Sundanese people facts for kids
| ᮅᮛᮀ ᮞᮥᮔ᮪ᮓ Urang Sunda |
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|---|---|
A Sundanese couple wearing modern wedding clothes
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| Total population | |
| ± 42,000,000 | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
 Indonesia |
41,359,454 (2010) |
 West Java |
36,183,087 |
 Banten |
6,724,227 |
 Jakarta |
1,423,576 |
 Lampung |
901,087 |
 Central Java |
451,781 |
 South Sumatra |
180,018 |
 Japan |
~1,500 (2015) |
 Singapore |
500–600 (2003) |
| Languages | |
Also: Indonesian, Arabic (for religious use) |
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| Religion | |
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| Related ethnic groups | |
| Benteng Chinese | |
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The Sundanese (Urang Sunda) are a large group of people from the western part of the island of Java in Indonesia. This area is often called Tatar Pasundan, which means the Land of Sunda. It includes the provinces of West Java, Banten, and the capital city of Jakarta.
With about 42 million people, the Sundanese are the second-largest ethnic group in Indonesia. They speak the Sundanese language, which is an Austronesian language. Many Sundanese people have also moved to other parts of Indonesia, such as Sumatra, Kalimantan, and Bali.
Contents
Where Did the Sundanese Come From?
Theories About Their Origins
Most experts believe the Sundanese people are Austronesian, meaning their ancestors originally came from Taiwan. It is thought they traveled through the Philippines and arrived on the island of Java around 1,500 BC.
Another idea is that their ancestors came from a large, sunken peninsula called Sundaland. This land is now covered by the Java Sea and other waters. Modern studies show that Sundanese people, like their Javanese and Balinese neighbors, have a mix of Austronesian and Austroasiatic ancestry.
The Legend of Creation
An old Sundanese belief called Sunda Wiwitan tells a story about how the world was created. In this myth, a supreme being named Sang Hyang Kersa created seven gods. The oldest god, Batara Cikal, is said to be the ancestor of the Kanekes people, a traditional Sundanese group. The other gods ruled over different parts of the Sunda lands.
Another famous legend, the story of Sangkuriang, talks about an ancient lake in the Bandung highlands. This story suggests that Sundanese people have lived in the area for at least 20,000 years.
History of the Sundanese People
The Time of Kingdoms
One of the earliest known kingdoms in West Java was Tarumanagara, which existed between the 4th and 7th centuries. During this time, Hinduism and Buddhism arrived from India. While the royal courts adopted these new religions, many ordinary Sundanese people continued to follow their traditional beliefs, which involved respecting nature and ancestors.
The Sundanese people were skilled farmers who often lived in small villages. Because their lands were hilly and forested, villages were often isolated. This helped them develop a culture that valued independence and equality. The name "Sunda" was first seen on a stone inscription from 932 AD. Later, the powerful Sunda Kingdom was formed, and under the rule of King Sri Baduga Maharaja (also known as King Siliwangi), the Sundanese people became more united.
Dutch Colonial Times
In the 1800s, the Dutch ruled Indonesia. They cleared many forests in the Sundanese highlands to grow valuable crops like coffee, tea, and quinine. This changed the landscape and the way many Sundanese people lived.
Modern Times
Today, Sundanese culture is famous throughout Indonesia. Many people believe Sundanese women are very beautiful, and the city of Bandung is known for its fashion. Because of this, many Sundanese people have successful careers in Indonesia's entertainment industry as actors, singers, and artists.
Language
The Sundanese language is spoken by about 36 million people. It is the second most common regional language in Indonesia. It is spoken in most of West Java and Banten.
The language is related to Malay and Javanese. Like Javanese, Sundanese has different levels of speech to show respect to elders or people of high rank. There are several dialects, but the one spoken in the city of Cianjur is often considered the most refined.
Today, Sundanese is usually written with the Latin alphabet. However, there is a movement to bring back the traditional Sundanese script, which was used hundreds of years ago. You can now see street signs in cities like Bandung written in both scripts.
Religion and Beliefs
The original religion of the Sundanese people is called Sunda Wiwitan. It is a form of animism that honors ancestral spirits (karuhun) and nature spirits (hyang). Because rice farming was so important, they also honored Nyai Pohaci Sanghyang Asri, the goddess of rice and fertility.
Over time, Hinduism and Buddhism became popular, especially among the royalty. You can still see ancient Hindu and Buddhist temples in West Java, like the Cangkuang temple.
Around the 15th century, Islam was introduced by traders and spread quickly. Today, the great majority of Sundanese people are Sunni Muslims. Mosques and Islamic schools (pesantren) are common in Sundanese towns and villages.
When the Dutch arrived, Christian missionaries also came to West Java. They built schools and hospitals, and a small number of Sundanese people became Christians.
While most Sundanese are Muslim, many still practice traditions that mix Islamic teachings with older beliefs. Some groups, like the Baduy people, live in isolation and follow the ancient Sunda Wiwitan religion very strictly.
Sundanese Culture
Sundanese culture is known for being less rigid than Javanese culture. The people value equality and community. Their art and traditions often connect back to nature and an earlier time in history.
Family Life
In Sundanese families, both the mother's and father's sides of the family are considered equally important. Family life is full of important ceremonies that mark different stages of life.
- Nujuh Bulanan: A ceremony for a mother during her seventh month of pregnancy.
- Akekahan: An Islamic tradition after a baby is born, where a goat is shared with family and friends.
- Wedding: Sundanese weddings are big celebrations with many steps, including a formal proposal, gift-giving, and a feast for all the guests.
Stories, Art, and Puppets
The Sundanese have a rich tradition of storytelling. Stories and poems, called Pantun Sunda, were passed down by word of mouth. These stories often tell of legendary heroes and ancient kings, like King Siliwangi.
One of the most famous art forms is Wayang Golek, a type of puppet theater that uses three-dimensional wooden puppets. The stories often feature funny characters and teach moral lessons.
Music and Dance
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Sundanese music is famous for its unique instruments.
- Angklung: A bamboo instrument where each person shakes one angklung to play a single note. It is recognized by UNESCO as an important part of world heritage.
- Kacapi suling: Gentle music played on a zither (kacapi) and a bamboo flute (suling).
- Gamelan degung: A traditional orchestra with bronze gongs, drums, and other instruments.
Popular Sundanese dances include the Jaipongan, an energetic social dance, and the Merak Dance, which imitates the beautiful movements of a peacock.
Traditional Houses
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A traditional Sundanese house is simple and built to be in harmony with nature. The roof is usually made of thatched materials like palm leaves or plant fibers. The walls are often made of woven bamboo, and the house is built on short stilts to keep it cool and dry. A rice barn, called a leuit, is also a very important building in a Sundanese village.
Food and Cooking
Sundanese cuisine is one of the most popular in Indonesia. It is known for its fresh ingredients. A famous dish is lalab, a salad of raw vegetables served with a spicy chili paste called sambal. Another popular dish is karedok, which is a vegetable salad with a peanut sauce.
Like most Indonesians, the Sundanese eat rice with every meal. Side dishes include grilled or fried fish, chicken, tofu, and tempeh. A special cooking method is pepes, where food like fish or chicken is mixed with herbs, wrapped in a banana leaf, and then steamed or grilled. Sundanese food is flavorful and savory, but usually not as spicy as food from Padang or as sweet as food from Central Java.
What Sundanese People Do
Traditionally, most Sundanese people were farmers, especially rice farmers. Farming traditions are very important, and harvest festivals like Seren Taun are still celebrated in some traditional communities.
Today, many Sundanese people are also involved in business and trade. They are known for being independent and optimistic, and many run their own small businesses, like food stalls or shops. Food carts selling popular street food like Siomay and Gado-gado are often run by Sundanese people.
Many Sundanese people are also successful in politics, education, and the military. In addition, the entertainment industry in Indonesia is filled with famous Sundanese singers, actors, and directors.
Notable People
Many Sundanese people have become famous in Indonesia.
- Heroes: Dewi Sartika, who pioneered education for women, and Djuanda Kartawidjaja, a former prime minister.
- Politics: Ali Sadikin, a former governor of Jakarta, and Umar Wirahadikusumah, a former vice president.
- Arts and Entertainment: Singers like Rossa and Nike Ardilla, actor Raffi Ahmad, and comedian Sule.
- Sports: Taufik Hidayat, an Olympic gold medalist in badminton.
See also
- Baduy people
- Sundanese Singaporeans
- Bujangga Manik
- Buni culture
- Carita Parahyangan
- Kidung Sunda
- List of Sundanese people
- Salakanagara Kingdom
- Sanghyang Siksa Kandang Karesian
- Sunan Ambu
- Sunda Kelapa
- Sunda Kingdom
- Sunda Wiwitan
- Tarumanegara Kingdom
- Wawacan Sulanjana
- Sundanese Wednesday
- Austronesian expansion
