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Noteworthy Names: The Top 10 Javanese People You Should Know

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Javanese is the largest ethnic group in Indonesia, with a rich cultural heritage. Many Javanese people have become notable celebrities and influencers both within Indonesia and internationally. Here are 10 of the most popular celebrities and notable figures from Javanese ethnicity:

  • Kartini
  • Sukarno
  • Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono
  • Liza Soberano
  • Raditya Dika
  • Raisa
  • Anggun
  • Agnez Mo
  • Joe Taslim
  • Fatin Shidqia

1. Kartini
Raden Ajeng Kartini, better known as Kartini, was a Javanese noblewoman and a pioneer in the Indonesian women’s rights movement. She advocated for women’s education and empowerment and is considered a national hero in Indonesia.

2. Sukarno
Sukarno, also known as Bung Karno, was the first President of Indonesia and a prominent figure in Indonesia’s struggle for independence from Dutch colonial rule. As a Javanese, he played a crucial role in shaping the country’s political landscape.

3. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono
Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, commonly known as SBY, is a retired military officer and the sixth President of Indonesia. He is of Javanese descent and served as the country’s president for two terms, from 2004 to 2014.

4. Liza Soberano
Liza Soberano, whose real name is Hope Elizabeth Soberano, is a Filipino-American actress of Javanese and American descent. She has gained international recognition for her acting skills and has appeared in several films and television series.

5. Raditya Dika
Raditya Dika is a popular Indonesian comedian, writer, and filmmaker. Known for his humorous and relatable content, he has amassed a large following both online and offline. Dika is of Javanese and Sundanese ethnicity.

6. Raisa
Raisa Andriana, better known as Raisa, is a renowned Indonesian singer and songwriter. Her soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics have made her one of the most popular contemporary musicians in Indonesia. Raisa is of mixed Javanese and Minangkabau heritage.

7. Anggun
Anggun Cipta Sasmi, commonly known as Anggun, is an Indonesian-born French singer-songwriter. She moved to France in the 1990s and achieved international success with her hit single “Snow on the Sahara.” Anggun is of Javanese and Balinese descent.

8. Agnez Mo
Agnes Monica Muljoto, or better known as Agnez Mo, is an Indonesian singer, songwriter, and actress. Often referred to as the “Indonesian Pop Princess,” Agnez Mo has won numerous awards for her music and has collaborated with international artists. She is of Javanese and Minangkabau background.

9. Joe Taslim
Joe Taslim is an Indonesian actor and martial artist, known for his roles in international films such as “The Raid” and “Fast & Furious 6.” He is of Javanese and Chinese descent and has gained recognition for his exceptional martial arts skills.

10. Fatin Shidqia
Fatin Shidqia Lubis, known as Fatin, is an Indonesian singer who gained popularity after winning the first season of the reality singing competition “X Factor Indonesia.” Since then, she has released multiple successful albums. Fatin is of Javanese and Acehnese background.

The Javanese (, jah-və-NEEZ, jav-, -⁠NEESS; Indonesian: Orang Jawa; Javanese: ꦮꦺꦴꦁꦗꦮ, Wong Jawa (in Ngoko register); ꦠꦶꦪꦁꦗꦮꦶ, Tiyang Jawi (in Krama register)) are an Austronesian ethnic group native to the central and eastern part of the Indonesian island of Java. With more than 100 million people, Javanese people are the largest ethnic group in both Indonesia and in Southeast Asia as a whole. Their native language is Javanese, it is the largest of the Austronesian languages in number of native speakers and also the largest regional language in Southeast Asia. The Javanese as the largest ethnic group in the region have dominated the historical, social, and political landscape in the past as well as in modern Indonesia and Southeast Asia.There are significant numbers of Javanese diaspora outside of central and eastern Java regions, including the other provinces of Indonesia, as well as other countries such as Suriname, Singapore, Malaysia, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Yemen and the Netherlands. 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 ways of life. These include Banyumasan, Cirebonese, Mataram, Osing, and Tenggerese. The majority of the Javanese people identify themselves as Sunni Muslims, with a small minority identifying as Christians and Hindus. With a large global population, the Javanese are considered significant as they are the largest Muslim ethnic group in the Far East and the fourth largest in the world after the Arabs, Bengalis, and Punjabis.Javanese civilisation has been influenced by more than a millennium of interactions between the native animism Kejawen and the Indian Hindu—Buddhist culture, and this influence is still visible in Javanese history, culture, traditions, and art forms. The ancient Javanese kingdoms of Singhasari and Majapahit were among the most powerful maritime empires in the region, whose boundaries included most of Maritime Southeast Asia and parts of Indochina. Javanese heritage has created magnificent religious monuments such as Borobudur and Prambanan which are among the world's largest temples. Javanese culture has 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 modern Malay culture. Javanese culture has greatly influenced their traditional cuisine with many dishes such as satay, sambal, ketupat, nasi kuning (pulut kuning), and rojak. Kris weapons, batik practice, gamelan musical instruments, ronggeng dance, and wayang kulit puppet were introduced to them through Javanese contact. Javanese culture has also spread widely beyond Southeast Asia such as Sri Lanka, South Africa, and Suriname, where many of the Javanese diaspora live there.

Most Famous Javanese People

Javanese’s Three Pinnacle Historical Inheritances

The Javanese community is one of the largest and most culturally rich ethnic groups in Indonesia. With a long and illustrious history, the Javanese people have left behind a legacy that continues to shape their heritage today. From art and literature to music and architecture, there are several historical inheritances associated with the Javanese culture that are well-known worldwide. Here, we explore three of these remarkable legacies.

Batik

One of the most iconic contributions of the Javanese community to the world of art and fashion is the art of batik. Batik is a traditional textile-making technique that involves applying hot wax to fabric and then dyeing it to create intricate patterns. This art form has been practiced for centuries in Java and has gained international recognition for its unique beauty and craftsmanship. Batik is not only a form of artistic expression but also a symbol of Indonesian identity, with different regions in Java having their own distinct styles and motifs.

Wayang Kulit

Wayang, meaning “shadow,” and kulit, meaning “skin” in Javanese, is a form of traditional puppet theater that has been practiced in Java since ancient times. Wayang kulit combines storytelling, music, and intricate puppetry to bring ancient epics and moral tales to life. The puppets, made from buffalo or cowhide, are intricately carved and painted, and are manipulated by the puppeteer behind a backlit cloth. Wayang kulit has not only entertained generations of Javanese people but also played a crucial role in preserving and passing on cultural and spiritual values through the captivating performances.

Borobudur Temple

The Javanese heritage is also profoundly marked by its architectural marvels, and the Borobudur Temple is a prime example. This ancient Buddhist temple, located in Central Java, is the world’s largest Buddhist monument and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Constructed in the 9th century, the temple features nine levels adorned with intricate relief carvings and more than 500 Buddha statues. The grandeur of Borobudur Temple is not only a testament to the impressive engineering skills of the Javanese people but also a spiritual sanctuary that attracts visitors from around the world.

Notable Historical Inheritances:

  • The art of batik, a traditional textile-making technique that originated in Java.
  • Wayang kulit, a form of traditional puppet theater that combines storytelling, music, and puppetry.
  • Borobudur Temple, the world’s largest Buddhist monument and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Factsheet About Javanese People

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Country Percentage of Javanese Population
Indonesia 90%
Malaysia 6%
Suriname 3%
Singapore 1%
The Javanese (, jah-və-NEEZ, jav-, -⁠NEESS; Indonesian: Orang Jawa; Javanese: ꦮꦺꦴꦁꦗꦮ, Wong Jawa (in Ngoko register); ꦠꦶꦪꦁꦗꦮꦶ, Tiyang Jawi (in Krama register)) are an Austronesian ethnic group native to the central and eastern part of the Indonesian island of Java. With more than 100 million people, Javanese people are the largest ethnic group in both Indonesia and in Southeast Asia as a whole. Their native language is Javanese, it is the largest of the Austronesian languages in number of native speakers and also the largest regional language in Southeast Asia. The Javanese as the largest ethnic group in the region have dominated the historical, social, and political landscape in the past as well as in modern Indonesia and Southeast Asia.There are significant numbers of Javanese diaspora outside of central and eastern Java regions, including the other provinces of Indonesia, as well as other countries such as Suriname, Singapore, Malaysia, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Yemen and the Netherlands. 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 ways of life. These include Banyumasan, Cirebonese, Mataram, Osing, and Tenggerese. The majority of the Javanese people identify themselves as Sunni Muslims, with a small minority identifying as Christians and Hindus. With a large global population, the Javanese are considered significant as they are the largest Muslim ethnic group in the Far East and the fourth largest in the world after the Arabs, Bengalis, and Punjabis.Javanese civilisation has been influenced by more than a millennium of interactions between the native animism Kejawen and the Indian Hindu—Buddhist culture, and this influence is still visible in Javanese history, culture, traditions, and art forms. The ancient Javanese kingdoms of Singhasari and Majapahit were among the most powerful maritime empires in the region, whose boundaries included most of Maritime Southeast Asia and parts of Indochina. Javanese heritage has created magnificent religious monuments such as Borobudur and Prambanan which are among the world's largest temples. Javanese culture has 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 modern Malay culture. Javanese culture has greatly influenced their traditional cuisine with many dishes such as satay, sambal, ketupat, nasi kuning (pulut kuning), and rojak. Kris weapons, batik practice, gamelan musical instruments, ronggeng dance, and wayang kulit puppet were introduced to them through Javanese contact. Javanese culture has also spread widely beyond Southeast Asia such as Sri Lanka, South Africa, and Suriname, where many of the Javanese diaspora live there.

The Ancient Heritage of Javanese Ethnic Groups

References to the Javanese Ethnic Group

Here are some references and resources to dig deeper into the Javanese ethnic group:

  • “Javanese Culture: Exploring the Island’s Rich Heritage” – This book by Ward Keeler provides a comprehensive exploration of Javanese culture, including topics such as language, religion, art, and social structure. It offers insights into the historical development and unique characteristics of the Javanese people.
  • “On Java: Javanese Culture and the Contest for Power in Indonesia” – Benedict Anderson’s book delves into the intricate relationship between Javanese culture and politics in Indonesia. It explores how Javanese culture and symbols have influenced power dynamics throughout Indonesian history.
  • “The Javanese” – This documentary film by PBS showcases the Javanese people, their customs, traditions, and way of life. It provides an immersive experience into Javanese culture, offering visual insights through interviews with locals and stunning footage of the island.
  • Javanese Gamelan Music – Gamelan, a traditional Javanese ensemble composed of percussions, is an integral part of Javanese culture. Exploring Javanese gamelan music through recordings, concerts, or workshops can help deepen your understanding of the Javanese people’s artistic expressions.
  • Research Papers and Scholarly Articles – Academic journals and research papers focusing on Javanese culture, history, and society can provide in-depth analyses and insights. Some notable academic journals include the “Journal of Southeast Asian Studies” and the “Indonesia and the Malay World.”

These resources can help you gain a deeper understanding of the Javanese ethnic group and their rich cultural heritage. Whether it’s through books, documentaries, music, or academic research, immersing yourself in these materials will allow you to explore various aspects of Javanese identity, values, and history.

Explore other famous people with Anglo-Indians, Bakossi and Catalans roots, showcasing the diversity of ethnic backgrounds. Investigating influential individuals with diverse ethnic backgrounds tied to these Javanese origins unveils the interwoven tapestry of global cultures and their impactful contributions to the world.

That concludes the information we can provide about famous Javanese individuals. Thank you for reading.

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