Introduction / History The Jambi people also known as the Jambi
Malay or Melayu Jambi, primarily live in central Sumatra. They
occupy the regencies of Batanghari, Bungo-Tebo, Sarolangun,
Muaro Jambi, Merangin and the capital city of Jambi Province.
The Jambi language is part of the Malay language cluster. Their
culture has been heavily influenced by the Minangkabau culture.
Most of the area inhabited by the Jambi is a lowland basin of
dense jungles, peat bogs, swamps and rivers. This area is
drained by the mighty Batang Hari River and its many
tributaries. The river system, which is 409 miles/655 km long,
is important both as a means of transportation and as a source
of fish. The Jambi are adept swimmers and fishermen. They use
eight types of traditional fishing tackle, as well as the modern
fishnet. They are great eaters of fish and complain that a meal
is incomplete if lacking the distinctive fish flavor. What are
their lives like? Most Jambi earn their livelihood from fishing.
To catch fish they use both m