Population
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A
Population Unevenly DistributedWith close to 190 million inhabitants in 1993 (nearly
180 millions in 1990), Indonesia ranks in 4th place among the countries
of the world, behind China, India and the United States. The national average
population density will soon reach 100 inh/km2. But this average conceals
the very strong differences that exist between the major islands and regions
of the country. These are clearly visible on the 1990 population density
map. Historically, Java, along with its satellite islands of Madura and
Bali, and to a lesser degree Sumatra, have carried a heavier population
load or at least heavier population densities. According to the 1990 census,
the populations of Java and Sumatra stood at respectively 107.5 and 36.5
millions, i.e. 60% and 20% of the national total.
Covering
less than 7% of the surface area of Indonesia, the island of Java is exceptionaly
densely populated, with an average of 814 inh/km2 in 1990. Nevertheless,
strong differences exist between the various provinces. Central Java and
the special region of Yogyakarta stand out, with averages of 834 and 919
inh/km2. The mountain regions of East Java appear relatively less densely
populated with 678 inh/km2. Even if the population density for the province
of West Java stood at "only" 764 inh/km2 in 1990, the demographic
weight of the 8 million persons living in the national capital, Jakarta,
and its suburbs is increasingly noticeable. This demographic pressure has
led the Indonesian autorities to apply various population control measures,
such as the Dua Anak Cukup
campaign, and to seek for a more balanced population distribution throughout
the country. For this it has continued to encourage outmigration from Java
through official transmigration programmes.
Most populated countries in the world in 1990
Transmigration
Applied
since Independance, the transmigration programme was inspired by a Dutch
colonial policy called Kolonisatie. It aims to transfer families from the
more densely populated regions (mostly on Java) to the less densely populated
ones. The objectives of this policy are to reduce the rate of population
growth on Java, Bali and Madura and, more and more, to foster the development
of the peripheral regions of the archipelago, particularly through land
colonisation. However, the regions most concerned with the settlement of
transmigrants have not always been the most peripheral nor the least densely
populated ones. Thus, until recently, the major target region for transmigrants
has been the province of Lampung, in southern Sumatra, just across the
Java Strait.
The graph indicates the number of transmigrant families having left Java
between 1980 and 1990. The total for the period stands at 1.4 million families,
i.e. about 5 to 6 million persons. The number of transmigrants decreased
sharply in 1982 but rose again meaningfully in 1988. Without this outlet,
the population of Java would have increased by 22 million persons; instead
it increased by 16 millions (Dorléans, 1992).
There exists however a contrary migration flow from the outer islands towards
Java. Most of these migrants end up in Jakarta
or in its large metropolitan region (JABOTABEK), thus contributing to their
rapid demographic growth.
Number of transmigrant families between 1980 and 1990
Bahasa
Indonesia as a National BondMost of the peoples (sukubangsa)
which form the Indonesian mosaic share some common cultural denominators,
as well as a common historical experience.
More than 200 languages and dialects are spoken, most of which belong to
the Austronesian family. The country's official language, Bahasa Indonesia,
is closely related to the Malay language and its use is spreading rapidly
througout the entire archipelago.
In 1928, Malay was identified by the nationalists as the language for the
future independant nation. Its use was encouraged by the Japanese Occupation
forces between 1942 and 1945.
In 1945, a government commission was established to speed up the recognition
of Bahasa Indonesia as a fully autonomous language and a key tool of national
integration.
Borrowing words mostly from Malay but also from Chinese, Arabic and European
languages, Bahasa Indonesia is relatively easy to learn, at least in its
basic form. This constitutes a major asset for its diffusion throughout
the archipelago. Finally, Bahasa Malaysia, the national language of the
neighbouring country, bears a close resemblance. Return
The
Javanese RegionThe island of Java is host to three major ethnic groups,
all originating from ancient Malay migrations. While quite distinct, these
groups share a certain number of common characteristics, among which the
same basic social cell, the village or desa.
The Javanese proper occupy only the central and eastern portions of the
island, the so-called Javanese region. The latter is characterized by the
predominance of irrigated rice fields, or sawah,
inherited from the pre-islamic kingdoms. The term kejawen
(from the root word jawi), is used to designate all that characterizes
Javanese culture. The influence of the Javanese model on the rest of the
island and even of the archipelago dates back to the times of the great
Hindu kingdoms of Singhasari and particularly Majapahit. At the time of
Independance, Indonesian nationalists referred to the extent of the latter's
relations to back up their territorial claims.
The Madurese ethnic group originates from the island of Madura, separated
from the north eastern flank of Java by a very narrow strait. The Madurese
have overflowed into Java and spread their influence over its eastern region.
Contrary to the Javanese, they are a maritime people, often involved in
fishing activities or in the exploitation of salt flats. Return
The
Sundanese Region: Culturally Distinct
Living
in the mountainous western region of the island, the Sundanese are culturally
distinct from the Javanese. Tied to language as well as to cultural practices,
this difference is particularly meaningful in religious terms, the Sundanese
being more inclined towards islamic orthodoxy. In fact, when the modern
Indonesian Republic was established, the strongest opposition to its lay
status came from the Sunda region, particularly from supporters of the
Darul Islam, an islamist fundamentalist
movement.
Although Jakarta, the Indonesian capital, is located
in the this region, its modern evolution is drawing it away from its Sundanese
roots.
The
word Sunda refers to an agrarian kingdom which prospered in the
mountainous interior. Also called Pajajaran, this kingdom was centered
on Pakuan, near contemporary Bogor. Spreading
its influence to the northern coast of the island, Sunda was eventually
rolled back by the coastal sultanate of Bantam
during the XVIth century. Return
The
Other Ethno-Linguistic Groups on the IslandAmong the other ethno-linguistic groups present in Java,
two are in a somewhat marginal position, their reprensentatives living
in secluded regions.
In
the mountains of the Sunda region, the Baduy have maintained their animist
practices and are considered representative of ancient Sundanese society
(Lombard, 1990). Having little relations with other peoples, they are divided
into two groups : the White Baduys and the Black Baduys. The latter are
the most secluded, their territory being in principle forbidden to all
outsiders.
In
Eastern Java, in the vicinity of the Bromo volcano, the Tengger are also
animists who used to make offerings to the volcano. Since the early XXth
century, and under pressure from Islam, these pratices have been receding.
The
Chinese (Cina) have been present in Java since the IIIrd century. As in
other countries of Southeast Asia, they have not been allowed access to
agricultural land ownership, with the consequence that they are found mostly
in urban areas, inclusive of small towns, and are involved primarily in
trade, industry and finance. Although traditionally Taoist, Chinese are
also well represented among the Christian community, particularly since
the 1965 events. Return
