Javanese people

TheJavanese(/dʒɑːvəˈniːz/,jah-və-NEEZ,/dʒæv-/jav-,/-ˈniːs/-⁠NEESS;Javanese:ꦮꦺꦴꦁꦗꦮ,romanized:Wong Jawa(in thengokoregister),ꦠꦶꦪꦁꦗꦮꦶ,Tiyang Jawi(in thekramaregister);Indonesian:Orang Jawa) are anAustronesianethnic groupnative to the central and eastern part of theIndonesianisland ofJava. With more than 100 million people,Javanese people are the largest ethnic group in both Indonesia and inSoutheast Asiaas a whole. Their native language isJavanese, it is the largest of theAustronesian languagesinnumber of native speakersand also the largestregional languagein Southeast Asia.As the largest ethnic group in the region, the Javanese have historically dominated the social, political, and cultural landscape of both Indonesia and Southeast Asia.
There are significant numbers ofJavanese diasporaoutside ofcentralandeastern Javaregions, including the otherprovinces of Indonesia, as well as other countries such asSuriname,Singapore,Malaysia,Egypt,Saudi Arabia,South Africa,Sri Lanka,Yemenand theNetherlands.The Javanese ethnic group has many sub-groups (based on native Javanese community on the island of Java) that can be distinguished based on their characteristics, customs, traditions, dialects, or even their respective ways of life. These includeBanyumasan,Cirebonese,Mataram,Osing, andTenggerese.The majority of the Javanese people identify themselves asSunni Muslims, with a small minority identifying asChristiansandHindus. With a large global population, the Javanese are considered significant as they are the largestMuslimethnic group in theFar Eastand thefourth largest in the worldafter theArabs,Bengalis,andPunjabis.
Javanese civilisation has been influenced by more than a millennium of interactions between the nativeanimismKejawenand the IndianHindu—Buddhistculture, and this influence is still visible in Javanese history, culture, traditions, and art forms. The ancient Javanese kingdoms ofSinghasariandMajapahitwere among the most powerful maritime empires in the region, whose boundaries included most ofMaritime Southeast Asiaand parts ofIndochina. Javanese heritage has created magnificent religious monuments such asBorobudurandPrambananwhich are among the world's largest temples.Javanese culturehas a strong influence in most of the Southeast Asian countries. In Brunei, Malaysia, and Singapore, the influence of Javanese culture can be seen in many aspects of modernMalay culture.Javanese culture has greatly influenced their traditional cuisine with manydishessuch assatay,sambal,ketupat,nasi kuning(pulut kuning), androjak.Krisweaponry,batikandronggengdance art,gamelanmusical instruments, andwayang kulitpuppetrywere introduced to them throughJavanese contact. Javanese culture has also spread widely beyond Southeast Asia to countries such asSri Lanka,South Africa, andSuriname, where many of the Javanese diaspora live.
Like most Indonesian ethnic groups, including theSundaneseofWest Java, the Javanese are ofAustronesianorigins whose ancestors are thought to have originated inTaiwan, and migrated through thePhilippinesto reach Java between 1,500 BC and 1,000 BC.However, according to recent genetic study, Javanese together with Sundanese andBalinesehas a significant genetic admixture ofAustroasiaticandAustronesianancestries.
HinduandBuddhistinfluences arrived through trade contacts with theIndian subcontinent.Hindu and Buddhist — traders and visitors, arrived in the 5th century. The Hindu, Buddhist and Javanese faiths blended into a unique local philosophy.
The cradle of Javanese culture is commonly described as being inKeduandKewu Plainin the fertile slopes ofMount Merapias the heart of theMataram Kingdom.The earliestSanjayaandSailendradynasties had their power base there.Between the late 8th century and the mid-9th century, the kingdom saw the blossoming of classical Javanese art and architecture reflected in the rapid growth oftemple construction. The most notable of the temples constructed areKalasan,Sewu,BorobudurandPrambanan.The Java valley was home to thousands of Hindu temples that co-existed with Buddhist temples, most of which were buried in the massive eruption of Mount Merapi in 1006 AD.At its peak, the Javanese kingdom had become a dominant empire that exercised its power—not only in Java island, but also inSumatra,Bali,southern Thailand, Indianized kingdoms of thePhilippines, and theKhmerinCambodia.Jayavarman II, a prince who had lived at the Sailendra court in Java, brought Javanese art and culture, including the concept of thedevaraja, to Cambodia, laying the foundations for Khmer civilization.
The centre of Javanese culture and politics was moved towards the eastern part of the island whenMpu Sindok(r. 929–947) moved the capital of the kingdoms eastward to the valleys of theBrantas Riverin the 10th century CE. The move was most likely caused by thevolcanic eruptionofMerapiand/or invasion fromSrivijaya.
At the end of the 13th century, The major spread of Javanese influence occurred under KingKertanegara of Singhasari. The expansionist king launched several major expeditions to Madura, Bali in 1284,Borneo, the Malay Peninsula, andmost importantly to Sumatrain 1275.He also extended Javanese involvement in the lucrativespice tradewith theMaluku Islands. Following the defeat of theMelayu Kingdomin eastern Sumatra,Singhasaricontrolled trade in theStrait of Malacca.
Singhasari dominance was cut short in 1292 by Kediri's rebellion underJayakatwang, killing Kertanegara. However, Jayakatwang's reign as king of Java soon ended as he was defeated by Kertanegara's son-in-law,Raden Wijayawith the help ofinvading Mongol troopsin March 1293.
Raden Wijayawould later establishMajapahitnear the delta of the Brantas River in modern-dayMojokerto,East Java. Kertanegara policies were later continued by theMajapahitsunder KingHayam Wurukand his ministerGajah Mada,whose reign from 1350 to 1389 was marked by conquests that extended throughout Southeast Asia. This expansion marked the greatest extent of Majapahit, making it one of the most influential empires in Indonesian and Southeast Asian history.
Various kingdoms of Java were actively involved in thespicetrade in the sea route of theSilk Road. Although not major spice producers, these kingdoms were able to stockpile spice by trading for it withrice, of which Java was a major producer.Majapahit is usually regarded as the greatest of these kingdoms. It was both an agrarian and a maritime power, combining wet-rice cultivation and foreign trade.The ruin of their capital can be found inTrowulan.
Islamgained its foothold in port towns on Java's northern coast such asGresik, Ampel Denta (Surabaya), Tuban, Demak andKudus. The spread and proselytising of Islam among the Javanese was traditionally credited toWali Songo.
Java underwent major changes asIslamspread. Following succession disputes and civil wars, Majapahit power collapsed. After this collapse, its various dependencies and vassals broke free.TheSultanate of Demakbecame the new strongest power, gaining supremacy among city-states on the northern coast of Java.Aside from its power over Javanese city-states, it also gained overlordship of the ports ofJambiandPalembangin eastern Sumatra.Demak played a major role in opposing the newly arrived colonial power, thePortuguese. Demak twice attacked the Portuguese following their capture ofMalacca. They also attackedthe allied forcesof the Portuguese and theSunda Kingdom, establishing in the process theSultanate of Banten.
Demak was succeeded by theKingdom of Pajangand finally theSultanate of Mataram. The centre of power moved from coastal Demak, to Pajang in Blora, and later further inland to Mataram lands inKotagede, near present-dayYogyakarta. The Mataram Sultanate reached its peak of power and influence during the reign ofSultan Agung Hanyokrokusumobetween 1613 and 1645.
In 1619 theDutchestablished their trading headquarter inBatavia. Java slowly fell to theDutch East India Company, which would also eventually control most ofMaritime Southeast Asia. The internal intrigue and war of succession, in addition to Dutch interference, caused the Mataram Sultanate to break up intoSurakartaandYogyakarta. The further separation of the Javanese realm was marked by the establishment of theMangkunegaranandPakualamanprincedom. Although the real political power in those days actually lay with the colonial Dutch, the Javanese kings, in theirkeratons, still held prestige as the supposed power centre of the Javanese realm, especially in and around Surakarta and Yogyakarta.
Dutch rule was briefly interrupted by British rule in the early 19th century. While short, the British administration led byStamford Raffleswas significant, and included the re-discovery ofBorobudur. Conflict with foreign rule was exemplified by theJava Warbetween 1825 and 1830, and the leadership of PrinceDiponegoro.
Like the rest of theDutch East Indies, Java was captured by theEmpire of JapanduringWorld War II. With Japan's defeat, independence was proclaimed in the newRepublic of Indonesia.
When the Indonesian independence was proclaimed on 17 August 1945, the last sovereign Javanese monarchies, represented by the Sri Sultan ofYogyakarta, the Sunanate ofSurakarta, Prince of Mangkunegara and Prince of Pakualaman declared that they would become part of the Republic of Indonesia.
Yogyakarta and Pakualaman were later united to form theYogyakarta Special Region. The Sri sultan became Governor of Yogyakarta, and the Prince of Pakualaman became vice-governor; both were responsible to the President of Indonesia. The Special Region of Yogyakarta was created after the war of independence ended and formalized on 3 August 1950. Surakarta was later absorbed as part of theCentral Javaprovince.
TheJavanese cultureis one of the oldest civilizations and has flourished in Indonesia and Southeast Asia. It has gradually absorbed various elements and influences from other cultures, including native reverence for ancestral and natural spirits,BuddhistandHindudharmic values, Islamic civilization, and to a lesser extent, Christianity, Western philosophy and modern ideas.Nevertheless, Javanese culture — especially in the Javanese cultural heartland; those of highly polished aristocratic culture of thekeratonsinYogyakartaandSurakarta— demonstrates some specific traits, such as particular concern with elegance and refinement (Javanese:alus), subtlety, politeness, courtesy, indirectness, emotional restraint and consciousness to one's social stature.Javanese culture values harmony and social order highly, and abhors direct conflicts and disagreements. These Javanese values are often promoted through Javanese cultural expressions, such asJavanese dance,gamelan,wayangandbatik. It is also reinforced through adherence to Javaneseadat(traditional rules) in ceremonies, such asSlametan,Satu Suro, Javanese weddings andNaloni Mitoni.
However, the culture ofpesisiranof Javanese north coast and in Eastern Java demonstrates some slightly different traits. They tend to be more open to new and foreign ideas, more egalitarian, and less conscious of one's social stature.Some of these northern settlements — such asDemak, Kudus, Tuban, Gresik and Ampel in Surabaya — have become more overtly Islamic, traditionally because these port towns are among the earliest places that Islamic teachings gained foothold in Java.
Javanese culture is traditionally centered in theCentral Java,YogyakartaandEast Java. Due to various migrations, it can also be found in other parts of the world, such asSuriname(where 15% of the population are of Javanese descent),the broader Indonesian archipelago region,Cape Malay,Malaysia,Singapore,Netherlandsand other countries. The migrants bring with them various aspect of Javanese cultures such as Gamelan music, traditional dancesand the art ofWayang kulitshadow play.The migration of Javanese people westward has created a coastal Javanese culture in West Java distinct from the inlandSundanese culture.
Javaneseis a member of theAustronesianfamily of languages and is closely related to, but distinct from, otherlanguages of Indonesia.It is notable for its great number of nearly ubiquitousSanskritloans, found especially in literary Javanese.This is due to the long history of Hindu and Buddhist influences in Java.
Many Javanese in Indonesia arebilingual, being fluent inIndonesian(the standardized variant of theMalay language) and Javanese.
The Javanese language was formerly written witha scriptdescended from theBrahmi script, natively known asHanacarakaorCarakan. In addition, Javanese language can also written with right-to-left script descended from theArabic scriptcalledPegon. Upon Indonesian independence it was replaced with a form of theLatin alphabet.
While Javanese was not made anofficial languageof Indonesia, it has the status of regional language for communication in the Javanese-majority regions. The language also can be viewed as an ethnic language because it is one of the defining characteristics of the Javanese ethnic identity.
Javanese intellectuals, writers, poets and men of letters are known for their ability to formulate ideas and creatingidiomsfor high cultural purpose, through stringing words to express a deeper philosophical meanings. Several philosophical idioms sprung from Javanese classical literature,Javanese historical textsand oral traditions, and have spread into several media and promoted as popularmottos. For example,"Bhinneka Tunggal Ika", used as the national motto of theRepublic of Indonesia,"Gemah Ripah Loh Jinawi, Toto Tentrem Kerto Raharjo","Jer Basuki Mawa Bea","Rawe-Rawe rantas, Malang-Malang putung"and"Tut Wuri Handayani".
AmericananthropologistClifford Geertzdivided in the 1960s the Javanese community into threealiranor "streams":santri,abanganandpriyayi. According to him, the Santri followed an orthodox interpretationIslam, the abangan followed a syncretic form of Islam that mixed Hindu and animist elements (often termedKejawen), and the priyayi were the nobility.
The Geertz opinion is often opposed today because he mixed the social groups with belief groups. It was also difficult to apply this social categorization in classing outsiders, for example other non-indigenousIndonesians such as persons ofArab,Chineseand Indian descent.
Social stratification is much less rigid in northern coast area.
The Javanesecalendaris used by the Javanese people concurrently with two other calendars, theGregorian calendarand theIslamic calendar. The Gregorian calendar is the official calendar of Indonesia, while the Islamic calendar is used by Muslims and Indonesian government for religious worship and deciding relevantIslamic holidays. The Javanese calendar is presently used mostly for cultural events (such asSiji Suro). The Javanese calendar system is currently a lunar calendar adopted bySultan Agungin 1633, based on the Islamic calendar. Previously, Javanese people used a solar system based on theHindu calendar.
Unlike many other calendars, the Javanese calendar uses a 5-day week known as thePasarancycle. This is still in use today and is superimposed with 7-day week of theGregorian calendarandIslamic calendarto become what is known as the 35-dayWetonan cycle.
Throughout their long history, the Javanese have produced many important buildings, ranging from Hindu monuments, Buddhiststupa, mortuary temples, palace complexes, and mosques.
Before the rise of Islam, between the 5th to 15th centuries, Dharmic faiths (Hinduism and Buddhism) were the majority in theIndonesian archipelago, especially inJava. As a result, numerous Hindu temples, locally known asCandi, were constructed and dominated the landscape of Java. According to local beliefs, the Java valley had thousands of Hindu temples that co-existed with Buddhist temples, most of which were buried in the massive eruption ofMount Merapiin 1006 AD.
Two important religious monuments are the Hindu temple ofPrambananand the Buddhist temple ofBorobudur. Both of them are 9th century temples andUNESCOWorld Heritage Sites. Both are located nearYogyakartain the slope of Mount Merapi.
Meanwhile, examples of secular buildings can be seen in the ruins of the former capital city of theMajapahitKingdom (14th to 16th century AD) inTrowulan,East Java. The complex covers an area of 11 km x 9 km. It consists of various brick buildings, a canal ranging from 20 to 40 meters wide, purification pools, temples and iconic split gates.The capital complex is currently being considered as a candidate for becoming aUNESCO World Heritage Site.
Traditional Javanese buildings can be identified by their trapezoid shaped roofs supported by wooden pillars.Another common feature in Javanese buildings arependopo, pavilions with open-sides and four large pillars. The pillars and other parts of the buildings can be richlycarved. This architecture style can be found atkraton, or palaces, of the Sultanates ofYogyakarta(palaces ofHamengkubuwonoandPakualaman) andSurakarta(palaces ofPakubuwonoandMangkunegaran).
Traditionalmosquesin Java maintain a distinctive Javanese style. Thependopomodel is used as the main feature of mosques as prayer halls. A trapezoidal roof is used instead of the more typically Muslimdome. These roofs are often multi-tiered and tiled.In addition to not using domes, traditional Javanese mosques also often lackminarets.The split gate from earlier Hindu-Buddhist period is still used in many mosques and public buildings in Java.
Some notable examples of mosques using traditional Javanese architecture include theAgung Demak Mosque, theMenara Kudus Mosqueand theGreat Mosque of Banten. The Kudus Mosque is also of note because it incorporates Hindu-style stone architecture.
Riceis the staple crop of Javanese cuisine; a meal in Java is not considered a meal without it.It is also an important part of the Javanese cultural identity, differentiating them from residents of other Indonesian islands who eatsago(for exampleMoluccans) and expatriates fromwesterncountries who tend more towardsbread. Rice is seen as a symbol of development and prosperity, whereastubervegetables likecassavaare associated with poverty.
Javanese cuisine varies by region. Eastern Java has a preference for hot and salty foods,while the Central Javanese tend to prefer sweeter foods.
A famous food in Javanese cuisine isRujak Cingur,marinatedcowlips and noses served with vegetable, shrimp prawn andpeanut saucewithchili.Rujak Cinguris considered a traditional food inSurabayainEast Java.
Gudegis a traditional food fromYogyakartaandCentral Javawhich is made from young Nangka (jack fruit) boiled for several hours withpalm sugar, andcoconut milk.
Pecel, a type of peanut sauce with chiliis a common ingredient in Javanese cuisine. It is used in various types ofRujakandGado-gado. It can also be used as stand-alone sauce with rice, prawns, eggs and vegetables asNasi Pecel(Pecel rice).
Tumpeng, is a rice served in the shape of aconical volcano,usually with rice coloured yellow usingturmeric. It is an important part of many ceremonies in Java.Tumpengis served at landmark events such as birthdays, moving house, or other ceremonies.Traditionally,Tumpengis served alongside fried chicken, boiled egg, vegetables, and goat meat on a round plate made frombamboocalledbesek.
A notable food in Java istempeh, ameat substitutemade fromsoybeanfermented withmould. It is a staple source of protein in Java and popular around the world as a meat substitute forvegetarians.
Javanese do not usually have family names or surnames, with only a single name. Javanese names may come from traditional Javanese languages, many of which are derived fromSanskrit. Names with the prefixSu-, which meansgood, are very popular. After the advent of Islam, many Javanese began to useArabicnames, especially coast populations, where Islamic influences are stronger. Commoners usually only have one-word names, while nobilities use two-or-more-word names, but rarely a surname. Some people use apatronymic. Due to the influence of other cultures, many people started using names from other languages, mainlyEuropean languages.ChristianJavanese usually useLatinbaptismnames followed by a traditional Javanese name.
Today, most Javanese officially followSunni Islamas their religion,first recorded instance of Islamic contact in Java is dated from 475 Hijri (1082 AD), as attested in the grave of Fatimah binti Maimun.However Islamic development only became more intensive during the Majapahit period, when they traded or made tributary relations with various states like Perlak andSamudra Pasaiin modern-dayAceh.In the Troloyo/Tralaya cemetery ofTrowulan(the capital of Majapahit), there are several Muslim tombstones with dates from the 14th century (1368 AD, 1376 AD). The close proximity of the site with thekratonmeans there were Muslim people in close relation with the court.
A sizeable minority of Javanese (around 3%) also followChristianity(ProtestantismandCatholicism), which are concentrated inCentral Java(particularlySemarang,Surakarta,Salatiga,Magelang) andYogyakartafor Catholicism. Native Christian churches such as theJavanese Christian Church(Gereja Kristen Jawa) andEast Java Christian Church(Gereja Kristen Jawi Wetan) also exist. On a smaller scale,HinduismandBuddhismare also found in the Javanese community. The Javanese of theTengger tribecontinue to practice Javanese-Hindu today, and live in villages on the slope ofMount Bromo.
Kebatinan, also calledKejawèn,Agama JawaandKepercayaanis aJavanesereligious tradition, consisting of an amalgam ofanimistic,Hindu-Buddhist, andIslamic, especiallySufi, beliefs and practices. It is rooted in Javanese history and religiosity,syncretisingaspects of different religions.
In Indonesia, Javanese people can be found in all occupations, especially in the government and the military.
Traditionally, most Javanese people are farmers. Farming is especially common because of the fertile volcanic soil in Java. The most important agricultural commodity is rice. In 1997, it was estimated that Java produced 55% of Indonesia's total output of the crop.Most farmers work in small-scale rice fields, with around 42% of farmers working and cultivating less than 0.5 hectares of land.In region where soil is less fertile of where rainy season is short, other staple crops is cultivated, such ascassava.
Javanese merchants and sailors were already in frequent voyage in the seas between India and China as early as 1st century CE.
Champa was assaulted by Javanese orKunlunvessels in 774 and 787.In 774 an assault was launched on Po-Nagar in Nha-trang where the pirates demolished temples, while in 787 an assault was launched on Phang-rang.Several Champa coastal cities suffered naval raids and assault from Java. Java armadas was called asJavabala-sanghair-nāvāgataiḥ(fleets from Java) which are recorded in Champa epigraphs.
The Javanese may have contacted Australia in 10th century AD, and migrated there, their settlement existing until early 1600s. According to Waharu IV inscription (931 AD) and Garaman inscription (1053 AD),theMataram KingdomandAirlangga's eraKahuripan(1000–1049 AD) ofJavaexperienced a long prosperity so that it needed a lot of manpower, especially to bring crops, packings, and send them to ports. Black labor was imported fromJenggi(Zanzibar), Pujut (Australia), and Bondan (Papua).According toNaerssen, they arrived in Java by trading (bought by merchants) or being taken prisoner during a war and then made slaves.According to Chiaymasiouro, the king of Demak, in 1601 AD a subgroup of Javanese people already settled in a land calledLucaAntara, which is believed to be Australia.But whenEredia's servant went toLucaAntarain 1610, the land had seemingly been abandoned.
The 10th century Arab accountAjayeb al-Hind(Marvels of India) gives an account of invasion in Africa by people called Wakwak orWaqwaq,probably the Malay people of Srivijaya or Javanese people of Mataram kingdom,in 945–946 CE. They arrived in the coast ofTanganyikaandMozambiquewith 1000 boats and attempted to take the citadel of Qanbaloh, though eventually failed. The reason of the attack is because that place had goods suitable for their country and for China, such as ivory, tortoise shells, panther skins, andambergris, and also because they wanted black slaves fromBantupeople (calledZengorZenjby Arabs,Jenggiby Javanese) who were strong and make good slaves.The existence of black Africans was recorded until the 15th century inOld Javaneseinscriptionsand the Javanese were still recorded as exporting black slaves during the Ming dynasty era.
TheMalagasy peoplehave genetic links to various Maritime Southeast Asian groups, particularly from southern Borneo.Parts ofthe Malagasy languageare sourced from theMa'anyan languagewith loan words fromSanskrit, with all the local linguistic modifications via Javanese or Malay language.As theMa'anyanandDayak peopleare not a sailor and were dry-rice cultivators while some Malagasy are wet rice farmers, it is likely that they are carried by the Javanese and Malay people in their trading fleets, as labor or slaves.
During the Majapahit era, almost all of the commodities from Asia were found in Java.This is because of extensive shipping by the Majapahit empire using various type of ships, particularly thejong, for trading to faraway places.Early 16th century European accounts noted the places which the Javanese merchants visited, which includeMaluku Islands, Timor, Banda, Sumatra, Malacca, China,Tenasserim, Pegu (Bago),Bengal,Pulicat, Coromandel,Malabar, Cambay (Khambat), andAden. There were also those who went to the Maldives, Calicut (Kozhikode), Oman, Aden, and the Red Sea.Ma Huan (Zheng He's translator) who visited Java in 1413, stated that ports in Java were trading goods and offer services that were more numerous and more complete than other ports in Southeast Asia.It was also during Majapahit era that Nusantaran exploration reached its greatest accomplishment.Ludovico di Varthema(1470–1517), in his bookItinerario de Ludouico de Varthema Bolognesestated that the Southern Javanese people sailed to "far Southern lands" up to the point they arrived at an island where a day only lasted four hours long and was "colder than in any part of the world". Modern studies have determined that such place is located at least 900 nautical miles (1666 km) south of the southernmost point ofTasmania.WhenAfonso de Albuquerqueconquered Malacca, the Portuguese recovered a chart from a Javanesemaritime pilot, which already included part of theAmericas. Regarding the chart Albuquerque said:
The Javanese people, like other Austronesian ethnicities, use a solid navigation system: Orientation at sea is carried out using a variety of different natural signs, and by using a very distinctiveastronomytechnique called "star path navigation". Basically, the navigators determine the bow of the ship to the islands that are recognized by using the position of rising and setting of certain stars above the horizon.In the Majapahit era,compassesandmagnetswere used, andcartography(mapping science) was developed. In 1293 AD Raden Wijaya presented a map and census record to the Yuan Mongol invader, suggesting that mapmaking has been a formal part of governmental affair in Java.The use of maps full of longitudinal and transverse lines, rhumb lines, and direct route lines traveled by ships were recorded by Europeans, to the point that the Portuguese considered the Javanese maps were the best map in the early 1500s.
European colonial presence diminished the range of the Javanese merchant-sailors. In 1645,Diogo do Coutonoted that the Javanese had communicated with the east coast of Madagascar.The decision ofAmangkurat Iof theMataram Sultanateto destroy ships in coastal cities and close ports to prevent them from rebelling in the mid-17th century further reduced the Javanese people's ability in long-distance sailing.In 1705 there is an agreement signed by VOC andPakubuwana Iof Mataram, which forbade the Javanese to sail to the east of Lombok, to the north ofKalimantan, and to the west of Lampung. In the second half of the 18th century, most of the Javanese merchant-sailors were restricted to only short-range travel.
The Javanese were known to produce large ships calledK'un-lun po(poof the K'un-lun people). These ships already plied the seas between India and China as early as 2nd century CE, carrying up to 1000 people alongside 250–1000 tons of cargo. The characteristics of this ship are that it is large (more than 50–60 m long), the hull is made of multiple plankings, has nooutrigger, mounted with many masts and sails, the sail is in the form of a tanja sail, and has a plank fastening technique in the form of stitching with plant fibers.
Javanese trading and slaving activities in Africa caused a strong influence on boatbuilding on Madagascar and the East African coast. This is indicated by the existence of outriggers andoculi(eye ornament) on African boats.
Another large ship built by the Javanese was the jong, first recorded in an Old Javanese inscription from the 9th century AD.Although the characteristics may be similar, it has some differences from thepothat it was using wooden dowels for joining the planks and has double passenger-to-deadweight ratio. During the Majapahit era, a jong usually carried 600–700 men with 1200–1400 tons deadweight, and was about 69.26–72.55 mLODand 76.18–79.81 mLOA. The largest ones, carried 1000 men with 2000 tons deadweight, was about 80.51 m LOD and 88.56 m LOA.The jong was mainly constructed in two major shipbuilding centres around Java: north coastal Java, especially aroundRembang–Demak(along theMuria strait) andCirebon; and the south coast of Borneo (Banjarmasin) and the adjacent islands.Pegu, which is a large shipbuilding port at the 16th century, also produced jong, built by Javanese who resided there.
Impressed by the Javanese's skill in shipbuilding,Afonso de Albuquerquehired 60 Javanese carpenters and shipbuilders to work in India for the Portuguese. They never arrived in India, as they mutinied and took the Portuguese ship they boarded to Pasai, where they were welcomed extraordinarily.The Dutch also realized Javanese proficiency in shipbuilding, in the 18th century, shipbuilding yards inAmsterdamemployed Javanese people as the foremen.The shipbuilding in Java was hampered when the VOC gained a foothold in Java starting in the early 17th century. However, in the 18th century, the Javanese shipbuilding areas (particularlyRembangand Juwana) started building large European-styled vessels (barkandbrigantinetype),such ships may reach 400–600 tons burthen, with an average of 92lasts(165.6–184 metric tons).In 1856,John Crawfurdnoted that Javanese shipbuilding activity still existed on the north coast of Java, with the shipyards supervised by Europeans, but all of the workers were Javanese. The ships that were built in the 19th century had a maximum tonnage of 50 tons and were used for river transport.
Blacksmiths are traditionally valued. Some blacksmiths fast and meditate to reach perfection. Javanese blacksmiths create a range of tools and farming equipment, and also cultural items such as gamelan instruments andkris.The art of kris-making provided the technical skills applied to gunmaking. Cannon and firearms required special expertise and may have been made by the same individuals. The blacksmith's spiritual power was said to be transferred to the guns.Majapahit underMahapatih(prime minister)Gajah Mada(in office 1331–1364) utilized gunpowder technology obtained fromYuan dynastyfor use in the naval fleet.Pole gun(bedil tombak) was recorded as being used by Javanese people in 1413.
Duarte Barbosa ca. 1514 said that the inhabitants of Java are great masters in casting artillery and very good artillerymen. They make many one-pounder cannons (cetbang orrentaka), long muskets,spingarde(arquebus),schioppi(hand cannon),Greek fire, guns (cannons), and other fire-works. Every place are considered excellent in casting artillery, and in the knowledge of using it.In 1513, theJavanese fleetled by Pati Unus, sailed to attackPortuguese Malacca"with much artillery made in Java, for the Javanese are skilled in founding and casting, and in all works iniron, exceeding what they have in India".
Zhang Xie in Dong Xi Yang Kao (1618) mentioned that city of Palembang, which has been conquered by Javanese, produces the furious fiery oil (meng huo yu), which according to theHua I Kaois a kind of tree secretion (shu chin), and is also called mud oil (ni yu). Zhang Xie wrote:
Because there was no mention of projector pump, the weapon is probably breakable bottles with fuses.
Krisknives are important items, with many heirloom kris holding significant historical value. The design of the kris is to tear apart an opponent's abdomen, making the injury more severe.
Kota Gedeis famous for itssilverworksand silver handicrafts.
Javanese people made several types of armor such askarambalangan,kawaca,siping-siping, andwaju rante. They also made steel helmets calledrukuh. Armor is probably only used by high-ranking soldiers and trained/salaried troops, with salariedstanding armynumbering as many as 30,000 existing during the Singhasari and Majapahit era (1222 to 1527 CE), with the first mention being in the Chinese recordZhu Fan Zhiof 1225 CE. A part of the Javanese armies usually consisted of peasantlevieswho fought bare-chested.
Batik are worn by both men and women, with patterns varying to denote social stature. Batik are also used ceremonially, with certain designs used to bring good luck to a newborn infant or a newly wed couple and their families.Some towns and villages have specialized in making batik, such as Pekalongan, Kauman, Kampung Taman and Laweyan.
The Javanese art of wood carving is traditionally applied to various cultural attributes such as statues, (wayang-)dolls, and masks. Woodcarving also prominent as house ornamentation and details. The elaborately carved Omah Kudus is a fine example of Javanese woodcarving mastery. The Central Java town ofJeparais famous as a center of Javanese woodcarving workshops, where artists and carpenters especially working on Javanteakwood.
The Javanese were probably involved in the Austronesian migration toMadagascarin the first centuries C.E. While the culture of the migration is most closely related with theMa'anyan peopleof Borneo, a portion of theMalagasy languageis derived from loanwords from theJavanese language.It is possible that Ma'anyan people (or other indigenous people of Kalimantan closely related to the Ma'anyans) were brought as labourer and slaves by their Javanese masters in their trading fleets, which reached Madagascar by ca. 50–500 AD.
A Portuguese account described how the Javanese people already had advanced seafaring skills and had communicated with Madagascar in 1645:
Since the Hindu kingdom period, Javanesemerchantssettled at many places in the Indonesian archipelago.In the late 15th century, following the collapse of Majapahit and the rise of Muslim principalities on the northern coast of Java, many Hindu nobilities, artisans and courtiers migrated toBali,where they would contribute to the refined culture of Bali. Others who refused to convert to Islam retreated toTengger mountain, retaining their Hindu religion and becoming theTenggerese people.
In the conflicts during the transitions of power between theDemak, thePajangand theMataramin the late 16th century, some Javanese migrated toPalembangin southernSumatra. There they established a sultanate and formed a mix ofMalayand Javanese culture.Palembang languageis a dialect ofMalay languagewith heavy influence of Javanese.
Declaraçam de Malaca e India Meridional com o Cathayby Manuel Godinho de Eredia (1613), described what he calledIndia Meridional(Meridional India — Southern/South India). In his book he relates about the voyage of Chiaymasiouro (or Chiay Masiuro), king ofDamuth(Demak) in Java, to a Southern land calledLucaAntara(orLucaantara,a peninsula in North Australia).The book explained that in Meridional India already settled a subgroup of Javanese people. A brief description of this country is given in a letter written by Chiaymasiouro to the King ofPahangand in a certificate made by Pedro de Carvalhaes at Malacca on 4 October 1601.InReport of Meridional India(1610) Eredia mentioned that the Javanese people ofLucaAntarain all of their customs and in figure resemble the Javanese ofSunda(west Java),only a slight difference in the language, which he described as "much the same as between theCastillianand thePortuguese". The hair extends as far as the shoulders, the tonsure resembles the tonsure ofBalinese people, with a curiously curved contour.
During the reign ofSultan Agung(1613–1645), some Javanese began to establish settlements in coastalWest JavaaroundCirebon,IndramayuandKarawang. These Javanese settlements were originally commissioned by Sultan Agung as rice farming villages to support the Javanese troop logistics on his military campaign against Dutch Batavia.
The Javanese were also present inPeninsular Malayasince early times.The Link between Java and Malacca was important duringspread of Islamin Indonesia, whenreligious missionarieswere sent from Malacca to seaports on the northern coast of Java.Large migrations to the Malay Peninsula occurred during the colonial period, mostly from Central Java toBritish Malaya. Migration also took place from 1880 to 1930 from other parts of Java with a secondary migration Javanese fromPonorogo,East JavaandSumatra.Those migrations were to seek a new life away from theDutch colonistswho ruled Indonesia at that time. Today these people live throughout Peninsular Malaysia and are mainly concentrated in parts of inland, west and northwest coasts ofJohor, southwestPerak, west coast ofSelangor, plus cities such asKuala Lumpur.
Today, the Malaysian government classifies the descendants of these Javanese residing in Malaysia under the "Malay" label along with other native Indonesian ethnic groups which allows for socioeconomical privileges allocated for the so-calledbumiputera, this assimilation is factored by integration under similar socioreligious infrastructures like mosques and intermarriage with the localMalay ethnicpopulation in the Peninsular.Many immigrants of the colonial period retain their Javanese identity, and theJavanese languageis still spoken, although the younger generation in urban centers mostly has shifted toMalay.
In Singapore, approximately 50–60% ofits "Malay" populationhave some degree of Javanese ancestry, concentrated inYishun,Ang Mo Kio,Serangoon,SengkangandHougang.Most of them have identified themselves as "Malays", rather than Javanese.
Javanese merchants were also present in theMaluku Islandsas part of the spice trade. Following the Islamisation of Java, they spread Islam in the islands, withTernatebeing a Muslim sultanate circa 1484.Javanese merchants also converted coastal cities inBorneoto Islam.The Javanese thus played an important part in transmitting Islam from the western part to the eastern part ofthe Archipelagowith trade based from northern coast of Java.
New migration patterns emerged during colonial periods. During the rise ofVOCpower starting in the 17th century, many Javanese were exiled, enslaved or hired as mercenaries for theDutch coloniesofCeyloninSouth Asiaand theCape colonyinSouth Africa. These included princes and nobility who lost their dispute with the company and were exiled along with their retinues. These, along with exiles from other ethnicities likeBugisandMalaybecame theSri Lankan MalayandCape Malayethnic groups respectively. Other political prisoners were transported to closer places. PrinceDiponegoroand his followers were transported toNorth Sulawesi, following his defeat inJava Warin the early 19th century. Their descendants are well known asJaton(abbreviation of "Jawa Tondano"/Tondano Javanese).
Major migrations started during the Dutch colonial period undertransmigration programs. The Dutch needed many labourers for their plantations and moved many Javanese under the program as contract workers, mostly to other parts of the colony in Sumatra. They also sent Javanese workers toSurinamein South America.As of 2019, approximately 13.7% of the Suriname population is of Javanese ancestry.Outside of the Dutch colonies, Javanese workers were also sent to plantations administered by the Dutch colonial government inNew Caledonia, a French territory.
The transmigration program that was created by the Dutch continued following independence. A significant Javanese population can be found in the Jabodetabek (Greater Jakarta) area,Lampung,South SumatraandJambiprovinces. Severalpaguyuban(traditional community organisation) were formed by these Javanese immigrants, such as "Pujakesuma" (abbreviation of Indonesian:Putra Jawa Kelahiran Sumateraor Sumatra-born Javanese).