Introduction / History

The Java Negarigung, also called Jawa Negaraagung are a sub-ethnic of the Javanese people who are native to the areas around the royal cities of Surakarta and Yogyakarta.

Where Are they Located?

Most of the Java Negarigung live in the Indonesian province of Central Java and Yogyakarta. In Central Java, most of them live in Surakarta, Sukoharjo, Wonogiri, Sragen and Boyolali, although a considerable amount of them live in Semarang and Cilacap. There are also a significant diaspora population among the Java Negarigung in the capital city of Indonesia (Jakarta) and many other islands of Indonesia. Some of them have decided to migrate to Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan or the Gulf Arab states to work, and some others have decided to study in Europe, North America, Japan, Australia or New Zealand.

What Are Their Lives Like?

The Java Negarigung who live in their traditional homeland are mostly farmers, whereas those who live on the other islands of Indonesia are mostly plantation workers. A considerable amount of them, either in their traditional homeland or in other parts of Indonesia, work for the government. Amongst the women, many work as domestic workers in Jakarta.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Most of the Java Negarigung are nominally Muslims, sticking to their Javanese traditions. Among the Muslim Java Negarigung, pre-Islamic rituals such as siraman manten (bathing the bride), mitoni (congratulating a pregnant woman on her seventh month of pregnancy) and many more without the opposition from the ulama (Muslim clerics). Some of them are Christians, mostly Catholic. Amongst the Catholic Java Negarigung, many of them celebrate Mass involving inculturation.

Prayer Points

Scripture Prayers for the Java Negarigung in Indonesia.