The Sundanese of Indonesia (Focus on Indonesia)
Population: 35 million
The Sundanese, with a population of 35 million, are the second largest ethnic group in Indonesia after the Javanese, from whom they are quite distinct. The Sundanese mainly live in the West Province of Java Island. The land is bordered to the east by the Javanese territory, and surrounded by the sea on the other three sides (Java Sea, Indian Ocean, Sunda Straits).
Around 1,000BC, there was a large wave of immigrants from South China: these immigrants were the forefathers of the Javanese, Madurese and Sundanese peoples. The first Sundanese kingdom (called “Taruma Negara”) was established about AD600. This kingdom was strongly influenced by Hinduism. In 1527, its main city, Sunda Kelapa, fell to Islamic soldiers from several coastal Islamic sultanates and was renamed “Jaya Karta” or “Jakarta”, meaning “Glorious Victory”. This stopped much of the influence of Hinduism in the area.
The Sundanese language, one of the more complex in Indonesia, has three levels — high (polite), middle and low. However, because the Indonesian national language is studied in school the younger, urban generation do not speak Sundanese. Traditional handmade cloth called “batik” is still manufactured in specific areas. One can still see the influence of Hinduism in the batik patterns. The “angkelung”, a Sunda musical instrument made of bamboo, is highly sought after by foreign tourists.
“Whether rich or poor, the most important thing is to live together” is a saying among the Sundanese. They love to congregate during the cool evenings to relax and chat together. They also prefer living together as extended families. Most of the villages are composed of a specific extended family which has a common ancestor, either male or female.
Most Sundanese villagers are farmers or fishermen, but there are many government workers, traders and businessmen in the cities. High unemployment and low education cause many social problems. Divorce is frequent, so there are many broken and dysfunctional homes as well as unprotected children in the cities.
The Sundanese are 98 per cent Muslim. Many are “Santri”, who adhere strongly to Islam. However, there are numerous nominal Muslims called “abangan” who still hold to pre-Islamic practices such as visiting their ancestors’ tombs to pray, seeking out witchdoctors for good fortune, and reciting the Qur’an as a charm. In addition, there is a subgroup of Sundanese in a certain area which believes in its own religion (a mixture of Hinduism and animistic beliefs).
Around 1,000BC, there was a large wave of immigrants from South China: these immigrants were the forefathers of the Javanese, Madurese and Sundanese peoples. The first Sundanese kingdom (called “Taruma Negara”) was established about AD600. This kingdom was strongly influenced by Hinduism. In 1527, its main city, Sunda Kelapa, fell to Islamic soldiers from several coastal Islamic sultanates and was renamed “Jaya Karta” or “Jakarta”, meaning “Glorious Victory”. This stopped much of the influence of Hinduism in the area.
The Sundanese language, one of the more complex in Indonesia, has three levels — high (polite), middle and low. However, because the Indonesian national language is studied in school the younger, urban generation do not speak Sundanese. Traditional handmade cloth called “batik” is still manufactured in specific areas. One can still see the influence of Hinduism in the batik patterns. The “angkelung”, a Sunda musical instrument made of bamboo, is highly sought after by foreign tourists.
“Whether rich or poor, the most important thing is to live together” is a saying among the Sundanese. They love to congregate during the cool evenings to relax and chat together. They also prefer living together as extended families. Most of the villages are composed of a specific extended family which has a common ancestor, either male or female.
Most Sundanese villagers are farmers or fishermen, but there are many government workers, traders and businessmen in the cities. High unemployment and low education cause many social problems. Divorce is frequent, so there are many broken and dysfunctional homes as well as unprotected children in the cities.
The Sundanese are 98 per cent Muslim. Many are “Santri”, who adhere strongly to Islam. However, there are numerous nominal Muslims called “abangan” who still hold to pre-Islamic practices such as visiting their ancestors’ tombs to pray, seeking out witchdoctors for good fortune, and reciting the Qur’an as a charm. In addition, there is a subgroup of Sundanese in a certain area which believes in its own religion (a mixture of Hinduism and animistic beliefs).
Prayer points
* Pray for Christian workers (local and foreign) to have cultural sensitivity and wisdom in serving and reaching the Sundanese, especially in the villages (Rom 13:7–10).
* Pray for good, continuing cooperation among the Christian workers among the Sundanese.
* Pray that local non-Sundanese churches will have courage to pray for and witness to their Sundanese neighbours.
* Supernatural power is needed to counter demonic power and confirm and demonstrate the gospel (Luke 7:19–22). Pray for the Holy Spirit to move in such power.
* Pray for protection from Islamic fanatics in the area.
* There is some discussion about the government placing restrictions on Christians. Please pray that this will not be passed at national level.
Copyright 2005 by 30-Days International. All rights reserved.
No comments:
Post a Comment