Javan

Javan is an adjective that refers to Java, the large island in Indonesia, and, less commonly, a noun used to denote a person from Java. In contemporary usage, the ethnonym Javanese is the standard term for the people, while Javan tends to appear in older texts or in broad, non-specific contexts about Java.

The Javanese are the largest ethnic group in Indonesia, concentrated on the island of Java in central and eastern parts of the archipelago. They have diverse communities and dialects, and their culture has influenced much of Indonesian history, politics, and the arts. Alongside the Javanese, Java is home to other ethnic groups and languages, contributing to a rich regional mosaic. Many Javanese people live in urban centers such as Jakarta, Surabaya, and Yogyakarta, and there is a sizable diaspora across Indonesia and beyond.

The Javanese language, or Basa Jawa, is part of the Austronesian language family, within the Malayo-Polynesian subgroup. It is spoken by tens of millions as a first or second language and has several dialects, including Central Javanese, East Javanese, and Banyumasan. Javanese uses the Latin alphabet in modern writing and retains traditional scripts for ceremonial purposes. The language exhibits multiple speech levels, reflecting social hierarchy and politeness.

Historically, Java was the heartland of ancient kingdoms and later a focal point of colonial and modern Indonesian state-building. Javan and Javanese culture have left enduring legacies in art, music, theater, and literature.