Population of Jambi
Seberang Kota
Population of Jambi City
Figure 1.2 Comparison of population of Jambi Seberang and Jambi City
The main industries in Jambi Province include lumber, coffee, rubber, coconut, palm oil, cinnamon, construction, and agriculture. Jambi Malays for the most part earn their livelihood as fishermen
and agriculturalists, and often are not very well off economically. Many are also found working in lumber, palm oil, construction, and batik-making industries. In Jambi Seberang a surprisingly substantial number
work in government offices
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31.8 Mantri Statistik Kecamatan Danau Teluk 1997, Mantri Statistik Kecamatan Pelayangan 1997.
1.2.1 Two communities
1.2.1.1 Mudung laut
Due to the limitations on the time and scope of this research on the Jambi Malay language, two communities in particular were chosen for study. The communities were selected based on a pre-research
survey in which the question was asked: Where is the most representative place of the Jambi Malay language and culture? The answer always came back: Jambi Seberang. It makes for a more interesting
study since Seberang is very near the capital city, in fact it is technically within Jambi City limits, and may have more exposure to modernization and mixing with other ethnic groups than elsewhere. Additionally, it
is reported that many residents of Seberang are better off economically than other Jambi Malays Kerlogue 2002b.
Once on-site research was begun, it was decided that a village within Seberang called Mudung Laut was an ideal place for study, based on observation and questioning of the local people and government
authorities. Mudung Laut has few outsiders
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in the community; moreover it is on the river, which is characteristic of Jambi Malay culture. The language of Mudung Laut is considered by local consultants to
be “pure” Jambi Malay, and yet it is the closest Seberang community in proximity to the downtown area of the city. Its population was 1,787 in June 2001 Pelayangan Subdistrict Office records 2001. Located in
Pelayangan Subdistrict, Kotamadya Jambi Jambi municipality, it shares borders with Jelmu to the west and Arab Melayu—a community that has many Arabic descendants and retains many aspects of Arab
culture—to the east. See appendix D for a map of Mudung Laut and appendix E for Mudung Laut pictures. It is divided into seven RTs literally Rukun Tetangga or neighborhood association, each with its
own appointed leader.
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The high number of government employees in this area is likely due to the fact that a former provincial governor hails from Mudung Laut in Seberang. He reportedly requested extra government funding for Seberang Kerlogue 2002b.
6
“Outsider” here refers to newcomers from a different ethnic group.
1.2.1.2 Mudung Darat
