THE ORIGIN OF PLACE NAMES IN KURUNJI DISTRICT

Abstract

This study investigates the origin of place names in the Kuranji Sub-district, Padang City, arguing that these toponyms are not arbitrarily assigned but deeply embedded in socio-historical contexts and cultural memory. The research aims to identify the causes, meanings, and functions of these names, with particular focus on those formed during and after Indonesia’s independence struggle. Employing a qualitative historical method, the study emphasizes oral history and oral tradition as primary sources, supported by written documentation where available. Data were collected through interviews with 18 informants—including traditional leaders, religious figures, and retired local officials—selected based on their intergenerational knowledge and active roles in community narratives. The findings reveal that the place names in Kuranji reflect a wide range of thematic origins, including flora, personal figures, ethnic groups, activities, objects, and geographic features. These toponyms serve not only as spatial identifiers but also as repositories of collective identity, resistance history, and indigenous knowledge. Despite challenges such as memory bias and lack of written records, oral narratives proved essential in reconstructing local historiography. This study underscores the urgency of documenting oral traditions before they are lost to time and generational transition. By integrating toponymy with oral history, the research contributes to the preservation of intangible cultural heritage and enhances scholarly understanding of how place names function as carriers of historical consciousness in West Sumatra.