Jambi Malay People Profile

Population and Geographic Distribution

The Jambi Malay are a people group numbering approximately 800,000. A majority of the Jambi Malay live in the sparsely-inhabited province of Jambi on the central eastern part of Sumatra Island. This province comprises a lowland basin of dense jungles and swamps. The Batang Hari River and its tributaries dominate the province’s landscape.

The modern provincial capital of Jambi combines the old city (seat of the former Jambi sultanate) and a new administrative center of Telanaipura just to the west. Jambi province has a diverse mixture of Malays, Minangkabau, Arabs, Chinese, Banjarese, Buginese, and Javanese. Many of these are transmigrants from other parts of Indonesia. In addition, several transmigration areas have been located among Jambi Malay villages.

Language

The official language in Indonesia is Bahasa Indonesia, but many Jambi Malay speak a
dialect of Malay known as Bahasa Jambi within their homes and villages.

Economics and Livelihood

According to local government authorities, 60 percent of Jambi people work as farmers,
although only 30 percent of the province’s income is provided by agriculture. The
government is working to increase farming industry and foreign investment. Major productsinclude timber, plywood, rubber, palm oil,

Religion

The Jambi Malay are Muslims who are known for their Islamic fanaticism. Islam was established as a religion in Jambi in the 16th century when Arab traders arrived on the island. Today, in every village and nearly every kampung (close-knit neighborhood) and Rukun Tetangga (neighborhood unit) there is a building for worship and a training place for the practice and teaching of Islam, complete with at least one ulama (Islamic teacher and Islamic law expert). The Jambi Malay take great pride that their villages are completely Muslim. However, people in the villages practice an element of folk Islam much more than people in the cities. Just as each village neighborhood has an RT (elected leader of the Rukun Tetangga), they usually also have a dukun (traditional healer). The dukun intercedes on behalf of his patient/devotee with pleas to Allah or the spirits for healing. Religious leaders of the masjid (Muslim house of worship) provide mothers with amulets for their young children to protect them from evil spirits.

Culture

Much of the Jambi culture is centered around a rich, beautiful fabric called Jambi batik (bahteek). Within the village, many skilled women join in the art of making batik cloth. An intricate, colorful design is applied to fabric by a lengthy process using wax to make the pattern and using dyes made from plants and berries. Once made, this beautiful fabric has multiple everyday uses. Many women wear batik sarongs and use the fabric to carry their babies with them as they go about their tasks. The exceptional batik is also saved for wedding parties. Many aspects of the Jambi Malay culture can be witnessed during the preparation for and celebration of the wedding party. Friends and neighbors gather together to assist the families of the couple. There is no need for payment—good food and conversation are all that is required. This phenomena known as mutual assistance is a part of daily life. The wedding party is an all-day affair full of amazing sights, smells, and sounds The day is begun by the groom parading to the bride’s house accompanied by a band playing kompangan (traditional Jambi hand drum). It ends with the playing of the gambus (Arab instrument like a guitar), singing, and dancing.