Javanese in Indonesia

Introduction / History

The Javanese ('people of Java', also known as 'Javanese') migrated from Central Java, Indonesia, to Malaysia from 1880 to 1930. They migrated to seek a new life away from the Dutch colonists who ruled Indonesia at that time. Today the Javanese live throughout Peninsular Malaysia in parts of Perak, Selangor, and Kedah. There are also isolated communities in coastal areas of Sabah. Some Javanese have even gained influential positions in society. The Chief Minister of Selangor traces his roots back to Javanese ancestors.
The Javanese language is being spoken less and less among today's younger Javanese. Most of them have either never learned it or cannot remember how to speak it. That is especially true in Indonesia where there is a national language.

What Are Their Lives Like?

In the past their parents were farmers, construction workers and timber workers. Now they also work as bankers, pilots, engineers, accountants and politicians. They are known to be efficient and industrious. Some Javanese in Selangor work as Islamic religious teachers.
In some villages, the Javanese maintain their identity and traditions. People from other Malay people groups who marry into a Javanese family sometimes call themselves Orang Jawa, or Jawa Peranakan. Apart from growing their own vegetables and raising poultry, some villagers have also started their own tourism programs to promote the Javanese way of life.
The Javanese are a very hospitable people, usually inviting visitors to share a meal with the family. Families are often quite large, some having between 10 and 17 children.
Marriages are grand affairs that sometimes last up to three days. Wedding guests often give love gifts to the couple. As the Javanese have become more successful materially, their desire to recover their cultural Javanese roots has increased.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Javanese are predominantly Sunni Muslims. During weddings and circumcision rituals they perform the jedur (songs of praise to the prophet Mohammed) which is compiled in a book called Silawatan. They also perform the kempling (a type of dance giving praise to Allah) during religious occasions. During the performance, they use a tool made from lamb's wool and wood. Someone reads from the Koran before and after the dance, and it takes a group of between ten to twenty people to perform this dance. The kempling performance is an opportunity for the Javanese to get together to build ethnic solidarity and unity. It is also a time for discussing the challenges faced by the villages.

What Are Their Needs?

The Javanese have a strong Islamic background which closes their minds to salvation based on the blood of the only savior.

Prayer Points

Pray that communication bridges into their culture could be used to meet the spiritual needs. Pray that the lives of committed believers will be a positive influence and could bring about good relationships with Javanese people.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to speak to the hearts of Muslim Javanese elders.
Pray for Javanese family leaders to have dreams and visions of the risen and victorious Christ.

Text Source:   Joshua Project