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Javanese script

Writing system used for Javanic languages

Entityabugida natural writing system unicase alphabetQ879704

Also known as Javanese abugida · Aksara Jawa · Hanacaraka · Javanese alphabet · Javanese · Java

Instance of: abugida
, natural writing system
, unicase alphabet
Founded: 900

Overview

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia · Read full article · Text CC BY-SA 4.0

Javanese script, also known as hanacaraka, carakan, and dentawyanjana, is one of Indonesia's traditional scripts developed on the island of Java. The script is primarily used to write the Javanese language and has also been used to write several other regional languages such as Sundanese and Madurese, the regional lingua franca Malay, as well as the historical languages Kawi and Sanskrit. It heavily influenced the Balinese script from which the writing system for Sasak developed. Javanese script was actively used by the Javanese people for writing day-to-day and literary texts from at least the mid-16th century CE until the mid-20th century CE, before it was gradually supplanted by the Latin alphabet. Today, the script is taught in the Yogyakarta Special Region as well as the provinces of Central Java and East Java as part of the local curriculum, but with very limited function in everyday use.

Overview

All data

24 statements · 42% with external sources · numbers in brackets are citations

On other databases

9 identifiers linking Javanese script across the web's reference databases

Data quality

statements

42%

externally sourced

Source last edited August 8, 2026. AIDB refreshes this page daily.

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AIDB. (2026). Javanese script (Q879704). Retrieved from https://aidb.si/e/javanese-script-Q879704