Introduction / History

The Javanese (Orang Jawa, "people of Java") originate from Central Java, Indonesia. In Sri Lanka, they are blended in with others who speak a Malay-based language. Therefore, they are considered "Malay" by many people. The Javanese have their own language called "Jawa.”

Today the Javanese live throughout Peninsular Malaysia in parts of Perak, Selangor, and Kedah. There are also isolated communities in coastal areas of Sabah. A smaller number have migrated to Saudi Arabia, Germany, the Netherlands, Hong Kong, Singapore and Australia.

Though the number of Javanese (and other Indonesians) in Australia is small, they have been in that country since 1750. At that time Indonesian seamen and merchants migrated there. In the 1870s some Indonesians went to Australia as guest workers. Others fled there during Japanese occupation in WWII.

What Are Their Lives Like?

They are a hospitable people, usually inviting visitors to share a meal with the family. Families are often quite large, some having between 10 and 17 children. Marriages are grand affairs that sometimes last up to three days. They often give love gifts to newlyweds after a wedding.

Though their population is small in Australia, the Javanese have made their mark in Australia’s entertainment industry.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Javanese have a longstanding commitment to the Islamic religion. There are thousands of Javanese believers in Indonesia and elsewhere. Perhaps Christian Javanese will remember their brethren in other parts of the world. Typically, Indonesian Muslims, the Javanese included, will bond with others from their religious community at the local mosque. That will make it harder for Javanese Christians to contact them.

What Are Their Needs?

The Javanese people need to accept the warm embrace of the only savior so they can enjoy spiritually meaningful lives.

Prayer Points

Pray they will be influenced by people who follow the Lord and want to see Christ exalted.

Pray for Javanese believers to take Christ to the Javanese in the other countries.

Pray for spiritual discernment and a hunger for true spirituality among the Javanese.

Pray for a movement to Christ that will affect the Javanese no matter where they live.

Scripture Prayers for the Javanese in Australia.

References

https://www.britannica.com/topic/Javanese-people

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Javanese_people

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Javanese_diaspora