There are over 300 ethnic groups and more than 700 living languages in Indonesia. With 95.2 million people, Javanese build the largest ethnic group of Indonesia. This text ist about the Javanese, their language, history and general background.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Data and Facts
- Population
- Main regions
- Sub-ethnic groups
- Language
- History of Javanese People
- Religion
- Major Holidays
- Ceremonies
- Javanese personality
- Family
- Culture
- Music
- Dance
- Batik
- Cuisine
- Favorite meals
- Traditional specialties
- Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
This text aims to provide an overview of the Javanese people, the largest ethnic group in Indonesia. It explores various aspects of their culture, history, and society, offering a glimpse into their unique identity within the broader Indonesian context.
- The size and distribution of the Javanese population.
- The diverse sub-ethnic groups and their languages.
- The historical development and influences shaping Javanese culture.
- The significant role of religion in Javanese life.
- Key elements of Javanese culture, including music, dance, and cuisine.
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This introductory section sets the stage by highlighting the remarkable diversity of Indonesia's ethnic groups and languages, emphasizing the Javanese as the largest among them. The author expresses personal interest, stemming from prior experience in Yogyakarta, motivating the focus on this particular ethnic group.
Data and Facts: This chapter presents statistical data on the Javanese population, emphasizing their numerical dominance within Indonesia (over 100 million at the time of writing, representing over 40% of the Indonesian population). It also details the main geographical regions where the Javanese reside, primarily across central and eastern Java, but also extending to other Indonesian islands.
Sub-ethnic groups: This section delves into the internal diversity within the Javanese population, listing several notable sub-groups, including the Mataram, Cirebonese, Osing, Tenggerese, Boyanese, Samin, Naganese, and Banyumasan. This illustrates the rich tapestry of local traditions and identities that exist within the overarching Javanese identity.
Language: This chapter focuses on the Javanese language, a member of the Austronesian language family, spoken by over 98 million people. It discusses the existence of various dialects, with "Central Javanese," "Eastern Javanese," and "Western Javanese" identified as the three main branches. The complex system of "speech levels" (nikko and kromo), reflecting social hierarchy and demanding nuanced use of language and body language, is also thoroughly examined, illustrating the importance of social etiquette in Javanese communication.
History of Javanese People: This chapter traces the history of the Javanese people, beginning with their Austronesian origins possibly as early as 3000 BC. It discusses the rise and fall of various Javanese states, the influence of Muslim Malacca in the 15th century, and the subsequent impact of Dutch colonization in the 19th century, which led to a significant population increase. The chapter also touches upon the Javanese's role in anti-colonial movements in the early 20th century.
Religion: This section explores the religious landscape of Javanese society, starting with their animistic roots and the subsequent introduction of Islam, primarily along the northern coast. It notes that today, the majority of Javanese identify as Muslim (93%), but also acknowledges the presence of other religions, including Christianity, Buddhism, and Hinduism, as well as the syncretic tradition of Kebatinan, which combines elements of animism, Hindu-Buddhism, and Islam.
Keywords
Javanese, Indonesia, ethnic group, language, culture, history, religion, Islam, sub-ethnic groups, dialects, social hierarchy, nikko, kromo, Kebatinan, colonialism.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Overview of the Javanese People
What is this text about?
This text provides a comprehensive overview of the Javanese people, the largest ethnic group in Indonesia. It explores their culture, history, language, religion, and social structures, offering a detailed insight into their unique identity within the Indonesian context.
What topics are covered in the text?
The text covers a wide range of topics, including the Javanese population size and distribution, various sub-ethnic groups and their languages, historical development and cultural influences, the role of religion in Javanese life, and key elements of Javanese culture such as music, dance, and cuisine. It also delves into the complexities of Javanese social hierarchy and communication styles.
What is the purpose of this text?
The main aim is to offer a structured and informative overview of the Javanese people, enabling readers to understand their rich cultural heritage and societal complexities. The author's personal experience in Yogyakarta also motivated the focus on this specific ethnic group.
What are the main geographical areas where Javanese people live?
The Javanese primarily reside in central and eastern Java, but their presence extends to other Indonesian islands as well. The text provides statistical data on population distribution.
What are some notable sub-ethnic groups within the Javanese population?
The text identifies several significant sub-groups, including the Mataram, Cirebonese, Osing, Tenggerese, Boyanese, Samin, Naganese, and Banyumasan, highlighting the internal diversity within the larger Javanese identity.
What is the Javanese language like?
Javanese belongs to the Austronesian language family. The text discusses its main dialects (Central, Eastern, and Western Javanese) and the intricate system of speech levels (kromo and nikko) that reflect social hierarchy and influence communication styles.
What is the history of the Javanese people?
The text traces the history of the Javanese, from their possible Austronesian origins around 3000 BC to the rise and fall of various Javanese kingdoms, the influence of Islam and Dutch colonialism, and their role in anti-colonial movements.
What is the religious landscape of Javanese society?
While the majority of Javanese identify as Muslim (approximately 93%), the text acknowledges the historical presence of animism and the continued influence of other religions like Christianity, Buddhism, and Hinduism. It also highlights the syncretic tradition of Kebatinan, blending elements of various belief systems.
What are some key elements of Javanese culture mentioned in the text?
The text explores Javanese music, dance, batik, and cuisine, including traditional specialties and favorite meals, providing a glimpse into the richness and diversity of their cultural expressions.
What keywords best describe the content of this text?
Keywords include: Javanese, Indonesia, ethnic group, language, culture, history, religion, Islam, sub-ethnic groups, dialects, social hierarchy, nikko, kromo, Kebatinan, colonialism.
- Quote paper
- Elisabeth Schmid (Author), 2015, Ethnic Groups in Indonesia. The Javanese, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/351099
