Who are the Sunda?
The Sunda, the largest Indonesian unreached people group, are the original inhabitants of West Jawa (Java). The region of the Sunda people is called Tanah Pasundan (Pasundan Land). The Sunda live next to the Jawa, Banten, and Cirebon people. The animistic Baduy people (population of +5,000) also speak Sunda and still practice Sunda culture since the time before Islamicization and modernization.

What are their lives like?
For generations the Sunda have lived primarily in the province of West Jawa with some living in Central Jawa. Traditionally, Sunda people support themselves by farming, both for their own needs and also for profit. Because of its high fertility, West Jawa is a very important area for farms and plantations. This area has long been considered the "national rice storehouse." Besides rice farms, there are also large tea plantations, especially in the mountains. Many secondary crops and various fruits are also grown in abundance.The Sunda are known for their friendliness. The Sunda have much in common with the Jawa, especially in their way of dress and methods of farming. However, the Sunda place more emphasis on informality and openness while the Jawa tend to be more formal and hierarchical. Another difference is that the Sunda are more strongly Islamicized. While the Sunda live on the geographical island of Jawa, they consider themselves a distinct cultural island called Sunda. Someone moving from West Jawa to central or eastern Jawa is literally said to be moving from Sunda to Jawa.The development of industry and large housing developments is beginning to change the Sunda way of life. Many Sunda people no longer work as farmers. The Sunda are one people group who are somewhat influential in the government. Some Sunda have also become capable traders.Among the Sunda people, there are 3 roles that exert a strong authority and influence on community life: (1) Religious leaders, such as kiai, ustadz (teachers of Islam), and imam (Muslim prayer & ceremonial priests); (2) Local government leaders, such as heads of districts and sub-districts and their staff; (3) Dukun (shaman/healer/occultist) and teachers of pencak silat (an Indonesian martial art).

What do they believe?
Almost all Sunda are Muslims. In many areas, Islam is mixed with Sunda traditional customs. The Sunda seek to protect their harmony with the natural world. They do this through traditional ceremonies for spiritual harmony and gotong royong (mutual assistance) events for social harmony. In the legend of Lutung Kasarung, there is a belief that God incarnated a little of himself in the world in order to protect the life of man. This incarnation is called dewata (gods).

What are their needs?
Data from the West Jawa Statistical Department shows a high rate of poverty. Because of this, the Sunda need help and guidance to raise their standard of living. This can be done by better development of human resources through education and training. There is also a need for agricultural investment and modernization. Another area of improvement is the development of small to medium-sized businesses in areas such as retailing home industry handicrafts.