Indonesian culture and traditions

Indonesian typical dance

Indonesia is an equatorial archipelago that has more than 17.000 islands, of which the largest are Sumatra, Kalimantan or Java, the latter being one of the most important in terms of population.

This island country is between Southeast Asia and OceaniaAs a place of passage for sailors who made trade routes, it has received many cultural influences, so we will find a great diversity in it.

A Little History

Typical Indonesian temple

It always helps us to position ourselves and to understand a little about the customs and culture of each place. Her situation makes her a place of trade passage of many Asians, and the majority of its population is of Malay origin. It was under Dutch influence, and in 1945 it became independent from the Netherlands with Sukarno.

In 1968 his mandate was replaced by that of Suharto, who created more unity in Indonesia but through repression. In 1998 he resigned due to the discomfort of the population after the Asian financial crisis. From then on, democratic elections were held in the country. Currently, its economy is based on earnings from oil exports and natural gas, being a member of OPEC, and also from tourism.

Religion in Indonesia

Buddhist temple

Religion in Indonesia has been very important in defining Indonesian culture and life. His constitution guarantees freedom of religion as long as it is based on any of the five official ones, which are Islam, Catholicism, Protestantism, Buddhism and Hinduism.

Today, more than 80% of the population belongs to Islam. The early Islamist leaders of Java were revered as walis or saints, creating legends around them, although the Islamist religion forbids the worship of saints. Women are not obliged to wear the headscarf, although its use is becoming more and more widespread. In addition, men can marry two women, provided they have the consent of the first woman.

The Portuguese introduced Catholicism, although from the XNUMXth century it began to have less and less influence. Hinduism is practiced in Bali, and Buddhism is practiced by the majority of the Chinese population.

Customs and habits

Markets in Indonesia

When we travel somewhere, it is always good to see what their customs and uses are when it comes to socializing to avoid misunderstandings and embarrassing situations. In urban areas there is much western influence, although in urban areas rural areas, a much more traditional culture is still preserved. In them, some habits and rules are followed to live in community, the family being very important.

When we go to public places where you have to perform formal acts, such as paperwork, it is better to go with appropriate and respectful, more formal clothing. In places like temples or palaces, you have to cover shoulders, and usually you have to wear the batik, a shawl around the waist.

It should also be taken into account that for them the head is a sacred parta, which should not be touched, so we must avoid even gestures that seem affectionate by touching the head. On the other hand, you have to know that the right hand is the one they use to eat, and it should also be used to give or receive something, as a show of respect, since the left hand is supposed to be reserved for more impure acts such as cleanliness. Another thing that will catch our attention is that they always take off their shoes to enter the house, something that is rare here. However, they say that Indonesians are one of the most pleasant and sociable peoples, so we will not have many problems communicating with them.

Clothing

Typical Indonesian Fabrics

The clothing will also be something interesting that intrigues us from the first moment. Although today there are many people who dress in the Western mode, especially young people and in urban areas, there is still a great tradition in clothing that is suitable for hot weather.

Men and women dress alike the sarong In many places, it is a rectangle of cloth around the hips, just like we tie our towels when we get out of the shower. It is very comfortable for them and you can see fabrics with different colors and patterns, reserving the best for special occasions.

Indonesian typical clothing

In addition, the sarong, highlights the kebaya, which is the traditional blouse of Indonesian women. It is a long-sleeved, fitted blouse, without a collar and buttoned at the front. Sometimes it is semitransparent, so a fabric that covers the torso called a kemban or a corset is usually worn underneath.

In men you can also see the peci, a typical hat, or also a knotted headscarf. It all depends on the area in which we are.

Gastronomy

Typical Indonesian gastronomy

Gastronomy in Indonesia varies by region, as it is a mix of Chinese, European, Oriental and Indian influences. Rice is the main ingredient, which is often mixed with meat or vegetables. Also, coconut milk, chicken or spices are important.

Typical dish in indonesia

There are several dishes that we can try if we go to Indonesia. Nasi Campur is rice combined with chicken, vegetables, soy, and tortilla. Lumpia is a Chinese-influenced spring roll with meat, vegetables, and soy noodles. Kari ayam is chicken stew with vegetables, curry sauce, coconut milk, and cooked white rice. The Nasi goreng is another typical dish, fried rice with vegetables, chicken, prawns and egg.

Parties and celebrations

Bali dance typical of Indonesia

The variety ethnic de Indonesia is reflected in their parties y celebrations. Between February and March combat drills are held in Sumba that commemorate the wars of mutual annihilation. Between March and April the new Year Eve each Balinese, during which, to the sound of drums, that scare away bad spirits, the icons of the temples.

Holidays in Indonesia

Another important festival is the Balinese festival of Galungan, of variable dates, in which it is said that the gods descend to the land to join the parties earthly. It is also worth being present at the Larantuka Island for the important procession of eastern and in Ruteng for the duels of whips in August. In addition, between August and October the funeral banquets Trojans in Sulawesi.


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