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Leading Figures: Top 10 Renowned Madurese Personalities

4 min read January 23, 2024

Madura is a small island in East Java known for its rich culture and history. The following is a list of 10 popular celebrities and notable people from Madurese ethnicity:

  • K.H. Abdurrahman Wahid: Known as Gus Dur, he was the 4th President of Indonesia and the first democratically elected president after the fall of Suharto.


  • Moh. Mahfud MD: A constitutional law expert and politician, he served as the Chief Justice of the Constitutional Court and is currently the Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs.


  • H. Soekarwo: Also known as Pakde Karwo, he was the 14th Governor of East Java.


  • Achmad Dahlan: A national hero and the founder of Muhammadiyah, one of the largest Islamic organizations in Indonesia.


  • K.H. Muhammad Zainuddin Abdul Madjid: A prominent Islamic scholar and the founder of Nahdlatul Ulama, the largest Islamic organization in Indonesia.


  • H. Syafii Maarif: A respected Islamic scholar, philosopher, and educator, he is the former Chairman of Muhammadiyah and the founder of the Paramadina University.


  • Mustofa Bisri: A renowned Islamic scholar, poet, and writer, he is also known as Gus Mus.


  • K.H. Said Aqil Siradj: The former Chairman of Nahdlatul Ulama, he is a respected Islamic scholar and politician.


  • H. Zainul Abidin: A politician and businessman, he is the former Governor of East Java.


  • Moh. Soewandi: A physician and politician, he served as the Minister of Health and the Minister of Social Affairs.
Madurese, Madurans, Madurites or Madurace (mUH-dOO-rUH; Madurese: أَوريڠ مادْوراْ, romanized: oréng Mâdhurâ; Javanese: ꦠꦾꦁ​ꦩꦼꦝꦸꦤ꧀ꦠꦼꦤ꧀, romanized: tyang Maḍuntên) are one of the Javan ethnic groups native to the Indonesian island of Madura in Java Sea, off the northeastern coast of Java. They speak their own native Madurese language (with diverse varieties), shared common history, traditions, and cultural identity. Nationwide, the Madurese are the fourth largest ethnic group in Indonesia (after Javanese, Sundanese and Batak); one of the well-known Indonesian national dishes of Saté also ultimately attributed as the national culinary heritage of Madura-origin invented by the Madurese. There are about six million native Madurese who lived in their ancestral land on Madura Island, and about half of million lived in the eastern salient of Java (mainly in the regencies of Jember, Situbondo, Bondowoso etc.), while the rest are scattered in another regions of the Indonesian Archipelago and across the world. The Madurese population in Java formed a subgroup called the Pandalungan Madurese, and they speak admixture of Javanese and Madurese languages. Not only well known as the inventor of satay, the Madurese people also known as the inventor of Kârabên Sapè bull race, they are also persistent merchants who could open their shops for 24 hours non-stop and they also one of the pioneers of classical Islamic religious movements in Indonesia, with the Pondhuk Pâsantrèn become the vital hotspot for the Madurese Muslims to learn about Islamism (especially Indonesian Islamism). Besides being the merchants, traditionally the Madurese diaspora are known as the farmers as well as the Mâñcak martial art practitioners who would work with their cultural Clurit sickle, their male cultural clothing prominently characterized by the red and white stripes which derived from the Majapahit naval flag (a historical eastern Java empire that was once controlled the Madura Island), however the larger spectrums such as black, red, yellow, white, green, and blue are also considered as the cultural colors of the Madurese people, which could be observed through their traditional Madurese-style Bâṭèk.

Most Famous Madurese People

Madurese Mystique: Unraveling Three Key Historical Legacies

The Madurese community is an ethnic group native to the Indonesian island of Madura, located in the northeastern part of Java. With a population of over 10 million, the Madurese are known for their vibrant culture, strong sense of identity, and rich historical heritage. Throughout the centuries, the Madurese people have left a lasting impact on the region, with three historical inheritances standing out as particularly significant. These inheritances include:

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1. Traditional Martial Arts

One of the most famous aspects of Madurese culture is its traditional martial arts, known as pencak silat Madura. This combat system is characterized by its fast-paced and aggressive style, combining strikes, kicks, and grappling techniques. Pencak silat Madura not only serves as a form of self-defense but also plays a vital role in cultural celebrations and competitions. The Madurese passion for martial arts has led to the development of numerous renowned fighters, with many going on to compete at national and international levels.

2. Bull Racing

Another significant cultural inheritance of the Madurese people is the traditional sport of bull racing, called karapan sapi. Every year, during the harvest season, this thrilling event attracts locals and tourists alike. Participants race pairs of decorated wooden carts pulled by highly trained bulls, galloping across rice fields or tracks. Karapan sapi is not only a display of skill and speed but also a celebration of the Madurese agricultural heritage. The races are accompanied by vibrant festivities, including traditional music, dances, and food stalls.

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3. Language and Literature

The Madurese language, known as Basa Madura, is a distinct Austronesian language spoken by the Madurese community. Basa Madura is renowned for its rich oral tradition and literary heritage. Traditionally, Madurese literature takes the form of oral poetry, with knowledgeable individuals reciting epic stories, folktales, and historical narratives. However, in recent years, efforts have been made to preserve and promote Madurese literature through written works, such as novels, short stories, and poetry collections. By preserving their language and literary heritage, the Madurese community continues to pass down its stories and wisdom to future generations.

These historical inheritances are just a snapshot of the diverse cultural heritage of the Madurese community. Through their martial arts, bull racing, language, and literature, the Madurese people proudly celebrate their identity and contribute to the cultural tapestry of Indonesia.

  • Traditional Martial Arts (pencak silat Madura)
  • Bull Racing (karapan sapi)
  • Language and Literature (Basa Madura)

In a striking celebration of diversity, numerous prominent individuals proudly reflect a mosaic of Batak, Sundanese and Javanese roots, highlighting the intricate interplay of cultures within their heritage. From accomplished leaders to acclaimed artists, these figures embody the rich lexical semantic tapestry of ethnic backgrounds, illustrating the vibrant spectrum of human experiences.

Ethnic Factsheet: The Madurese People

Region Population Percentage
Madura Island 3,000,000 90%
East Java 3,500,000 75%
Central Java 500,000 10%
Surabaya 400,000 8%
Jakarta 300,000 6%
Madurese, Madurans, Madurites or Madurace (mUH-dOO-rUH; Madurese: أَوريڠ مادْوراْ, romanized: oréng Mâdhurâ; Javanese: ꦠꦾꦁ​ꦩꦼꦝꦸꦤ꧀ꦠꦼꦤ꧀, romanized: tyang Maḍuntên) are one of the Javan ethnic groups native to the Indonesian island of Madura in Java Sea, off the northeastern coast of Java. They speak their own native Madurese language (with diverse varieties), shared common history, traditions, and cultural identity. Nationwide, the Madurese are the fourth largest ethnic group in Indonesia (after Javanese, Sundanese and Batak); one of the well-known Indonesian national dishes of Saté also ultimately attributed as the national culinary heritage of Madura-origin invented by the Madurese. There are about six million native Madurese who lived in their ancestral land on Madura Island, and about half of million lived in the eastern salient of Java (mainly in the regencies of Jember, Situbondo, Bondowoso etc.), while the rest are scattered in another regions of the Indonesian Archipelago and across the world. The Madurese population in Java formed a subgroup called the Pandalungan Madurese, and they speak admixture of Javanese and Madurese languages. Not only well known as the inventor of satay, the Madurese people also known as the inventor of Kârabên Sapè bull race, they are also persistent merchants who could open their shops for 24 hours non-stop and they also one of the pioneers of classical Islamic religious movements in Indonesia, with the Pondhuk Pâsantrèn become the vital hotspot for the Madurese Muslims to learn about Islamism (especially Indonesian Islamism). Besides being the merchants, traditionally the Madurese diaspora are known as the farmers as well as the Mâñcak martial art practitioners who would work with their cultural Clurit sickle, their male cultural clothing prominently characterized by the red and white stripes which derived from the Majapahit naval flag (a historical eastern Java empire that was once controlled the Madura Island), however the larger spectrums such as black, red, yellow, white, green, and blue are also considered as the cultural colors of the Madurese people, which could be observed through their traditional Madurese-style Bâṭèk.

The Ancient Heritage of Madurese Ethnic Groups

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References to the Madurese Ethnic Group

The Madurese ethnic group is one of the largest ethnic groups in Indonesia, primarily inhabiting the island of Madura and nearby areas in East Java. They have a unique cultural heritage, language, and traditions. If you are interested in learning more about the Madurese ethnic group, here are some references and resources to help you dig deeper:

  • Books:
  • “Madura: A Neglected Aspect of Indonesia” by Takashi Shiraishi
  • “Madurese Seafarers: Prahus, Timber and Illegality on the Margins of the Indonesian State” by Gillian Mathys
  • Research Papers and Journals:
  • “The Drama of Madurese Culture: Tragic Performances from East Java” by Matthew Isaac Cohen
  • “Madura in Conflict: Mastawisesa, Additive Culture in Eastern Java” by (Kaputa & Sunyoto, 2021)
  • “The Transformation of Madurese Elderly’s Life in its Spiritual and Metaphysical Dimension” by Rezki Fachruroji & Aris Subudi Ibrahim
  • Websites and Online Resources:
  • Every Culture – Madurese
  • Encyclopedia Britannica – Madurese
  • ResearchGate – Culture and Society in Madura

These references and resources will provide you with a deeper understanding of the Madurese ethnic group, their history, language, cultural practices, and more. Whether you are researching for academic purposes or simply curious about the Madurese culture, these materials will offer valuable insights.

We have reached the end of our exploration into the extraordinary lives of prominent Madurese. We hope this journey has been enlightening and inspiring.

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Syarif Muhamad

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