Padang Panjang is a city in West Sumatra, Indonesia. It is located in the highlands of the Minangkabau region, and it is about 70 kilometers from the provincial capital of Padang. The city has a population of over 40,000 people, and it is known for its cool climate, its traditional Minangkabau culture, and its performing arts conservatorium, Sekolah Tinggi Seni Indonesia (STSI) Padang Panjang.Padang Panjang sits on a plateau beneath the volcanoes Mount Marapi and Mount Singgalang. The city is home to a number of traditional Minangkabau houses, or “Rumah Gadang”. These houses are characterized by their distinctive shape and their intricate carvings.

Padang Panjang is also home to the Minangkabau Cultural Documentation and Information Center (Pusat Dokumentasi dan Informasi Kebudayaan Minangkabau – PDIKM). This center houses a collection of artifacts and documents that showcase the rich culture of the Minangkabau people.

The city is also a popular destination for performing arts lovers. STSI Padang Panjang is a well-respected performing arts conservatorium, and it offers a variety of courses in traditional Indonesian arts, such as dance, music, and theater.