Bantenese

The Bantenese are an ethnic group native to Banten Province in western Java, Indonesia. They form a distinct community with a shared language, customs, and historical experience, while also maintaining cultural ties with the wider Sundanese and Javanese populations.

The Bantenese language, often considered a dialect of Sundanese by linguists, is used in daily life in much of Banten alongside Indonesian. It exhibits influences from Malay and Arabic due to historical trade networks and the region’s long Islamic tradition. The language is spoken across different subregions, with various local dialects.

Historically, the region was the core of the Banten Sultanate, which rose in the 16th century and became a major trading power in the Sunda Strait. The sultanate helped facilitate Islamic learning and commerce between the Indonesian archipelago and foreign merchants. Dutch colonial involvement increased in later centuries, and after Indonesia’s independence the area underwent administrative changes that culminated in the creation of Banten Province in 2000, separating it from West Java.

In modern times, Bantenese society is predominantly Muslim and engaged in urban and rural livelihoods, including industry, agriculture, and fisheries. Urban centers such as Serang, Tangerang, and Cilegon host diverse communities alongside traditional villages. Subgroups within the Bantenese include communities such as the Badui in Lebak Regency, who maintain distinctive cultural practices and social arrangements.

Culturally, the Bantenese share customs with neighboring Sundanese and Javanese groups, while also preserving unique regional expressions in music, crafts, and religious life. The region’s history as a maritime trading hub continues to influence its identity in Indonesia.