Java map
Java is the 13th largest island in the world. There are three primary languages but most of the people speak Indonesian as their second language. The majority of the Javanese people are Muslim, however there is a mixture of different religious beliefs caused by Java's diverse history.
The last of the major Hindu kingdoms was The Majapahit Empire in eastern Java (1293 to about 1500 AD). Then in the sixteenth century the power of coastal Muslim kingdoms began to grow and the remnants of the Majapahits fled to Bali which still has a Hindu majority today.
The earliest Muslim missionaries were called the Wali Sanga (the nine saints) they are the founders of Islam in Java and some of their tombs are still well-preserved. The type of Islam in Java is mixed with long-standing local beliefs.
The last of the major Hindu kingdoms was The Majapahit Empire in eastern Java (1293 to about 1500 AD). Then in the sixteenth century the power of coastal Muslim kingdoms began to grow and the remnants of the Majapahits fled to Bali which still has a Hindu majority today.
The earliest Muslim missionaries were called the Wali Sanga (the nine saints) they are the founders of Islam in Java and some of their tombs are still well-preserved. The type of Islam in Java is mixed with long-standing local beliefs.
A group of Javanese people during ancient times.
The Javanese present in Peninsular Malaysia since early times. There were 10,000 Javanese in Malacca in early 16th century. Link between Java and Malacca was important during spread of Islam in Indonesia. Large migration to Peninsular Malaya occured during colonial period when they migrated from Central Java to Malaysia from 1880 to 1930, They migrated to seek a new life away from the Dutch colonists who ruled Indonesia at that time.
Today, they live throughout Peninsular Malaysia in parts of Perak, Selangor and Kedah. The migrants bring with them various aspects of Javanese cultures such as Gamelan music, traditional dances and art of wayang kulit.
