Similar but different: A case study of the Kampung Sungai Tiram Bawean community, Johor

Although lesser known than their Javanese, Bugis and Banjarese compatriots, the Indonesian Bawean people have been migrating to Malaya even before independence was achieved. The tradition of travelling abroad to seek fortune (merantau) has been so ingrained in the life journey of Bawean men and earned for them the title of heroes upon returning home. This study examined the ethnic and identity characteristics of Bawean people in Malaysia in the wake of some nation- building challenges in Malaysia. Primary data were gathered from in-depth interviews of 50 members of the Bawean community in Kampung Sungai Tiram, an oil palm settlement which functioned as a gathering place for the surrounding Ulu Tiram and Johor Baweans. The findings revealed five identity factors fr the Baweans, namely Islam, merantau, language, the practice of mutual help (gotong-royong) and traditional medical knowledge. Although Islam has tremendously facilitated their adaptation to Malaysian local life thus depicting the apparent similarity between them and local Malays, the Baweans remained largely distinct and culturally different. This is evident by the fact that until today the Baweans still find it necessary or preferable to live in settlements which are exclusively Bawean as exemplified by this Johor case study.