Art & Culture & People
With over 235million people, Indonesia is the fourth most populated
country in the world. 60% of its people are concentrated on Java Island.
This contrasts with Kalimantan and Papua, which are sparsely populated.
Indonesia is a multicultural nation. Because of its historical trade
links, there are Chinese, Indians, Arabs, Malays and Melanesians, who
now count themselves Indonesians. You will find most Indonesians are ethnically
Malay although notable exceptions are the Chinese, and the Melanesians,
with their curly hair and darker skin.
Although 90% of its population is Moslem, Indonesia is not an Islamic
country. You will find Mosques and Churches in many cities. There is great
respect for diversity. People are traditional in the Kampungs and one
should respect cultural sensitivities. Alcohol is widely available although
pork should not be eaten openly.
Islam came to this country in the 15th century, brought by Arabs who
traded with locals. Since then, Islam has spread widely and built its
own 'Indonesian-Moslem' culture. Sunni and moderate.
You don't need to worry when traveling here. Moslems don't bite,
and are pretty open to other cultures. Bali bombers are viewed by Indonesians
as terrorists and there is widespread condemnation of religious fanaticism.
A militant fanatic group, FPI, was recently filmed causing anarchy during
a peaceful demonstration by other religious organizations. Members of
the FPI were rounded up by police and Indonesians called for widespread
ban on the organization.
Ramadhan, is the fasting month ending with
a big celebration called Idul Fitri. Christmas is widely
celebrated. The biggest celebration is ironically non-religious.
August 17th marks Independence Day and all Indonesians are
out celebrating in fairs, sporting events, and ad hoc dangdut
concerts in the villages.
17th August Celebration
Despite the over laying Islamic culture, regions are rich with
their own local customs. Of interest to most tourists are the
Bataks and Minangkabau (Sumatra), Badui and Sundanese (West Java),
Balinese, Dayak (Borneo), Toraja (Sulawesi), and Dani (Papua).
There is freedom of religion enshrined in the constitution. Main
religions are; Islam, Christianity, Catholicism, Buddhism, and
Hinduism.
Since the 90's, MTV has rapidly changed the culture of its youth.
Young Indonesians are comfortable listening to Linkin Park on their Ipods
underneath their traditional Moslem headgear. The role of women has progressed
beyond domestic duties, especially in education and employment. This is
notably in big cities, where women hold position of powers. One notable
exception is the Minangkabau woman. The Minangkabaus are matriarchal.
Talking about all arts of Indonesia, will take endless pages. The variety
is dazzling and the culture vulture will be satiated. The arts and crafts
of Indonesia alone have generated volumes of books and endless coffee
table photo collections.
There is wood crafting, well known in Jepara, in Java island, and in
Mas, Bali. Most people that open shops inherit them from their families,
and have their own particular style. Workshops are at the back of their
homes.
Gamelan orchestras are found in every village in Java and Bali. People
use Gamelan to accompany traditional dancers in their performances. Gamelan
is percussion orchestra that has a unique and relaxing sound. Shadow puppet
(Wayang Kulit) also uses Gamelan.
There is also Randai, a traditional drama from Minangkabau. This folk
theatre is usually performed for traditional ceremonies and festivals.
The stories retell Minangkabau histories and legends.
Man of Dayak playing Sampeh, traditional music tool
This
is Prambanan temple in Central Java
This is the traditional house of Karo people in North Sumatra
