Javanese people

Javanese people' are an ethnic group native to the Indonesian island of Java. They are the largest ethnic group in Indonesia, comprising approximately 40% of the total population. The Javanese are predominantly located in Central and East Java, but they can also be found in other parts of Indonesia and overseas.

History

The history of the Javanese people dates back to the 1st millennium BC, with influences from Indian, Chinese, and Islamic cultures. The Majapahit Empire, which was based in East Java, was one of the most powerful empires in Southeast Asia during the 13th to 15th centuries.

Language

The Javanese language is the native language of the Javanese people. It is part of the Austronesian language family and is the most spoken language in Indonesia after Indonesian. The Javanese language has its own script, known as the Javanese script, which is derived from the Brahmi script of India.

Culture

Javanese culture is rich and diverse, with influences from Hindu-Buddhist, Islamic, and Western cultures. The Javanese are known for their traditional arts, such as batik, wayang puppet theatre, and gamelan music. Javanese cuisine is also distinctive, with dishes such as gudeg, a sweet jackfruit stew, and sate, skewered and grilled meat.

Religion

The majority of Javanese people are Muslim, but there are also significant numbers of Christian and Hindu Javanese. The Javanese have a unique form of Islam, known as Kejawen, which incorporates pre-Islamic Javanese beliefs and practices.

Society

Javanese society is traditionally organized into social classes, with the nobility at the top and the peasantry at the bottom. However, this system has been largely eroded by modernization and urbanization. The Javanese are known for their concept of rukun, or social harmony, which emphasizes cooperation and consensus.

See also

• Indonesia
• Java (island)
• Javanese language
• Javanese culture
• Javanese religion

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