[citation needed] When the region had gouvernement status, the West Coast of Sumatra once housed a number of keresidenan, namely Padangsche Bovenlanden, Padangsche Benedenlanden, Bengkulu, Tapanuli, Singkil, Rokan Hulu, Kampar, Kuantan Singingi, and Kerinci.

[citation needed] Until 1862, the West Coast of Sumatra was ruled by middle-ranking officers, and between 1862-1915 by civilian governors.

Notable leaders in this area were Andreas Victor Michiels (1838-1849), Jan van Swieten (1849-1858) and Elisa Netscher (1870-1878).

[citation needed] In early October 1842, overseer Eduard Douwes Dekker arrived on the West Coast of Sumatra.

[citation needed] During the Japanese occupation from 1942 to 1945, the West Coastal region of Sumatra, which had the status of a prefecture, was called Sumatora Nishi Kaigan Shu.