Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Indonesia, an expansive archipelago, is home to an incredible array of ethnic groups, stretching from Sabang to Merauke. This vast diversity is a testament to the nation’s motto, Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, meaning “Unity in Diversity.” Despite the multitude of cultures, Indonesia remains united, its people bound by a shared national identity.
According to Indonesia’s Central Statistics Agency (BPS) from the 2010 Population Census, the country boasts over 300 ethnic groups. More precisely, there are 1,340 distinct ethnicities across the archipelago.
Each group has its own unique customs and social norms, yet this rich diversity serves to strengthen, rather than divide, the nation. Together, these ethnicities work towards a shared goal of a just and prosperous society.
Distribution of Major Ethnic Groups
The largest ethnic group in Indonesia is the Javanese, who make up a significant portion of the population. The BPS census revealed that the Javanese population numbers 95,217,022 people, accounting for 40.22% of Indonesia’s total population. Their cultural influence is deeply ingrained in the country’s political, social, and cultural landscape.
The Sundanese are the second-largest ethnic group, with a population of 36,701,670, or 15% of the national total. The Sundanese primarily reside in West Java and are known for their distinct cultural practices, including traditional music, dance, and cuisine.
The Batak people of North Sumatra rank third, with a population of 8,466,969, representing 3.58% of Indonesia’s population. Known for their strong cultural identity, the Batak people have contributed significantly to the arts and political spheres in Indonesia.
Following the Batak, the Bugis from Sulawesi comprise the fourth-largest ethnic group, with 7,634,262 people, or 3.22% of the population. The Bugis are historically renowned for their seafaring tradition and are considered one of the maritime leaders of Southeast Asia.
In fifth place are the Madurese, with a population of 7,179,356, representing 3.03% of the total population. Originating from Madura Island, the Madurese people are known for their resilience and hard-working nature, particularly in agriculture.
Other Major Ethnic Groups
The Betawi, native to the capital city of Jakarta, rank sixth in population size, with 6,807,968 people, or 2.88% of Indonesia’s population. Despite their urban setting, the Betawi people maintain a unique cultural identity, distinguished by their language, dress, and traditional ceremonies.
The Minangkabau from West Sumatra follow closely in seventh place, with a population of 6,462,713, or 2.73%. The Minangkabau are famous for their matrilineal society and their contributions to Indonesian literature and cuisine.
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The eighth-largest ethnic group is the Bugis from Sulawesi, numbering 6,359,700, or 2.69% of the population. The Bugis are traditionally known for their skill in boat-building and seafaring, playing a key role in the maritime history of Southeast Asia.
The Malay people, primarily inhabiting Sumatra and parts of Borneo, come in ninth with 5,365,399 people, or 2.27% of the population. They have a rich cultural heritage, heavily influencing the development of the Indonesian language.
Finally, the South Sumatran ethnic group rounds out the top ten, with 5,199,581 people, or 2.16% of Indonesia’s total population. This group is known for their rich traditions in dance, music, and textile weaving.
A Rich Tapestry of Culture
Beyond these ten largest ethnic groups in Indonesia, countless others contribute to Indonesia’s cultural landscape, each with its own customs, languages, and traditions. From the highlands of Papua to the rainforests of Kalimantan, Indonesia’s ethnic diversity is both vast and vibrant.
As Indonesia continues to grow and modernize, its rich mosaic of cultures remains one of the country’s greatest strengths. This unity in diversity not only defines Indonesia but also enriches its national identity, ensuring that tradition and modernity coexist harmoniously across the archipelago.
(Raidi/Agung)
