The culture of Indonesia has been shaped by long interaction between original indigenous customs and multiple foreign
influences. Indonesia is centrally-located along ancient trading routes between the Far East and
the Middle East, resulting in many cultural practices being
strongly influenced by a multitude of 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
greatly influenced Indonesia in modern entertainment such as television shows,
film and music, as well as political system and issues.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 Malay folk music.
Despite the
influences of foreign culture, some remote Indonesian regions still preserve
uniquely indigenous culture. Indigenous ethnic groups Mentawai, Asmat, Dani, Dayak, Toraja and many others are still practicing
their ethnic rituals, customs and wearing traditional clothes.
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