The reason why "Jewish" is called Jewish in Indonesia

Indonesia is famous for its cultural and religious diversity. One religious group that has existed in Indonesia for centuries is the Jewish community. However, what may be confusing for some people is that the term “Jewish” is often substituted for “Jew” in Indonesia. In this article, we will discuss the reasons for using the term “Jew” in Indonesia and its historical background.

History of the Jewish community in Indonesia

Before discussing the reasons for using the term “Jew” in Indonesia, it is important to understand the history of the Jewish community in Indonesia. The Jewish community has existed in Indonesia since the 17th century when the Dutch colonial government brought them from Amsterdam to Batavia (now Jakarta) to work as traders. Since then, the Jewish community has become an integral part of Indonesia’s cultural and religious landscape.

Reasons for using “Jewish” instead of “Jewish”

1. 1. Arabic influence

One of the main reasons why “Jewish” is used instead of “Jewish” is the influence of Arabic in Indonesia. In Arabic, the word for Jew is “Jew”. Because Indonesia has a significant Muslim population who speak Arabic, the term “Jew” has become widely accepted and commonly used.

2. 2. Cultural assimilation

Another reason for using the term “Jew” in Indonesia is cultural assimilation. The Jewish community in Indonesia has lived in this country for centuries and has adapted to Indonesian culture. As a result, using the term “Jew” has become the norm and is considered more respectful than using the word “Jewish”, which may sound foreign and unfamiliar.

3. 3. Historical context

The use of the term “Jew” can also be related to the historical context of the Jewish community in Indonesia. The Jewish community in Indonesia has a long and rich history, and the term “Jew” has become synonymous with their identity and culture. As a result, this is a term that is deeply embedded in Indonesian culture and has become a part of their identity.

The difference between “Jewish” and “Jewish”

While the terms “Jewish” and “Jewish” may seem interchangeable, there are several differences between the two. The term “Jewish” is more commonly used in English-speaking countries, while “Jewish” is used mainly in Indonesia and other Arabic-speaking countries. In addition, the term “Jewish” may have religious connotations, whereas “Jews” may refer more broadly to Jews as a cultural group.

Misconceptions about the Jewish community in Indonesia

Even though the Jewish community has existed in Indonesia for centuries, there are still many misconceptions about them. Some may think that the Jewish community consists only of the rich and elite, while others may think that they are only focused on their own business and interests. However, these are all wrong and inaccurate views. The Jewish community in Indonesia is very diverse, and consists of people from various social and economic backgrounds. They also contribute to various fields, such as art, culture, and education. In addition, they also play an important role in Indonesia’s economic development and promote peace and friendship between various religious and ethnic groups.

Acceptance and sustainability of the Jewish community in Indonesia

Although the Jewish community in Indonesia is relatively small, they are well received by Indonesian society and the government. In fact, Indonesia is one of the few Muslim countries in the world that has diplomatic relations with Israel, a country whose population is predominantly Jewish. The Jewish community in Indonesia also plays an important role in preserving their cultural and historical heritage. They have built synagogues and Jewish cultural centers in Jakarta and Surabaya, and have also opened access to education about Jewish religion and culture in Indonesia. In facing global challenges such as discrimination and anti-Semitism, the Jewish community in Indonesia remains strong and continues to contribute to the sustainability of Indonesia as an inclusive and multicultural country.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the use of the term “Jew” in Indonesia can be caused by the influence of Arabic, cultural assimilation, and the historical context of the Jewish community in Indonesia. Although there are still misconceptions about the Jewish community in Indonesia, they contribute to various fields and have been well received by the Indonesian people and their government. In facing global challenges, the Jewish community in Indonesia continues to be an integral part of Indonesia’s sustainability as an inclusive and multicultural country.