It was
learnt that the Javanese, along with other communities in Indonesia such as
Banjarese, Minangs and Javanese migrated to Tanah Melayu (now known as
Malaysia), seeking for a better livelihood and better future for their family.
This was back in late 1880 till early 1900 when the Indonesia was being
colonized by the Dutch. The Javanese especially traveled and settled in
Selangor, where majority makes these few district their home till now, namely
Tanjung Karang, Sabak Bernam, Kuala Selangor, Kelang, Banting and Sepang.
The
establishment and name of the village started around 1920, by Indonesian
immigrants from Java, Badang and Madura. Kampung Sungai Buah was originally
located near KLIA Seremban, this was when the first settler from Madura stroll by
a small river, they saw many ‘buah kepompong’ floating along the river side. The
fruit is said to be round, green and sized as a marble, it is also toxic in
nature and the hands will be itchy if held.
Now, the
population of Kampung Sungai Buah is approximately 1000 people with a majority
of 90 percent being Javanese. Those that pioneered the land in Sepang or
Dengkil area are namely from Aceh (Acehnese) hence there are a story about how
the town was name; an old place called Nibong Dengkil. Another community in
Kampung Sg. Bua hos the Boyan communities of Bawaen Island and the other,
Javanese and Minang.
What I am
fascinated was the Boyanese as I was never told of their origin nor did I ever
check them up, until the recent event. My curiosity got the best of me. So I
start to dig deeper and deeper, and this is what I’ve learnt.
The island
of Baweans is located in the Java Sea, due to the migration of the local men to
other parts of Indonesia, Singapore and Malaysia in search for a source of
income for their family members, the island constitutes approximately 70% of
females thus it is also referred to as the Island of Women or Pulau Putri. The
locals are known as Boyan or Boyanese.
One of the reason for Baweanese migration to Malaysia via
Singapore is through pilgrimage hub activities, reason being during the
steamship age, Singapore was one of the regional hub for the Hajj journey to
Mecca. The formulation is that the Baweans will find work in Malaysia and for
them to save up and fulfil their Hajj via Singapore. Obviously some stayed in
both these countries permanently.
Nowadays, the Boyanese have assimilated and intermarried
into the local Malay population and are regarded themselves as Malays.
Eat. Travel. Write Media Fam Trip is in collaboration with
UPENS (Unit Perancangan Negeri Selangor) and all its sponsors with #GayaTravel
as media coordinator.
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