NOUMEA, NEW CALEDONIA —-— Who would have thought that thousands of kilometers away from Indonesia, the Javanese language would still be heard amidst French songs and ancestral ceremonies? The 130th anniversary celebration of the Javanese community in New Caledonia is not just a nostalgic event. It is a portrait of the long journey of the diaspora, from the era of colonial workers to a cross-generational community that is now struggling to maintain its faith and identity in a foreign land. Yes, that is what Nasirudin Al Ahsani, Lc., M.Ag., one of the Dai Ambassadors of Dompet Dhuafa who carries out his da’wah duties in Noumea, New Caledonia, witnessed firsthand on Monday (2/16/2026).
Hundreds of Javanese descendants gathered in a celebration of 130 years of the Javanese community in New Caledonia, which was full of historical and communal nuances. Amidst the sounds of French and Indonesian songs and the laying of flowers in front of the monument to their ancestors, the annual event held every February 16 became a moment to remember the long journey of the early generations who came as workers during the colonial era and are now part of the local community. The presence of consular officials and local government representatives added to the solemnity of the event, which also served as a space for intergenerational bonding.
130 Years of Javanese Footprints in New Caledonia
Nasirudin Al Ahsani recounts that upon arrival at the memorial site, a series of speeches were held before participants paid their respects to their ancestors. After the official procession, the atmosphere became warmer with singing and friendly conversation.
Many participants came from various regions with diverse backgrounds. Javanese features are still visible among the younger generation who are beginning to blend in with Western culture. However, the Javanese language remains alive in everyday conversation. “Here, the enthusiasm of the community is particularly palpable as Ramadan approaches. Many have inquired about the arrival of dai (religious teachers) and hope for religious guidance in Noumea.
Behind the warm welcome, there lies a big challenge. This is because some of the younger generation seem to be moving away from religious practices. This situation is a task for us, the dai and community leaders, to re-instill the values of faith from the ground up,” explained Nasirudin Al Ahsani to the Dompet Dhuafa team.
At the same time, Nasirudin gained an understanding of the long history of the Javanese community in New Caledonia from the consulate representative. During the colonial period, the Dutch and French collaborated to send workers from Java to the French-controlled territory. Their lives were not easy, and there were even times when sick workers were treated inhumanely. Change came after international pressure led to the granting of rights and wages to the workers. Some returned to Indonesia after independence, but many returned again due to changes in social conditions in their homeland. Ultimately, they settled and formed a strong community that continues to this day.
Preserving Ancestral Traditions
Ancestral traditions are still evident in the community’s daily life. Funeral management institutions with hundreds of members continue to perform tahlil and adzan. Although some elements of old culture, such as offerings, are still found as part of historical heritage. There, the identity of “Javanese” is better known than “Indonesian” because the wave of migration occurred before Indonesia’s independence.
“When meeting with community leaders, interesting stories emerged. These included the early generation of local births known as ”Nyauli,” whose families are now scattered as far as New Zealand. There was also a resident who had been a driver for officials in Nouméa and was fluent in French and Javanese. Conversations using straightforward Javanese ngoko language were a unique experience. This is because the refined form of the language is less understood in the local environment,” said Nasirudin, while carrying out his preaching duties as a Dai Ambassador for Dompet Dhuafa.
The 130th anniversary celebration showed that the history of the Javanese diaspora in New Caledonia is not just a story of the past. It lives on in the language, traditions, and spirit of togetherness that continue to be passed down. Amidst changing times, this community strives to preserve its cultural roots while facing new challenges. The goal is to ensure that identity remains intact for future generations.
Text and Photos: Nasirudin Al Ahsani, Lc., M.Ag.
Editor: Taufan YN