Penghulu

Penghulu (Jawi: ڤڠهولو; also pěnghulu[1]) is the headman or chief of a region in traditional societies in the Malay Archipelago.

The term is currently used in Brunei and Malaysia as the community leader of the smaller country subdivision or settlement.

Traditionally, the Minangkabau who at the end of the 17th century settled at Negeri Sembilan, in present-day Malaysia, chose from among themselves a penghulu.

Between 1821 and 1838 (the Padri War), many Penghulus had allied themselves with Dutch interests in fighting off Wahabite-inspired, Islamic extremism in the area.

Until 2015, Appointment of penghulu decided by District Office after receiving recommendations from members of Mukim Consultative Council.

Portrait of a penghulu from a Royal Netherlands Geographical Society expedition to Central Sumatra (now in Indonesia ) in the late 19th century (photo by D.D. Veth )