Society and Culture in Indonesia

Living in the island nation, more 13.466 Indonesia currently amounts to more than 200 million people, including more than 200 ethnic. After independence in 1945, the intermingling of different ethnic and cultural marriage has made the population has a greater closeness.

The majority of Indonesia peduduk converted to Islam, while in Bali, Hinduism is more dominant. In other areas such as Minahasa in North Sulawesi, Toraja Highlands in South Sulawesi, Lesser Sunda Islands, and most of the Batak Highlands of Papua, as well as Nias Island in North Sumatra, the majority of the inhabitants are Catholic and Protestant religion. Overall the community basically Indonesia's deeply religious.

The basic philosophy of Pancasila as the State Indonesia bring its people to have an attitude of tolerance towards any religion, customs and traditions. It was strengthened with the motto "Bhinneka Tunggal Ika" which means "different Though but still one is nevertheless".

Although among the youth in the major cities of modern life and abreast of world trends but in terms of their wedding ceremony traditions still do both of their parents. So in different tribes, marriage Covenant of marriage and wedding traditions can follow the family of the bride, while during the reception decor and costumes follow ethnic tradition of the groom, or vice versa. Weddings and wedding receptions in Indonesia being the introduction of the Customs and traditions of the diverse Indonesia. Weddings also often become the opportunity to display social status, wealth and taste in dressing someone. Even in villages, hundreds or even thousands of invitation line up to give congratulations to the couple and their parents that sit above the altar and then enjoy the wedding and entertainment.

Arts and Festivals

On the islands of Indonesia many ancient cultures are deeply rooted, while throughout history for centuries until now Indonesia has been influenced by the cultures of India, China, Arabia, and Europe. Lately the global popular culture including the internet have great influence in the way of life of the people. Foreign cultures and traditions, however absorbed and assimilated by the society that created a new unique creation that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

On October 2, 2009, UNESCO recognizes Indonesia Batik as a World cultural heritage objects, follow the Keris Indonesia already recognized before, and Wayang Kulit. Next Angklung following recognized by UNESCO on November 18, 2010 as world cultural heritage. Recently the Gayo Lues Regency origin Saman Dance, Aceh is also confirmed in the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding UNESCO on 24 November 2011.

Indonesia was indeed rich in arts and crafts. In the field of textiles, Sumatra generates Holster weaving gold and silver, best known as a songket. Female in South Sulawesi makes a colorful woven silk, while Bali, Flores and Timor produces some of the finest natural fiber textiles by using complicated motives.

In Woodcraft, Balinese artisans produce beautiful statues, such as the Asmat in Papua, both traditional and modern. Craftsmen in Central Java generates a smooth while carving furniture shipbuilders of the bugis of South Sulawesi continued to build sailing ship "Phinisi" the great sea in Indonesia to this day.

Various types of cultural differences and traditions throughout the country is also expressed in the many and interesting event, either religious or big-name events held throughout the year. (See Calendar Of Events). You can view the ceremonies lively agama Hindu Dharma are held continuously in Bali, a procession of Government during Sekaten in Yogyakarta, and the Festival of Tabot in Bengkulu. Sumatra, to commemorate the suicide of the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, Hasan and Husein. Vesak Buddhist ceremony held every year around Borobudur, as festival Toa Peh Kong China in Manado. While the Feast is held in death of Toraja, both second to none are held in the island of Sulawesi, and the ceremony of the Kasada held every end of the year at Mount Bromo, East Java, to pacify the souls of the ancestors and the gods.

Then, there's also a celebration of tribal warfare in form in the Valley of Wamena of Papua, karapan sapi in Madura held as Thanks giving after the harvest, the festival also "nyale" in Lombok are the event looking for a sea worm in February, and many more events being held across the island. And the event culminated in the Nyepi is the great day of Hindus in Bali was a day of meditation where all lights, fire, sound, including airplanes and cars prohibited from operating within 24 hours. Nyepi is becoming an international tradition can reduce pollution and global warming.

Indonesia is also rich with art performances. The Ramayana Dance Sendra held during the dry season in the Prambanan temple as the rays of the full moon. Indonesia is very diverse dance, dramatic and entertaining. Starting from the bersinkronisasi dance dance saman from Aceh until a supply of Java dance accompanied by gamelan, or dance sound of war in Borneo, New Guinea, and Sulawesi (Celebes).

Chinese influence can be seen along the North coast of Java ranging from Cirebon batik motifs and Pekalongan to furniture and door carving of Saints, Central Java. There is also a wedding gown embroidery of gold elaborately strung together so fair of West Sumatra.

Indonesia is not always about the cultural heritage of their ancestors. Currently, in the field of music, in the capital of Jakarta, Java Jazz Festival become an annual jazz music event for Indonesia and foreign jazz musicians. Indonesia is also proud to have some of the well-known band, best rock and pop singer. Nidji band like, purple, Slank, and singers such as Iwan Fals, Anggun, Rossa, Agnes Monica, Krisdayanti, Ari Lasso, and many others. They never fail to make the stage sensation has even been entertaining her fans to neighboring countries such as Malaysia and Singapore.