Sasak people

Sasak People

The Sasak people are an ethnic group native to the Indonesian island of Lombok. They are the majority population on the island, making up approximately 85% of the island's inhabitants. The Sasak people are predominantly Muslim, and their language, Sasak, is closely related to the languages of neighboring Bali and Sumbawa.

History

The history of the Sasak people is intertwined with the history of Lombok. The earliest evidence of human habitation on the island dates back to the Neolithic period. The Sasak people have been the dominant ethnic group on the island for centuries, with their culture and traditions shaping the island's identity.

Culture

The culture of the Sasak people is rich and diverse, with unique traditions in music, dance, and art. The Gendang beleq is a traditional Sasak music and dance performance, featuring large double-headed drums. Sasak architecture is also distinctive, with traditional houses known as Bale Sasak featuring bamboo walls and thatched roofs.

Religion

The majority of Sasak people are adherents of Islam, specifically the Waktu Telu version, which is a unique blend of Islamic, Hindu, and animist beliefs. There is also a significant minority of Sasak people who practice Balinese Hinduism, particularly in the western part of Lombok.

Language

The Sasak people speak the Sasak language, which is a member of the Bali-Sasak-Sumbawa subgroup of the Austronesian language family. There are several dialects of Sasak, reflecting the geographical diversity of Lombok.

Economy

The economy of the Sasak people is primarily based on agriculture, with rice and tobacco being the main crops. Many Sasak people are also involved in fishing, weaving, and pottery.

See also

• Culture of Indonesia
• Demographics of Indonesia
• Ethnic groups in Indonesia