IDENTITY AND CULTURE CHANGE OF JAVANESE IN JOHOR

Abstract

The Javanese ethnics are among the largest population group in Johor. According to the history, they came to Johor as part of the suggestion and efforts by Temenggong Daing Ibrahim (1810-1862) when they opened the Gambir plantation in Johor back in 1830s after the failure of Gambir companies in Singapore due to lack of land area and fire-wood fuel. The main reason to bring the Javanese and Chinese workers or coolies to operate the Gambir plantation was through the kankar system which he introduced. Data and information were collected from interview with Javanese and books, as well as from journals and websites. The increase of Javanese population is due to their growth and increase of number of labour in Malaysia. Their present may cause several challenges including social and cultural identity. This study aim to understand the fundamental Javanese character and identity, how this identity has been integrated and blended into the Malays culture, and finally to identify the Javanese characters and identity that contribute to the changes in the local culture. The study found that the high tolerances and adaptability of the Javanese has contributed to the acceptance and social harmony to the existing ethnics in Johor. Keywords : Java community, identity, cultural change