Who are the Madura?
The Madura people are the third largest people group in Indonesia. They make up 7% of the entire Indonesian population. Currently about four million Madura people still live on the island of Madura while another nine and half million live primarily on Jawa (Java). Other major pockets of Madura people can be found in Jakarta, Kalimantan. and Sulawesi. The Madura people are renowned for their harsh character and lifestyles. This is probably caused by their natural surroundings and their history of oppression by others, both of which make life very difficult for them. Nevertheless, their harsh temperament can be seen positively if one examines their work ethic. Most of them work extremely hard and refuse to give up. Both men and women do not shrink from hard work in order to meet basic needs.The Madura have their own language, Bahasa Madura (literally translated as Madura language) that includes several dialects. The Bangkalan dialect is used in the regencies of Bangkalan and Sampang. People employ the Pamekasan dialect in the southern portion of Pamekasan Regency and in the central part of Madura Island. The Sumenep dialect is found in the Sumenep Regency. Furthermore, one finds the Girpapas and Kangean dialects used by smaller populations.

What are their lives like?
The majority of Madura living on the island reside in closely-knit farming communities. But very few Madura living on the island gain their only income from farming. The climate is very dry and the land is not very fertile and thus yields only two harvests of rice and tobacco each year. Also, many Madura are fishermen, salt farmers and sailors on boats carrying inter-island cargo. The Madura who live on Jawa generally do not own land, but become fishermen, sailors, businessmen and unskilled laborers. The Madura are also known across Indonesia for their sate (skewered meat kebabs) and soto (meat soup). According to tradition, the first step in Madura marriage customs is to seek a young lady for one's son (nyalabar). The next step is taken by contacting the woman's family (narabas pagar). If well received, the proposal leads to engagement.Among the Madura people, the family does not merely include close relatives, brothers, sisters and parents. They maintain large family structures called pon popon gik semak meaning that even pupu (distant ancestors) are still considered close. It does not matter if they are close relatives from the same grandparents or distant cousins.

What do they believe?
The majority of Madura people are known for being very devout Sunni Muslims. Nevertheless, many Madura people seek security from the use of magic spells that are used in an attempt to control both good and evil spirits. Those who complete the five pillars of Islam by going on the Haj (pilgrimage to Mecca) receive a special place of honor in the eyes of the people.

What are their needs?
Madura people generally have a low income. Medical services, better nutrition and education are greatly needed. Education, especially jobs skills education, is an immense need in order for the Madura people to participate in the economic growth and spreading industrialization that is beginning to have an impact on the island.