The Sundanese are the largest unreached people group in Indonesia; their homeland is in the province of West Java. The area inhabited by the Sunda is called “Sunda Land.” The Sunda live near the Javanese, Banten, Betawi, and the coastal Javanese of Kulon. The Sunda are also called Priangan or Parahyangan.
What are their lives like?
For many generations, Sundanese have lived in West Java. Traditionally, the Sunda have been farmers, both for their own needs and for commerce. Due to the fertility of the land, West Java is a great area for farming and plantations. This area has long been known as the “rice basket” of Indonesia. In addition to growing rice, there are also tea plantations, especially in the mountainous areas. Secondary crops and fruits also grow well and abundantly.
The Sunda are famous for their friendliness. They are similar to the Javanese, particularly in the way they dress and the way they farm. The Sunda people place more emphasis on family and openness, whereas the Javanese tend to be more formal and hierarchical. Another difference from the Javanese is that Sundanese have a stronger devotion to Islam.
Sundanese people believe that having a Sundanese character (kasundaan) is the best path of life. This character can be summed up as cageur (healthy), bageur (good), beneur (right), singeur (introspective), and pinteur (intelligent). This type of character has been pursued by people of western Java since the days of the Kingdom Salakanagara (130-362 M AD).
Although they live on the island of Java, the Sunda do not consider where they live to be “Java,” but ”tatar Sunda” (the land of Sunda), with its own culture. Someone who moves from West Java to Central Java or East Java is said to have moved “to Java.”
Industrial development and large housing projects have begun to change the Sunda way of life. Many Sundanese no longer work as farmers. Many hold influential positions in the government, while others have become competent business people.
In Sunda society, there are three authorities with strong influence: (1)the Muslim religious leaders such as teachers, preachers, or worship leaders; (2) the local goverment officials such as the regent and the regent’s staff; (3) the shamans with supernatural abilities and the martial arts teachers.
What are their beliefs?
Almost all Sundanese are Muslims. In many areas, Islam is mixed with Sunda traditional customs. The Sunda seek to protect their harmony with the natural world. They do this through traditional ceremonies for spiritual life and through group work for mutual assistance. In the legend of Lutung Kasarung, there is a belief that God incarnated himself in the world to protect humankind. This incarnation is called the dewata (gods and goddesses).
What are their needs?
Statistical data on the inhabitants of West Java shows a high poverty rate. Because of this, the Sunda need help and guidance to raise their standard of living. This can be done by better development of human resources through education and training. There is also a need for agricultural investment and modernization. Another area needing improvement is the development of small to medium-sized businesses.
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