques and materials adorned with 60 carvings that signify Minang philosophy and culture.

[2] The palace has three stories with 72 pillars and the typical Rumah Gadang gonjong, a horn-like curved roof made from 26 tons of black ijuk aren palm fibers.

It was built after the suppression of the Revolutionary Government of the Republic of Indonesia (PRRI) movement in 1958, which was based in West Sumatra.

Then-West Sumatra governor Harun Zen initiated the construction of the Istano Basa Pagaruyung in 1976 as a way of reviving the flagging pride of the Minang community after the suppression.

[1] The restoration of the palace was marked with the erection of tunggak tuo (main columns) on 27 December 1976 by West Sumatra Governor Harun Zain.