Javanese, Caribbean in Suriname

Introduction / History

Java is an extremely crowded island in Indonesia. The Javanese are the main people group on that island, and thousands have been moving to other parts of the world. Those who live either in the Caribbean nations or northern South America have developed an offshoot language of Javanese called Caribbean Javanese.

When Indonesia was taken over by Dutch colonialists, some were taken to their new South American colony, Suriname. From there, some went to neighboring French Guiana and the Netherlands.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Suriname’s economy is highly dependent on agriculture and mining. The Caribbean Javanese people work in these two industries. Although they have their own language, most also speak Dutch, which is the language of government, trade, and academia. This is necessary largely because Suriname has no majority ethnic group.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Some Caribbean Javanese are Sunni Muslims while others are Christians. They often blend traditional religion with either of these two major world religions.

What Are Their Needs?

Caribbean Javanese need a sense of identity in Christ.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Lord to bless the Caribbean Javanese economically and spiritually.
Pray that soon Caribbean Javanese people Suriname will be discipling Hindus and Muslims in the ways of Christ.
Pray for their churches to explode with revival!
Pray for Caribbean Javanese Christians to reach Muslims with the compassion and love of Jesus Christ.

Text Source:   Joshua Project