Geographic Distribution of the Batak People in Indonesia

The Batak people are one of the largest ethnic groups in Indonesia. This ethnic group originates from North Sumatra Province, bordering Riau and West Sumatra provinces to the south and Aceh Province to the north.

According to the 2020 Population Census by the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), of the entire Batak population born in their province of origin, approximately 84.64% remain in North Sumatra.

The term "Batak people" encompasses various subgroups including Batak Tapanuli, Batak Angkola, Karo, Mandailing, Dairi, Batak Pakpak Dairi, Pakpak, Batak Simalungun, and Batak Toba.

The following percentages show the distribution of Batak people's residences in Indonesia:

• Province of origin (North Sumatra): 84.64%
• Other provinces on the island of Sumatra: 8.98%
• Java Island: 5.37%
• Kalimantan Island: 0.63%
• Maluku and Papua Islands: 0.24%
• Sulawesi Island: 0.08%
• Bali and Nusa Tenggara Islands: 0.06%

According to BPS studies, the distribution of the Batak people across various regions of Indonesia is supported by the migratory behavior of the Batak population, which has a lifetime migration percentage of 16.77%.

"This means that 16-17 out of every 100 Batak people live in a different province from their province of birth," stated BPS in its report.