Eight centuries of Madurese migration to East Java.

Area of Science:

• Sociology
• Migration Studies
• Indonesian History

Background:

• Madura, a small Indonesian island, has experienced continuous out-migration for eight centuries due to poverty and overpopulation.
• This migration primarily targets the neighboring island of Java, which, despite being slightly better off, also faces overpopulation challenges.
• The Madurese, Indonesia's third-largest ethnic group, exhibit a notable pattern of consistent out-migration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the historical and societal aspects of Madurese out-migration to Java.
• To provide the first comprehensive exploration of this long-standing Indonesian migration phenomenon.
• To analyze the diverse forms and underlying impetus of Madurese migration over centuries.

Main Methods:

• Historical analysis of migration patterns.
• Sociological examination of ethnic group mobility.
• Review of Indonesian migratory currents, past and present.

Main Results:

• Identified a consistent, eight-century-long out-migration from Madura to Java.
• Documented the diverse forms this migration has taken in response to various historical factors.
• Highlighted the significance of this migration as a defining feature of Madurese society.

Conclusions:

• Madurese out-migration to Java is a deeply rooted historical and societal phenomenon.
• The migration reflects broader Indonesian migratory trends and historical contexts.
• This study sheds light on a previously under-explored aspect of Madurese history and society.