SDG 4: Quality Education

In 1910, the people of Koto Gadang raised funds to send two young men to study in the Netherlands so that they could later become teachers at the Hollandsche Inlandsche School Koto Gadang, established in 1912. This initiative became a milestone in the educational history of the village.

Since then, many national and international intellectual figures have emerged from Koto Gadang, making education the lifeblood of the community to this day. The principle of “merantau untuk mencari ilmu” (migrating to seek knowledge) has become deeply ingrained as part of their identity, distinguishing Koto Gadang from the broader Minangkabau tradition of migrating primarily for trade.

SDG 5: Gender Equality

Gender equality has been part of Koto Gadang’s journey since the early 20th century. In 1911, Roehanna Koeddoes founded Kerajinan Amai Setia as a space for women to learn and create. This initiative opened opportunities for Koto Gadang women to gain equal footing with men, both in their hometown and abroad. Parents and husbands in Koto Gadang have long understood that women are not only responsible for domestic affairs: cooking, cleaning, and child-rearing, but are equally capable of standing alongside men in every aspect of life.

SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

Awareness of the importance of clean water and proper sanitation has existed since the early 20th century. In 1913, the people of Koto Gadang made efforts to import iron pipes from the Netherlands for residential water distribution. After a long process, the waterleiding (water system) was officially inaugurated in 1933.

Since then, residents have no longer bathed, washed, or defecated in open spaces. Even today, the waterleiding system sourced from Mount Singgalang still functions well, standing as a symbol of the community’s commitment to clean, healthy, and sustainable water resource management.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

Although classified as a village, Koto Gadang has demonstrated advanced spatial planning for its time. Residential areas were designed in clusters based on family clans, creating a well-organized, safe, and private environment.

Moreover, watershed areas were designated as rice fields, while lands prone to landslides were planted with hardwood trees to maintain soil stability. This visionary spatial layout has been preserved to this day, making Koto Gadang a heritage area that harmonizes local wisdom, environmental preservation, and community sustainability.