Padang
Padang (Indonesian pronunciation: [ˈpadaŋ]) is the capital and largest city of the Indonesian province of West Sumatra. It had a population of 833,562 at the 2010 Census and 909,040 at the 2020 Census; the official estimate as at mid 2022 was 919,145 - comprising 461,712 males and 457,433 females. It is the 16th most populous city in Indonesia and the most populous city on the west coast of Sumatra. The Padang metropolitan area is the third most populous metropolitan area in Sumatra with a population of over 1.4 million. Padang is widely known for its Minangkabau culture, cuisine, and sunset beaches.
Padang | |
|---|---|
| City of Padang Kota Padang | |
| Other transcription(s) | |
| • Jawi | ڤادڠ |
Clockwise from top: | |
|
Seal | |
| Motto(s): Padang Kota Tercinta (Padang, a Lovely City) | |
Location within West Sumatra | |
Interactive map of Padang | |
| Coordinates: 0°57′0″S 100°21′11″E | |
| Country | Indonesia |
| Region | Sumatra |
| Province | West Sumatra |
| Founded | 7 August 1669 |
| Incorporated | 1 April 1906 |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Hendri Septa |
| • Vice Mayor | Ekos Albar |
| Area | |
| • Total | 694.96 km2 (268.33 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 0–1,853 m (0–6,079 ft) |
| Population (mid 2022 estimate) | |
| • Total | 919,145 |
| • Density | 1,300/km2 (3,400/sq mi) |
| Demonym | Padangnese |
| Time zone | UTC+7 (WIB) |
| Area code | +62 751 |
| Climate | Af |
| HDI (2022) | 0.833 (Very high) |
| Website | padang.go.id |
The city had historically been a trading center since the pre-colonial era, trading in pepper and gold. The Dutch made contact with the city in the mid 17th century, eventually constructing a fortress and taking over control of the city from the Pagaruyung Kingdom. Save for several interruptions of British rule, Padang remained part of the Dutch East Indies as one of its major cities until Indonesian independence. In 1906, Padang along with Palembang became the first populated places in Sumatra to achieve city status (gemeente).