Introduction. This research is aimed at analyzing the transformation of the role of penghulu and nagari institution in Minangkabau which based on regional regulation. The greatness of the role and responsibility of a penghulu in the past time required big responsibility and act in accordance with what the society needs. Therefore, by shifting of the leadership role of a penghulu, it is important to be known, how far the role of penghulu at this time. Method This research is done by qualitative approach, the data obtained by observation and in-depth interview to the informant that has been chosen. Existing data are examined in depth and traced, and analyzed including possible relationships between categories. Results. The result of this research shows that some changes had happened in relation to the fading of the role of penghulu in the community. In the past a penghulu had responsibility to protect his nice/nephew ‘kemenakan’ and his clan ‘kaum’, but nowadays his role has been replaced by their own parent. Penghulu is not considered as a sacred figure by his kemenakan and his kaum. For creating the participation of penghulu actively in nagari government system and joining with other elements in the community, Lembaga Tinggi Nagari are formed as judicial element in the nagari government. As the result, there is disharmony in the government itself because there is influential competition and powerness in the community. This can be said that the nagari system government reinstitution can be happened because there is adaptation towards the change itself as a dynamic society and Minangkabu people consider a change as something usual in understanding of Minangkabau community that everything is everlasting. The community still consider penghulu as the community leaders, eventhough they have less function today.
Keywords: social change, nagari government, and penghulu.