Indonesian Community in Birmingham

Where they come from

Indonesia stretches across more than seventeen thousand islands between Asia and Australia, and is home to hundreds of ethnic groups and languages, united by Bahasa Indonesia. It has the world's largest Muslim population. Indonesians in Birmingham include students, researchers, professionals and families.

The community in numbers

At the 2021 Census, out of a city population of 1,144,919, 196 Birmingham residents described their ethnic group as Indonesian.

Working for Birmingham

Many Indonesians come to Birmingham for postgraduate study in subjects such as engineering, economics, medicine and public policy, often with scholarships, and return home to senior roles. Others work in healthcare, hospitality and business, and bring skills and friendships that strengthen links between Birmingham and Indonesia.

Birmingham is one of the youngest and most diverse cities in Europe, and its progress has always depended on people who chose to make it home. Its hospitals, schools and universities, its building sites, workshops, warehouses and kitchens all rely on skills brought from around the world. The Indonesian community adds its own share to that effort, and takes pride in giving back to the city that welcomed it.

Culture and community life

Eid, known in Indonesia as Lebaran, is the biggest celebration of the year, and Indonesian Independence Day on 17 August is marked with games and gatherings. Batik, gamelan music and traditional dance are proudly shared, and rendang, satay and nasi goreng are much-loved dishes.

The story of the Indonesian community in Birmingham is still being written, by students, workers, parents and pensioners who call the city home. It is a story of hard work, friendship and quiet pride, and Birmingham is richer for it.