Sundanese people

Sundanese people
Group	Sundanese people
Native name	Urang Sunda
Native name lang	su
Population	~42 million
Regions	West Java, Banten, Jakarta, parts of Central Java
Languages	Sundanese language, Indonesian language
Religions	Islam (predominantly), Christianity, Sunda Wiwitan
Related groups	Javanese people, Betawi people, Baduy people

Sundanese people are an Austronesian ethnic group native to the western part of the island of Java in Indonesia. They are the second-largest ethnic group in the country, primarily inhabiting the provinces of West Java, Banten, and the national capital region of Jakarta. The Sundanese have a distinct cultural identity expressed through their language, arts, and traditions, with a history deeply intertwined with ancient kingdoms like Tarumanagara and the Sunda Kingdom.

Origins and history

The Sundanese are considered indigenous to western Java, with their early history marked by the rise of influential Hindu-Buddhist kingdoms. The kingdom of Tarumanagara, which flourished around the 4th to 7th centuries and left inscriptions such as the Ciaruteun inscription, is one of the earliest recorded polities. This was succeeded by the Sunda Kingdom, centered in Pakuan Pajajaran (present-day Bogor), which maintained its sovereignty until the late 16th century. The kingdom's decline began with the expansion of the Sultanate of Banten and the Sultanate of Cirebon, which were influenced by the spread of Islam and the growing power of the Mataram Sultanate. The region later came under the control of the Dutch East India Company, experiencing colonial rule that lasted until the proclamation of Indonesian independence in 1945.

Language

The native language of the Sundanese is the Sundanese language, an Austronesian language with several dialects including the prestige Priangan dialect. It employs different speech levels, such as basa lemes (polite) and basa kasar (colloquial), reflecting social hierarchy. While Sundanese is widely used in daily communication, the national language, Indonesian language, is used in government, education, and formal contexts. The language has a rich literary tradition, including ancient texts like Sanghyang Siksa Kandang Karesian and modern writings by authors such as Mochammad Koerdie.

Culture and traditions

Sundanese culture is renowned for its vibrant performing arts, intricate craftsmanship, and communal traditions. Traditional music features instruments like the kacapi (zither) and suling (bamboo flute), often accompanying poetic vocal forms such as tembang Sunda. Dance forms include the elegant Jaipongan and the ceremonial Saman. Key cultural events include the Seren Taun harvest festival and communal work practices known as gotong royong. Distinctive architectural styles are seen in traditional houses like Rumah Jolopong, while the cuisine is famous for dishes such as lotek, karedok, and soto Bandung.

Religion

The vast majority of Sundanese people adhere to Islam, predominantly following the Shafi‘i school of Sunni Islam, which was spread historically by Muslim saints and through the sultanates. A small minority practices Christianity, particularly in urban areas and some highland regions. There is also an adherence to Sunda Wiwitan, the indigenous animist belief system, which is officially preserved by the isolated Baduy people in Lebak Regency. This religious landscape contributes to a syncretic blend of Islamic teachings with local adat (customary law) and pre-Islamic beliefs.

Society and economy

Traditional Sundanese society was organized around agricultural villages called lembur, with a social structure that valued egalitarianism and community cooperation. The economy was historically based on wet-rice cultivation (sawah) in highland areas, complemented by trade in commodities like pepper during the era of the Sunda Kingdom. In the modern era, sectors such as manufacturing, services, and tourism, particularly around destinations like Bandung and Puncak, have become significant. The province of West Java is a major industrial hub, hosting numerous factories and educational institutions like the Bandung Institute of Technology.

Notable people

Notable Sundanese individuals have made significant contributions across various fields in Indonesian national life. In politics and leadership, figures include former vice president Djuanda Kartawidjaja and former governor of Jakarta Ali Sadikin. The arts are represented by musicians like Mozes Kilang and legendary singer Titiek Puspa, as well as film director Nia Dinata. In sports, athletes such as badminton Olympic gold medalist Taufik Hidayat and footballer Bambang Pamungkas have achieved international recognition. Religious scholarship is exemplified by figures like Kyai Haji Ahmad Sanusi.

Category:Sundanese people Category:Ethnic groups in Indonesia