Culture of Indonesia 803198 222184915 2008-06-27T23:46:16Z Fantastic fred 4124414 /* Television */ [[Image:DewiSri.jpg|right|thumb|upright|Statue of [[Dewi Shri|Dewi Sri]] in Ubud, Bali.]] '''Indonesian culture''' has been shaped by long [[interaction]] between original indigenous customs and multiple foreign influences. [[Indonesia]] is central along ancient [[Trade route|trading routes]] between the [[Far East]] and the [[Middle East]], resulting in many cultural practices being strongly influenced by a multitude of [[eastern religions|religions]], including [[Hinduism]], [[Buddhism]], [[Confucianism]] and [[Islam]], all strong in the major trading cities. The result is a complex cultural mixture very different from the original indigenous cultures. Examples of cultural fusion include the fusion of Islam with Hindu in Javanese [[Abangan]] belief, the fusion of Hinduism, Buddhism and [[animism]] in [[Bodha]], and the fusion of Hinduism and animism in [[Kaharingan]]; others could be cited. Indonesian art-forms express this cultural mix. ''[[Wayang]]'', traditional theater-performed puppet shows, were a medium in the spread of Hinduism and Islam amongst Javan villagers. Both Javanese and Balinese dances have stories about [[ancient]] Buddhist and Hindu [[kingdoms]], while [[Islamic art]] forms and architecture are present in Sumatra, especially in the [[Minangkabau]] and [[Aceh]] regions. Traditional art, music and sport are combined in a martial art form called [[Pencak Silat]]. Western culture has influenced Indonesia most in modern entertainment such as television shows, movies and songs. India has notably influenced Indonesian songs and movies. A popular type of song is the Indian-rhythmical [[dangdut]], which is often mixed with [[Arab]] and [[Malays (ethnic group)|Malay]] folk music. Despite the influences of foreign culture, some remote Indonesian regions still preserve uniquely indigenous culture. Indigenous [[ethnic group]]s of [[Mentawai people|Mentawai]], [[Asmat people|Asmat]], [[Dani people|Dani]], [[Dayak]], [[Toraja]] and many others are still practising their ethnic rituals, customs and wearing traditional clothes. ==Performing arts== ===Music=== [[Image:Jan30241e.JPG|thumb|right|Music played to accompany dancers.]] {{main|Music of Indonesia}} Indonesia is home to hundreds of forms of music, with those from the islands of [[Java]], [[Sumatra]] and [[Bali]] being frequently recorded. The traditional music of central and [[East Java]] and Bali is the [[gamelan]]. In [[1965]], a law was passed (Panpres 11/1965) banning Western-style pop or rock music. On [[June 29]], 1965, [[Koes Plus]], a leading Indonesian [[pop group]] in the 1960s, 70s and 80s, was imprisoned in [[Glodok]], [[West Jakarta]], for playing Western-style music. <ref>{{cite news }}</ref> After the resignation of President Sukarno, with the anti-Western [[Communist Party of Indonesia|Partai Komunis Indonesia]] disbanded, the law was rescinded, and in the 1970s the Glodok prison was destroyed to be replaced with a large [[shopping mall]]. The new mall in Glodok is now the centre of recording, production and distribution of modern Indonesian pop and rock music. [[Kroncong]] is a [[Music genre|musical genre]] that uses guitars and [[ukulele]]s as the main [[musical instrument]]s. This genre had its roots in Portugal and was introduced by Portuguese traders in the fifteenth century. There is a traditional ''Keroncong Tugu'' [[Band (music)|music group]] in [[North Jakarta]] and other traditional Keroncong music groups in Maluku, with strong Portuguese influences. This music genre was popular in the first half of the twentieth century; a contemporary form of Kroncong is called Pop Kroncong. In addition, there are regional variations such as [[Langgam Jawa]], which is most popular in [[Central Java]] and [[Yogyakarta]]{{Fact|date=August 2007}}. The soft Sasando music from the province of East [[Nusa Tenggara]] in [[West Timor]] is completely different. Sasando uses an instrument made from a split leaf of the Lontar palm (''[[Borassus flabellifer]]''), which bears some resemblance to a [[harp]]. ===Dance=== It is not difficult to see a continuum in the traditional dances depicting episodes from the [[Ramayana]] and [[Mahabharata]] from India, ranging through Thailand, all the way to Bali. There is a marked difference, though, between the highly stylized dances of the courts of [[Yogyakarta]] and [[Surakarta]] and their popular variations. While the court dances are promoted and even performed internationally, the popular forms of dance art and drama must largely be discovered locally. During the last few years Saman from Aceh in [[North Sumatra]] has become rather popular and is often performed on TV. ===Drama and theatre=== The Javanese and Balinese [[shadow puppet]] theatre shows display several mythological events. [[Randai]] is a folk theatre tradition of the [[Minangkabau]] people of [[West Sumatra]], usually performed for traditional ceremonies and festivals. It incorporates music, singing, dance, drama and the [[silat]] martial art, with performances often based on semi-historical Minangkabau stories and legends. ==Visual arts== ===Painting=== Indonesia is not generally known for paintings, aside from the intricate and expressive Balinese paintings, which often express natural scenes and themes from the traditional dances. Other exceptions include indigenous [[Kenyah]] paint designs based on, as commonly found among [[Austronesian]] cultures, endemic natural motifs such as ferns, trees, dogs, hornbills and human figures. These are still to be found decorating the walls of Kenyah Dayak longhouses in East Kalimantan's Apo Kayan region. [[Image:Kenyah mural painting.jpg|left|thumb|[[Kenyah]] mural painting in Long Nawang, [[East Kalimantan]].]] Calligraphy, mostly based on the [[Qur'an]], is often used as decoration as [[Islam]] forbids naturalistic depictions. Some foreign painters have also settled in Indonesia. Modern Indonesian painters use a wide variety of styles and themes. ===Sculpture=== [[Image:Borobodur Relief.gif|left|thumb|Relief sculpture from [[Borobodur]] temple.]] [[Image:TorajaArt.JPG|left|thumb|Carved wooden Torajan art.]] Indonesia has a long-he Bronze and Iron Ages, but the art-form particularly flourished in the eighth to tenth centuries, both as stand-alone works of art, and also incorporated into temples. Most notable are the hundreds of meters of relief sculpture at the temple of [[Borobodur]] in central Java. Approximately two miles of exquisite relief sculpture tell the story of the life of [[Gautama Buddha|Buddha]] and illustrate his teachings. The temple was originally home to 504 statues of the seated Buddha. This site, as with others in central Java, show a clear Indian influence. ==Architecture== {{main|Indonesian architecture}} For centuries, the most dominant influences on [[Indonesian architecture]] were [[India]]n, although European influences have been particularly strong since the nineteenth century and modern architecture in Indonesia is international in scope. As in much of [[South East Asia]], traditional buildings in Indonesia are built on stilts, with the significant exceptions of Java and Bali. Notable [[stilt house]]s are those of the [[Dayak]] people in [[Borneo]], the [[Rumah Gadang]] of the [[Minangkabau]] people in western Sumatra, the [[Batak (Indonesia)|Batak]] people in northern Sumatra, and the ''[[Tongkonan]]'' of the [[Toraja]] people in [[Sulawesi]]. Oversized saddle roofs with large eaves, such as the homes of the Batak and the ''tongkonan'' of Toraja, are often bigger than the house they shelter. The fronts of Torajan houses are frequently decorated with buffalo horns, stacked one above another, as an indication of status. The outside walls also frequently feature decorative reliefs. [[Image:Rumah Gadang.jpg|right|thumb|Minangkabau [[Rumah Gadang]]]] The eighth-century [[Borobodur]] temple near [[Yogyakarta]] is the largest Buddhist temple in the world, and is notable for incorporating about 160 relief panels into its structure, telling the story of the life of the Buddha. As the visitor ascends through the eight levels of the temple, the story unfolds, the final three levels simply containing [[stupas]] and statues of the Buddha. The building is said to incorporate a map of the Buddhist cosmos and is a masterful fusion of the didactic, the monumental and the serene.<!--a quote would be preferable to a Wikipedian editor's assessment here--> The nearby ninth-century temple complex at [[Prambanan]] contains some of the best preserved examples of [[Hindu temple architecture]] in Java. The temple complex comprises eight main shrines, surrounded by 250 smaller shrines. The Indian influence on the site is clear, not only in the style of the monument, but also in the reliefs featuring scenes from the [[Ramayana]] which adorn the outer walls of the main temples, and in the votive statuary found within. ==Crafts== Several Indonesian islands are famous for their [[batik]], [[ikat]] and [[songket]] cloth. Once on the brink of disappearing, batik and later ikat found a new lease of life when former President [[Suharto]] promoted wearing batik shirts on official occasions. In addition to the traditional patterns with their special meanings, used for particular occasions, batik designs have become creative and diverse over the last few years. ==Literature== {{main|Indonesian literature}} [[Pramoedya Ananta Toer]] was Indonesia's most internationally celebrated author, having won the [[Magsaysay Award]] as well as being considered for the [[Nobel Prize in Literature]]. Other important figures include the late [[Chairil Anwar]], a poet and member of the "[[Generation 45]]" group of authors who were active in the Indonesian independence movement. Tight information controls during [[Suharto]]'s presidency suppressed new writing, especially because of its ability to agitate for social reform. In the book ''[[Max Havelaar]]'', [[Netherlands|Dutch]] author [[Multatuli]] criticised the Dutch treatment of the Indonesians, which gained him international attention. Modern Indonesian authors include [[Seno Gumira Adjidarma]], [[Ayu Utami]], [[Gus tf Sakai]], [[Eka Kurniawan]], [[Ratih Kumala]], [[Dee]], [[Oka Rusmini]]. A few of their works have translated into other languages. ===Poetry=== There is a long tradition in Indonesia, particularly among ethnically [[Malays (ethnic group)|Malay]] populations, of extemporary, interactive, oral composition of poetry. These poems are referred to as ''[[pantun]]''. ==Recreation and sports== {{main|Sport in Indonesia}} [[Image:Sepak Takraw.jpg|thumb|left|The ball used in Sepak Takraw.]] Many traditional games are still preserved and popular in Indonesia, although western culture has influenced some parts of them. Among three hundred officially recognized Indonesian cultures, there are many kinds of traditional games: [[cockfighting]] in [[Bali]], annual bull races in [[Madura]], and stone jumping in [[Nias]]. Stone jumping involves leaping over a [[stone wall]] about up to 1.5 m high and was originally used to train warriors. [[Pencak Silat]] is another popular form of sport, which was influenced by [[Culture of Asia|Asian culture]] as a whole. Another form of [[national sport]] is ''[[sepak takraw]]'', which is originated from [[Melaka]].<ref>[http://www.gajahmas.com/hisraga.html "Gajah Emas Game History - Sepak Raga"]</ref> The rules are similar to [[volleyball]]: to keep the [[Rattan|rattan ball]] in the air with the players' feet. Popular modern sports in Indonesia played at the international level include [[association football]] and [[badminton]]. Indonesian badminton athletes have played in [[Indonesia Open (badminton)|Indonesia Open Badminton Championship]], [[All England Open Badminton Championships]] and many international events, including the [[Summer Olympics]] ever since badminton was reintroduced in the [[1992 Summer Olympics]]. [[Rudy Hartono]] is a legendary Indonesian badminton player, who has won All England titles six times in a row.<ref>[http://web.ukonline.co.uk/m.gratton/Sport.htm Uk on-line: sport]</ref> Another international level sport is soccer, active in the [[Asian Football Confederation]] (AFC). Sporting events in Indonesia are organised by the Indonesian National Sport Committee (KONI). The Committee, along with the government of Indonesia, have set a National Sports Day on every [[September 9]] with "Sports for All" as the motto. Jakarta has hosted the [[Southeast Asian Games]] three times, in 1979, 1987 and 1997, and won gold medals<!--is this what "came top of the medal table" meant?--> in each of these years.<ref>[http://www.olympic.ph/games_sea.html POC ]</ref> Indonesia has won gold medals at nine of the fifteen games it has attended. ==Cuisine== [[Image:Nasi goreng.jpg|thumb|right|''Nasi goreng'' (fried rice), one of the most popular Indonesian dishes.]] {{main|Cuisine of Indonesia}} The [[cuisine of Indonesia]] has been influenced by [[Chinese culture]] and [[Indian culture]], as well as by [[Western culture]]. However in return, Indonesian cuisine has also contributed to the cuisines of neighboring countries, notably [[Malaysian culture|Malaysia]] and Singapore, where Padang or Minangkabau cuisine from West Sumatra is very popular. Also [[Satay]] (''Sate'' in [[Indonesian language|Indonesian]]), which originated from Java, Madura, and Sumatra, has gained popularity as a street vendor food from Singapore to Thailand. In the fifteenth century, both the [[Portuguese people|Portuguese]] and [[Arab]] traders arrived in Indonesia with the intention of trading for pepper and other [[spices]]. During the [[Dutch East Indies|colonial era]], immigrants from many different countries have arrived in Indonesia and brought different cultures as well as cuisines. Most native Indonesians eat [[rice]] as the main dish, with a wide range of vegetables and meat as [[side dish]]es. However, in some parts of the country, such as [[Irian Jaya]] and [[Ambon]], the majority of the people eat [[sago]] (a type of [[tapioca]]) and [[sweet potato]].<ref>[http://www.blogger.com/ Inside Indonesia 67]<!--can a better source than "Blogger" be found?--></ref> The most important aspect of Indonesia cuisine is that food must be ''[[halal]]'', conforming to Islamic food laws. ''[[Haraam]]'', the opposite of halal, includes [[pork]] and [[alcoholic drinks]]. However, in some regions where there is significant non-Muslim population, non-halal food are also commonly served. Indonesian dishes are usually spicy, using a wide range of [[chili pepper]]s and spices. The most popular dishes include [[nasi goreng]] (fried rice), [[Satay]], Nasi Padang (a dish of [[Minangkabau]]) and soy-based dishes, such as [[tofu]] and [[tempeh|tempe]]. A unique characteristic of some Indonesian food is the application of spicy [[peanut sauce]] in their dishes, as a dressing for [[Gado-gado]] or Karedok (Indonesian style salad), or for seasoning [[Chicken|grilled chicken]] satay. Another unique aspect of Indonesian cuisine is using ''terasi'' or ''belacan'', a pungent [[shrimp paste]] in dishes of ''sambal oelek'' (hot pungent chili sauce). The sprinkling of fried [[shallot]]s also gives a unique crisp texture to some Indonesian dishes. Chinese and Indian cultures have influenced the serving of food and the types of spices used. It is very common to find [[Chinese cuisine|Chinese food]] in Indonesia such as [[Dim Sum]] as well as [[noodles]], and [[Indian cuisine]] such as [[Tandoori chicken]]. In addition, Western culture has significantly contributed to the extensive range of dishes. However, the dishes have been transformed to suit Indonesian people's tastes. For example, steaks are usually served with rice. Popular fast foods such as [[Kentucky Fried Chicken]] are served with rice instead of bread, and [[sambal]] (spicy sauce) instead of ketchup. Some Indonesian foods have been adopted by the Dutch, like [[Indonesian rice table]] or 'rijsttafel'. ==Popular media== ===Cinema=== {{main|Cinema of Indonesia}} The largest chain of cinemas in Indonesia is 21Cineplex, which has cinemas spread throughout twenty-four cities on the major islands of Indonesia. Many smaller independent cinemas also exist. In the 1980s, the [[film industry]] in Indonesia was at its peak, and dominated the cinemas in Indonesia with movies that have retained a high reputation, such as ''Catatan Si Boy'' and ''Blok M''<!--deleted blurb:"gained high success and were considered legendary movies by many in the history of Indonesian cinema"--> and actors like Onky Alexander, Meriam Bellina, Nike Ardilla and Paramitha Rusady.<!--deleted hapless "were considered young at that time."--><ref name='kompascinema'>Kompas http://www.kompas.com/kompas-cetak/0507/02/Bentara/1857854.htm</ref> However, the film industry failed to continue its successes in the 1990s, when the number of movies produced decreased significantly, from 115 movies in [[1990]] to just 37 in [[1993]].<ref>[http://www.geocities.com/Paris/7229/film.htm Kondisi Perfilman di Indonesia ]</ref> As a result, most movies produced in the '90s contained adult themes. In addition, movies from [[Hollywood]] and [[Hong Kong]] started to dominate Indonesian cinema. The industry started to recover in the late 1990s, with the rise of independent directors and many new movies produced, such as Garin Nugroho's ''Cinta dalam Sepotong Roti'', Riri Riza and Mira Lesmana's ''Petualangan Sherina'' and ''Arisan!'' by Nia Dinata.<ref name='kompascinema'>Kompas http://www.kompas.com/kompas-cetak/0507/02/Bentara/1857854.htm</ref> Another form of recovery is the re-establishment of the [[Indonesian Film Festival]] (FFI), inactive for twelve years, and the creation of the Jakarta International Film Festival. ''Daun Di Atas Bantal'' (1998) received The Best Movie award in the [[Asia Pacific Film Festival]] in [[Taipei]] (1998).{{Fact|date=January 2007}} ===Television=== [[Television]] in [[Indonesia]] began on [[August 17]] [[1962]] in Jakarta with the state-run station, [[TVRI]], which began broadcasting on the seventeenth anniversary of [[Indonesian National Revolution#Indonesian independence|Indonesian Independence]].{{Fact|date=January 2007}} It held a television [[monopoly]] in Indonesia until 1989, when the first commercial station, [[RCTI]] (Rajawali Citra Televisi Indonesia) began as a local station and was subsequently granted a national license a year later. Since then, several commercial stations have started up. [[As of 2006]], eleven nation-wide commercial networks are available: [[Rajawali Citra Televisi Indonesia|RCTI]], [[Televisi Pendidikan Indonesia|TPI]], [[Surya Citra Televisi|SCTV]], [[antv]], [[Indosiar]], [[Metro TV]], [[TV7]], [[Trans TV]], [[Lativi]], and [[Global TV (Indonesia)|Global TV]]. Several regional television stations serve viewers even in remote and poor areas.{{Fact|date=January 2007}} Commonly, [[local government]]s run these stations.{{Fact|date=January 2007}} Each of the network has a wide variety of programs, ranging from traditional show, such as ''[[wayang]]'' performance, to programs like ''[[Indonesian Idol]]'' that are based on Western models. One typical television show of almost every network is ''sinetron''<ref>''Sinetron is an abbreviation from an Indonesian phrasedenotind "electronic cinema".</ref> Sinetron is usually a drama series, following the [[soap opera]] format, but can also refer to any fictional [[TV series|series]]. Sometimes it can be comic, like the popular [[Bajaj]] Bajuri series, featuring a ''bajaj'' (a taxi-like [[tricycle]]) driver and the people he drives around. During 2006, trial transmissions of [[Digital television|digital TV]] ([[DVB-T]]) took place in Jakarta.{{Fact|date=January 2007}} [[Digital cable]] PayTV transmission service through [[Optical fiber|fibre optic]] is available in [[Bekasi]], near Jakarta and several apartments in Jakarta.{{Fact|date=January 2007}} [[Digital satellite]] PayTV transmission services ([[DVB-S]]) are available throughout Indonesia.{{Fact|date=January 2007}} ===Radio=== The state radio network [[Radio Republik Indonesia]] (RRI) was founded in 1945. It consists of a network of regional stations located in all thirty-three provinces of the archipelago. In most cities and large towns there are also many commercial stations. Since 2006, several [[digital radio]] stations have been based in [[Jakarta]] and [[Surabaya]], using [[Digital Audio Broadcasting]] (DAB) and Hybrid [[HD-Radio]]. {{Fact|date=January 2007}} ==Religion and philosophy== {{main articles|Religion in Indonesia|Indonesian philosophy}} Islam is [[Islam in Indonesia|Indonesia's main religion]], with almost 88% of Indonesians declared Muslim according to the 2000 [[census]]<ref name='indoCIA'>Indonesia—[[The World Factbook]] https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/id.html</ref>, making Indonesia the most populous Muslim-majority nation in the world. The remaining population is 9% [[Christianity|Christian]] (of which roughly two-thirds are [[Protestant]] with the remainder mainly [[Catholic]], and a large minority [[Charismatic movement|Charismatic]]), 2% [[Hindu]] and 1% [[Buddhism|Buddhist]]. The ''[[Pancasila Indonesia|Pancasila]]'', the statement of five principles which encapsulate the ideology of the independent Indonesian state, affirms that "The state shall be based on the belief in the one and only God". ==See also== {{portal|Indonesia}} * [[Adat]] * [[Demographics of Indonesia]] * [[Tabuik]] ==References== {{reflist}} ==Further reading== * Kuncaraningrat. (1985) ''Javanese culture'' Singapore: Oxford University Press, ==External links== {{commons|Culture of Indonesia}} * [http://www.kebudayaan.depdiknas.go.id/ Official government website] * [http://indonesia.elga.net.id/ Indonesian Homepage] <br />{{Life in Indonesia}} <!--Categories--> [[Category:Indonesian culture| ]] <!--Other languages--> [[es:Cultura de Indonesia]] [[fr:Culture indonésienne]] [[id:Budaya Indonesia]] [[lt:Indonezijos kultūra]] [[ms:Budaya di Indonesia]] [[pt:Cultura da Indonésia]] [[ro:Arta şi cultura Indoneziei]]