Sundanese people

An ethnic group native to the western part of the island of Java, Indonesia

File:Sundanese people.jpg

Traditional Sundanese dancers performing a cultural dance.

The Sundanese people are an ethnic group native to the western part of the island of Java, in Indonesia. They are the second-largest ethnic group in Indonesia, after the Javanese people. The Sundanese have a rich cultural heritage and a distinct language, known as Sundanese.

Geography

The Sundanese primarily inhabit the province of West Java, as well as the western part of Central Java and the province of Banten. The region is characterized by its mountainous terrain, fertile volcanic soil, and lush tropical forests. The Sundanese heartland is often referred to as "Tatar Sunda" or "Pasundan."

Language

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Example of Sundanese script.

The Sundanese language is part of the Austronesian language family and is spoken by approximately 42 million people. It has its own script, known as the Sundanese script, which is used in cultural and ceremonial contexts. The language has several dialects, with the Priangan dialect being the most widely spoken.

Culture

The Sundanese culture is known for its rich traditions in music, dance, and art. Traditional Sundanese music includes the gamelan degung, kacapi suling, and angklung. The angklung, a bamboo musical instrument, is recognized by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.

Sundanese dance is characterized by graceful movements and elaborate costumes. Popular dances include the Jaipongan and the Wayang golek puppet shows, which are a form of traditional Sundanese theater.

Religion

The majority of Sundanese people are Muslims, with a small minority practicing Christianity, Hinduism, and Sundanese Wiwitan, a traditional animistic belief system. Sundanese Wiwitan emphasizes harmony with nature and ancestral worship.

Economy

The economy of the Sundanese region is primarily based on agriculture, with rice being the staple crop. The fertile volcanic soil of West Java supports the cultivation of various crops, including tea, coffee, and vegetables. In recent years, the region has also seen growth in the manufacturing and service sectors.

Related pages

• Javanese people
• West Java
• Banten
• Sundanese language
• Angklung