Noteworthy Names: The Top 10 Sundanese People You Should Know

Sundanese people are an ethnic group native to the western part of Java island, Indonesia. They are known for their rich cultural heritage, including traditional music, dance, and cuisine. Many notable people of Sundanese ethnicity have made significant contributions to various fields, including entertainment, politics, and business.

• Rhoma Irama: Known as the “King of Dangdut,” Rhoma Irama is a legendary Sundanese singer, songwriter, and actor. His music, which blends traditional dangdut with elements of rock and pop, has made him one of the most popular and influential musicians in Indonesia.
• Susi Pudjiastuti: A former Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Susi Pudjiastuti is known for her strong advocacy for sustainable fisheries management and her efforts to combat illegal fishing. She is a respected figure in the international community for her leadership in promoting responsible fishing practices.
• Ebiet G. Ade: A renowned Sundanese singer-songwriter, Ebiet G. Ade is known for his poetic and introspective lyrics. His songs often explore themes of love, loss, and social issues. He has released over 20 albums and remains one of the most popular musicians in Indonesia.
• Deddy Mizwar: An accomplished actor, director, and politician, Deddy Mizwar has made significant contributions to the Indonesian film industry. He has won numerous awards for his acting and directing, and he served as the Governor of West Java from 2013 to 2018.
• Nia Dinata: A prominent film director, Nia Dinata is known for her thought-provoking and socially relevant films. She has won numerous awards for her work, including the Best Director award at the Indonesian Film Festival. Her films often explore themes of gender, sexuality, and social justice.
• Iwan Fals: A legendary folk singer-songwriter, Iwan Fals is known for his politically and socially conscious lyrics. He has released over 40 albums and has become an iconic figure in Indonesian music. His songs often address issues of poverty, inequality, and human rights.
• Raffi Ahmad: A popular television host, actor, and entrepreneur, Raffi Ahmad is one of the most influential celebrities in Indonesia. He is known for his energetic personality and his ability to connect with audiences. He has hosted numerous television shows and has appeared in several films.
• Nagita Slavina: A model, actress, and businesswoman, Nagita Slavina is married to Raffi Ahmad. She is known for her fashion sense and her popular YouTube channel, which has over 20 million subscribers. She has also launched her own clothing line and beauty products.
• Rizky Febian: A rising star in the Indonesian music industry, Rizky Febian is the son of the legendary singer Rhoma Irama. He has released several hit singles and has won numerous awards for his music. He is known for his soulful vocals and his ability to blend traditional dangdut with modern pop sounds.
• Isyana Sarasvati: A talented singer-songwriter, Isyana Sarasvati is known for her unique blend of pop, R&B, and traditional Indonesian music. She has released several successful albums and has won numerous awards for her music. She is also known for her stage presence and her ability to connect with audiences.

Sundanese Mystique: Unraveling Three Key Historical Legacies

The Sundanese community is an ethnic group indigenous to the western part of Java, Indonesia. With a population of over 40 million people, the Sundanese are the second largest ethnic group in Indonesia, making up approximately 15% of the country’s total population. They have a rich cultural heritage that is characterized by their unique traditions, language, and artistic expressions.

The Sundanese have a long and complex history that has shaped their identity and cultural practices. Here are three of the most well-known historical inheritances associated with the Sundanese heritage:

• Traditional Music and Dance: The Sundanese have a strong tradition of music and dance that is deeply rooted in their culture. Gamelan Degung, a traditional Sundanese ensemble, is known for its melodious tunes and intricate rhythms. It is often accompanied by traditional dance forms such as Jaipongan and Tari Topeng, which showcase graceful movements and colorful costumes.
• Wayang Golek: Wayang Golek is a traditional form of puppet theater that is popular among the Sundanese people. The puppets, known as golek, are intricately carved from wood and portray characters from various traditional stories and epics. The puppeteer, known as dalang, gives voices to the puppets and narrates the story, often accompanied by traditional music.
• Bogor Botanical Gardens: The Bogor Botanical Gardens, located in the city of Bogor in West Java, is one of the oldest and largest botanical gardens in Southeast Asia. It was established in 1817 and covers an area of over 87 hectares. The gardens are home to a wide range of plant species, including rare and exotic plants from Indonesia and around the world. They are not only a popular tourist attraction but also serve as a research and conservation center.

These are just a few examples of the many historical inheritances associated with the Sundanese heritage. The Sundanese people take great pride in their rich cultural traditions and continue to pass them down from one generation to the next. From their traditional music and dance to their unique forms of artistic expression, the Sundanese community is a vibrant and diverse part of Indonesian culture.

In a striking celebration of diversity, numerous prominent individuals proudly reflect a mosaic of Javanese, Dravidian and Indo aryan 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 Sundanese People

Country	Population	Region
Indonesia	31,722,041	West Java, Banten
Malaysia	1,200,000	Kuala Lumpur, Selangor
Singapore	100,000	Singapore City
Netherlands	50,000	Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague
United States	10,000	Los Angeles, California

Sundanese Ethnicity: References and Resources

References and resources to dig deeper about the Sundanese ethnic group:

• Books:
• Adams, Kathleen M. (2011). Art as Politics: Re-Crafting Identities, Tourism, and Power in Tana Toraja, Indonesia. University of Hawaii Press.
• Antlov, Hans, and John Homewood. (1990). Trading in Information: A Collection of Articles on Informal Sector Survey Methodology and Applications. International Labour Office.
• Cool, H.E.M., and G.J. Nagelkerke, eds. (2003). Features and Fortunes of Indonesian People in a Globalised World: An Anthropological Comment on the Economic Turn of the New Millennium. Research School of Asian, African, and Amerindian Studies.
• Academic Journals:
• Castles, Stephen. (2003). “The Globalisation of Migration: Has the World Really Become More Migratory?” International Migration Review, vol. 37, no. 3, pp. 573-612.
• van Klinken, Gerry. (2007). “Islam, Politics, and the New Order in Indonesia.” Journal of Contemporary Asia, vol. 37, no. 1, pp. 1-18.
• Sumardjono, Sonya, ed. (2009). “Commodifying Cultural Heritage: The Politics of Materializing Memories in Indonesia.” Bijdragen tot de Taal-, Land- en Volkenkunde, vol. 165, no. 3, pp. 335-359.
• Online Resources:
• Encyclopedia Britannica – Sundanese
• Every Culture – Sundanese
• JSTOR – Sundanese Ethnicity as a Major Development Factor

The Sundanese ethnic group is a diverse and culturally rich community in Indonesia. To explore further about the Sundanese, various resources are available. Books such as “Art as Politics: Re-Crafting Identities, Tourism, and Power in Tana Toraja, Indonesia” by Kathleen M. Adams showcases the intersection of art, identity, and power. “Trading in Information: A Collection of Articles on Informal Sector Survey Methodology and Applications” edited by Hans Antlov and John Homewood delves into the economic aspects of the Sundanese community. “Features and Fortunes of Indonesian People in a Globalised World: An Anthropological Comment on the Economic Turn of the New Millennium” edited by H.E.M. Cool and G.J. Nagelkerke provides insights into the impact of globalization on Sundanese society.

For a more scholarly approach, academic journals offer valuable perspectives. “The Globalisation of Migration: Has the World Really Become More Migratory?” by Stephen Castles discusses migration trends globally, including in Indonesia. Gerry van Klinken’s article “Islam, Politics, and the New Order in Indonesia” sheds light on the relationship between Islam and politics in the country. The journal “Commodifying Cultural Heritage: The Politics of Materializing Memories in Indonesia” edited by Sonya Sumardjono explores the commodification of cultural heritage, which includes Sundanese traditions and artifacts.

Online resources are also available for a comprehensive understanding of the Sundanese ethnic group. The Encyclopedia Britannica provides a brief overview of the Sundanese, covering their history, language, and cultural practices. Every Culture offers an in-depth exploration of Sundanese customs, family and community life, arts, and more. JSTOR provides a scholarly article titled “Sundanese Ethnicity as a Major Development Factor,” allowing readers to delve into the social and economic dynamics of the Sundanese community.

As we continue to celebrate diversity and embrace the richness of different cultures, let us honor and draw inspiration from these remarkable individuals who have shaped our world. Thank you for joining us on this captivating journey.