INDONESIAN CULTURE; ARTS AND

TRADITIONS
Indonesia is culturally rich. Indonesian art and culture are intertwined with religion and age-old
traditions from the time of early migrants with Western thoughts brought by Portuguese traders
and Dutch colonists. The basic principles which guide life include the concepts of mutual
assistance or gotong royong and consultations or musyawarah to arrive at a consensus or
mufakat Derived from rural life, this system is still very much in use in community life
throughout the country.
Though the legal system is based on the old Dutch penal code, social life as well as the rites of
passage are founded on customary or adat law which differs from area to area. Adat law has
a binding impact on Indonesian life and it may be concluded that this law has been instrumental
in maintaining equal rights for women in the community. Religious influences on the community
are variously evident from island to island.
Intertwined with religion and age-old traditions from the time of early migrants the art and
culture of Indonesia is rich in itself with Western thoughts brought by Portuguese traders and
Dutch colonists. The art and culture of Indonesia has been shaped around its hundreds of ethnic
groups, each with cultural differences that have shifted over the centuries. Modern-day
Indonesian culture is a fusion of cultural aspects from Arabic, Chinese, Malay and European
sources. Indonesian art and culture has also been influenced from the ancient trading routes
between the Far East and the Middle East leading to many cultural practices being strongly
influenced by a multitude of religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism and Islam.
Language
The official language of Indonesia is Indonesian or Bahasa Indonesia. Its universally taught
in schools and is spoken by nearly every Indonesian in business, politics, national media,
education and academia. The Indonesians also speak several hundreds of local languages like
bahasa daerah as their first language. Javanese is also widely used besides other Papuan or
Austronesian languages in a region of just 2.7 million people.
Religion
The government of Indonesia officially recognizes only six religions, viz Islam, Hinduism,
Buddhism, Protestantism, Catholicism, and Confucianism. The largest religious group in
Indonesia is Islam with almost 86% of Indonesians being Muslims. Indonesia is also the most
populous Muslim-majority nation in the world.
Literature

Indonesia has created many internationally famous celebrated authors. There has also been a
long tradition, particularly among ethnically Malay populations, of impromptu, interactive,
verbal composition of poetry referred to as the pantun. Pramoedya Ananta Toer, a well-known
author won the Magsaysay Award and was considered for the Nobel Prize in Literature. Chairil
Anwar was also an important figure in the literature world and a member of the Generation 45
group of authors who were active in the Indonesian independence movement.
Music
Home to hundreds of forms of music, it plays an important role in Indonesias art and culture.
Traces of its origin can be made to the islands of Java, Sumatra and Bali. Gamelan is the
traditional music from Central- and East Java and Bali. Another very popular style of music is
Dangdut which is accompanied with free dance style. This style first came up in the 1970s and
is quite useful in political campaigns. Other forms of music include the Keroncong with its roots
in Portugal, the soft Sasando music from West Timor and Degung and Angklung from West Java,
which is played with bamboo instruments.
Dance
The traditional dances depict episodes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata from India.
Traditional Javanese and Balinese tinge is also seen in the dance forms of Indonesian art and
culture. The highly stylized dances of the courts of Yogyakarta and Surakarta are some of the
popular variations. Mythological events of Indonesia are also depicted.
Drama and Theatre
The Javanese and Balinese shadow puppet theatre shows wayang kulit displaying several
mythological events. A traditional folk theatre, Randai of the Minangkabau people of West
Sumatra, is performed during ceremonies and festivals. Music, singing, dance, drama and the
silat martial art are all incorporated together and are based on the stories of the legend.
Architecture
Indonesian culture, especially its architecture has been to a great extent dominated and
influenced by the Indian, although European influences have also been particularly strong since
the nineteenth century. Traditional buildings in Indonesia are built on stilts with oversized saddle
roofs which have been the home of the Batak and the Toraja. The Torajan use the buffalo horns,
stacked one above another in front of the house as an indication of status. Scenes from the
Ramayana adorn the outer walls in different colors. However, Chinese, Arab, and European
architectural influences have also been quite significant in Indonesian architecture.
Cuisine
Indonesians distinctive cuisine has been derived from centuries with the influence of the

Chinese, European, Middle Eastern and the Indians. The staple food of most Indonesian dishes is
rice served with meat and vegetables. Flavors of Vietnamese and Thai food can also be got from
the cuisine of Indonesia. Spices, notably chili, and coconut milk are fundamental ingredients in
most of the dishes, especially fish and chicken.
Material Art
The arts of Indonesia are many, especially Indonesian paintings which are unique works of art.
The intricate and expressive Balinese paintings are quite famous and often express natural scenes
and themes from the traditional dances. A long-standing tradition of sculpture can also be seen in
the art and culture of Indonesia, some dating back to the Bronze and Iron Ages. Examples of
sculpture illustrating the story of the life of Buddha can be seen in the temples of the 8th and the
10th century. Indonesias art and culture is also famous for their unique batik, ikat and songket
cloth which is even popular today.
Unlike some countries art forms in Indonesia are not only based on folklore, as many were
developed in the courts of former kingdoms such as in Bali, where they are part of religious
ceremonies. The famous dance dramas of Java and Bali are derived from Hindu mythology and
often feature fragments from the Ramayana and Mahabharata Hindu epics.
Highly stylized in movement and costume, dances and the wayang drama are accompanied by
a full gamelan orchestra comprising xylophones, drums, gongs, and in some cases string
instruments and flutes. Bamboo xylophones are used in North Sulawesi and the bamboo
angklung instruments of West Java are well- known for their unique tinkling notes which can
be adapted to any melody.
The Wayang kulit (leather puppets) of Java is performed with leather puppets held by the
puppeteer, who narates the story of one of the famous episodes of the Hindu epics, the
Mahabharata or the Ramayana. It is performed against a white screen while a lantern in the
background casts the shadows of the characters on the screen, visible from the other side where
the spectators are seated.
The Wayang Golek (wooden puppets) of West Java is based on the same concept. The crafts of
Indonesia vary in both medium and art form. As a whole the people are artistic by nature and
express themselves on canvas, wood, metals, clay and stone. The batik process of waxing and
dyeing originated in Java centuries ago and classic designs have been modified with modern
trends in both pattern and technology. There are several centres of Batik in Java, the major ones
being Yogyakarta, Surakarta, Pekalongan and Cirebon.
Batik is also being produced in some other areas as in Bali where local designs are incorporated.
Other provinces produce hand-woven cloths of gold and silver threads, silks or cottons with
intricate designs. Painting are numerous all over the country, both traditional and contemporary,
woodcarvings for ornamentation and furniture, silverwork and engraving form Yogyakarta and
Sumatra, filgree from South Sulawesi and Bali with different styles of clay, sandstone and wood
sculptures. These are but a few of the handicrafts found in Indonesia.

secara spesifik keadaan sosial budaya Indonesia sangat kompleks,

mengingat penduduk Indonesia kurang lebih sudah di atas 200 juta dalam 30
kesatuan suku bangsa. Oleh karena itu pada bagian ini akan dibicarakan
keadaan sosial budaya Indonesia dalam garis besar. Kesatuan politis Negara
Kesatuan Republik Indonesia terdiri atas 6000 buah pulau yang terhuni dari
jumlah keseluruhan sekitar 13.667 buah pulau.
Hampir sebagian besar penduduk Indonesia tinggal di daerah rural
sehingga budaya heterogen pedesaan sangat mewarnai kehidupan social
rakyat Indonesia. Di sebaran pulau-pulau Indonesia masih ditemui
kebudayaan hunting and gathering yang terdapat secara terbatas di
Sumatera, Kalimantan, Sulawesi dan beberapa pulau kecil lain yang kira-kira
berjumlah 1-2 juta dengan pola hidup langsung dari alam. Demikian juga
kehidupan berkebudayaan nomadis pun masih dijumpai. Hampir semua pula
di Indonesia masih banyak kebudayaan masyarakat bercorak agraris, baik
dengan bercocok tanam yang berpindah-pindah, pertanian tadah hujan,
pertanian irigasi sawah, perkebunan dan pertanian mekanis. Oleh karena
unsur budaya agraris masih mendominasi masyarakat Indonesia, maka
masih dijumpai masyarakat dengan akar primordialisme yang kuat serta
kebiasaan feodal.
Indonesia - Language, Culture, Customs and Business Etiquette
Facts and Statistics
Location: South-eastern Asia, archipelago between the Indian Ocean and the
Pacific Ocean
Capital: Jakarta
Population: 241,973,879 (July 2005 est.)
Ethnic Groups: Javanese 45%, Sundanese 14%, Madurese 7.5%, coastal Malays
7.5%, other 26%
Religions: Muslim 88%, Protestant 5%, Roman Catholic 3%, Hindu 2%, Buddhist
1%, other 1%
Language
The official language of Indonesia is known as Indonesian or 'Bahasa Indonesian'.
Indonesian is a standardised dialect of the Malay language and was formulated at
the time of the declaration of Indonesian independence in 1945. Malay and
Indonesian remain very similar.

Although the official langauge, in reality it is most of the population's second

language. Due to the sheer size and fractured, island make-up of the country most
people speak regional dialects such as Minangkabau or Javanese. These will usually
be spoken at home and in the local community but at work or at school Indonesian
is used.

Indonesian Society & Culture

Diversity
. Indonesia is a hugely diverse nation.
. It is made up of over 17,500 islands (6,000 of which are inhabited) which are home
to over 300 ethnic groups.
. Each province has its own language, ethnic make-up, religions and history.
. Most people will define themselves locally before nationally.
. In addition there are many cultural influences stemming back from difference in
heritage. Indonesians are a mix of Chinese, European, Indian, and Malay.
. Although Indonesia has the largest Muslim population in the world it also has a
large number of Christian Protestants, Catholics, Hindus and Buddhists.
. This great diversity has needed a great deal of attention from the government to
maintain a cohesion.
. As a result the national motto is "Unity in Diversity", the language has been
standardised and a national philisophy has been devised know as "Pancasila" which
stresses universal justice for all Indonesians.
Group Thinking
. Due to the diverse nature of Indonesian society there exists a strong pull towards
the group, whether family, village or island.
. People will define themselves according to their ethnic gourp, family and place of
birth.
. The family is still very traditional in structure.
. Family members have clearly defined roles and a great sense of interdependence.
Hierarchy
. As with most group orientated cultures, hierarchy plays a great role in Indonesian
culture.
. Hierarchical relationships are respected, emphaised and maintained.
. Respect is usually shown to those with status, power, position, and age.
. This can be seen in both the village and the office where the most senior is
expected to make group decisions.
. Superiors are often called "bapak" or "ibu", which means the equivalent of father
or mother, sir or madam.
. Although those higher up the hierarchy make decisions Indonesians are advocates
of group discussion and consensus. This ties back to the idea of maintaing strong
group cohesiveness and harmonious relationships.

Face
. Due to the need to maintain group harmony the concept of 'face' is important to
understand.
. In Indonesia the concept is about avoiding the cause of shame ("malu").
. Consequently, people are very careful how they interact and speak.
. Although a foreigner can not be expected to understand the nuances of the
concept it is crucial to keep an eye on ones behaviour.
. One should never ridicule, shout at or offend anyone. Imperfections should always
be hidden and addresses privately. Similarly blame should never be aimed at any
individual/group publicly.
. One manifestation of the concept of face/shame is that Indonesians communite
quite indirectly, i.e. they would never wish to cause anyone shame by giving them a
negative answer so would phrase it a way where you would be expected to realise
what they truly want to say.
. Bahasa Indonesian actually has 12 ways of saying "No" and several other ways of
saying "Yes" when the actual meaning is "No" !!

General Etiquette Guidelines

Meeting and Greeting
. Greetings can be rather formal as they are meant to show respect.
. A handshake is the most common greeting accompanied with the word "Selamat".
. Many Indonesians may give a slight bow or place their hands on their heart after
shaking your hand.
. If you are being introduced to several people, always start with the eldest or most
senior person first.
. Titles are important in Indonesia as they signify status. If you know of any titles
ensure you use them in conjunction with the name.
. Some Indonesians only have one name, although it is becoming more common for
people to have a first name and a surname, especially in the middle class.
. Many Indonesians, especially those from Java, may have had an extremely long
name, which was shortened into a sort of nickname for everyday conversation.
. There are several ethnic groups in Indonesia. Most have adopted Indonesian
names over the years, while some retain the naming conventions of their ethnicity.
Gift Giving Etiquette
Gift giving etiquette in Indonesia heavily depends on the ethnicity of the receiver..
Here are some general gift giving guidelines:
Gift giving etiquette for the Chinese:

. It is considered polite to verbally refuse a gift before accepting it. This shows that
the recipient is not greedy.
. Items to avoid include scissors, knives or other cutting utensils as they indicate
that you want to sever the relationship.
. Elaborate wrapping is expected - gold and red and considered auspicious.
. Gifts are not opened when received.
Gift giving etiquette for ethnic Malays / Muslims:
. In Islam alcohol is forbidden. Only give alcohol if you know the recipient will
appreciate it.
. Any food substance should be "halal" - things that are not halal include anything
with alcoholic ingredients or anything with pork derivatives such as gelatine. Halal
meat means the animal has been slaughtered according to Islamic principles.
. Offer gifts with the right hand only.
. Gifts are not opened when received.
Gift giving etiquette for ethnic Indians:
. Offer gifts with the right hand only.
. Wrap gifts in red, yellow or green paper or other bright colors as these bring good
fortune.
. Do not give leather products to a Hindu.
. Do not give alcohol unless you are certain the recipient imbibes.
. Gifts are not opened when received.
Dining Etiquette
Dining etiquette is generally relaxed but depends on the setting and context. The
more formal the occasion the more formal the behaviour. Below are some basic
dining etiquette tips.
. Wait to be shown to your place - as a guest you will have a specific position.
. Food is often taken from a shared dish in the middle. You will be served the food
and it would not be considered rude if you helped yourself after that.
. If food is served buffet style then the guest is generally asked to help themselves
first. It is considered polite that the guest insist others go before him/her but this
would never happen.
. In formal situations, men are served before women.
. Wait to be invited to eat before you start.
. A fork and spoon are often the only utensils at the place setting. Depending on the
situation some people may use their hands.
. Eat or pass food with your right hand only.

Business Etiquette & Protocol

Business Cards

. Business cards are normally exchanged after the initial handshake and greeting.
. Business cards should display your title. This helps enhance your image and
credibility.
. Although not required, having one side of your card printed in Bahasa shows
respect.
. Give/accept cards using two hands or the right hand.
. Examine a business card you receive before putting it on the table next to you or
in a business card case.
. It is important to treat business cards with respect.
What to Wear?
. Business attire is generally conservative.
. Women should dress conservatively ensuring that they are well covered from ankle
to neck. Tight fitting clothes are best avoided.
. Remember it is hot, so cotton or at least light clothing is best.
Communication Styles
. Indonesians are indirect communicators. This means they do not always say what
they mean. It is up to the listener to read between the lines or pay attention to
gestures and body language to get the real message.
. Generally speaking Indonesians speak quietly and with a subdued tone. Loud
people would come across as slightly aggressive.
Business is personal in Indonesia so spend time through communication to build a
strong relationship. Dealing with someone face-to-face is the only effective way of
doing business.
. Indonesians abhor confrontation due to the potential loss of face. To be polite, they
may tell you what they think you want to hear. If you offend them, they will mask
their feelings and maintain a veil of civility. If an Indonesian begins to avoid you or
acts coldly towards you, there is a serious problem.

Business Meetings
. Initial meetings may be more about getting-to-know-you rather than business. Do
not be surprised if business is not even discussed.
. It is common for Indonesians to enter the meeting room according to rank.
Although you do not have to do this, doing so would give a good impression.
. Indonesians do not make hasty decisions because they might be viewed as not

having given the matter sufficient consideration. Be prepared to exercise patience.

. "Jam Karet" (rubber time) describes the Indonesian approach to time. Things are
not rushed as the attitude is that everything has its time and place. Time does not
bring money, good relations and harmony do.
. If negotiating, avoid pressure tactics as they are likely to backfire.

Culture of Indonesia
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Indonesian children dressed in various traditional costumes.
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, South Asia and the Middle East, resulting in many cultural practices
being strongly influenced by a multitude of religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism,
Confucianism, Islam and Christianity, 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. 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 science, technology and 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 Indianrhythmical 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

Traditional performing arts[edit]

Music[edit]
Main article: Music of Indonesia

Gamelan player, Yogyakarta

Indonesia is home to 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.
On June 29, 1965, Koes Plus, a leading Indonesian pop group in the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s,
was imprisoned in Glodok, West Jakarta, for playing Western-style music. After the resignation
of President Sukarno, the law was rescinded, and in the 1970s the Glodok prison was dismantled
and replaced with a large shopping mall.
Kroncong is a musical genre that uses guitars and ukulele as the main musical instruments. This
genre had its roots in Portugal and was introduced by Portuguese traders in the 15th century.
There is a traditional Keroncong Tugu 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 20th century; a contemporary form of Kroncong is called Pop
Kroncong.
Angklung musical orchestra, native of West Java, received international recognition as UNESCO
has listed the traditional West Java musical instrument made from bamboo in the list of
intangible cultural heritage.[1][2]
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[edit]
Main article: Dance in Indonesia

Balinese Topeng dance drama.

Minangkabau Tari Piring (plate dance)

Indonesian dance reflects the diversity of culture from ethnic groups that composed the nation of
Indonesia. Austronesian roots and Melanesian tribal dance forms are visible, and influences
ranging from neighboring Asian countries; such as India, China, and Middle East to European
western styles through colonization. Each ethnic group has their own distinct dances; makes total
dances in Indonesia are more than 3000 Indonesian original dances. However, the dances of
Indonesia can be divided into three eras; the Prehistoric Era, the Hindu/Buddhist Era and the Era
of Islam, and into two genres; court dance and folk dance.
There is 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 Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam has become rather popular
and is often portrayed on TV. Reog Ponorogo is also a dance that originated from the district
Ponorogo, East Java, which is a visualization of the legendary story Wengker kingdom and the
kingdom of Kediri.
A popular line dance called Poco-poco was originated in Indonesia and also popular in Malaysia,
but at early April 2011 Malaysian Islamic clerics banned the poco-poco dance for Muslims due
to them believing it is traditionally a Christian dance and that its steps make the sign of the cross.
[3]

Drama and theatre[edit]

Pandava and Krishna in an act of the wayang wong performance.

Wayang kulit performance.

Wayang, the Javanese, Sundanese, and Balinese shadow puppet theatre shows display several
mythological legends such as Ramayana and Mahabharata, and many more. Wayang Orang is
Javanese traditional dance drama based on wayang stories. Various Balinese dance drama also
can be included within traditional form of Indonesian drama. Another form of local drama is
Javanese Ludruk and Ketoprak, Sundanese Sandiwara, and Betawi Lenong. All of these drama
incorporated humor and jest, often involving audiences in their performance.
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 legends and love
story.
Modern performing art also developed in Indonesia with their distinct style of drama. Notable
theatre, dance, and drama troupe such as Teater Koma are gain popularity in Indonesia as their
drama often portray social and political satire of Indonesian society.
Martial Art[edit]
Main articles: Silat and Pencak Silat

Pencak Silat demonstration in Jakarta.

The art of silat was created and firstly developed in the islands of Java and Sumatra. It is an art
for survival and practiced throughout Indonesian archipelago. Centuries of tribal wars in
Indonesian history had shaped silat as it was used by the ancient warriors of Indonesia. Silat was
used to determine the rank and position in old Indonesian kingdoms.
Contacts with Indians and Chinese was further enriched silat. Silat reached areas beyond
Indonesia mainly through diaspora of Indonesian people. People from various regions like Aceh,
Minangkabau, Riau, Bugis, Makassar, Java, Banjar, etc. moved into and settled in Malay
Peninsula and other islands. They brought silat and passed it down to their descendants. The
Indonesian of half-Dutch descent are also credited as the first to brought the art into Europe.
Silat was used by Indonesian freedom fighters during their struggle against the Dutch colonists.
Unfortunately after Indonesia achieving their independence, silat became less popular among
Indonesian youth compare to foreign martial arts like Karate and Taekwondo. This probably
because silat was not taught openly and only passed down among blood relatives, the other
reason is the lack of media portrayal of the art.
Efforts have been made in recent years to introduce and reintroduce the beauty of silat to
Indonesian youth and the world. Exhibitions and promotions by individuals as well as statesponsored groups helped the growing of silat's popularity, particularly in Europe and United
States. Indonesian 2009 Silat movie Merantau is one of Indonesian efforts to introduce silat to
international scene.
Another martial art from Indonesia is Tarung Derajat. It is a modern combat system created by
Haji Ahmad Drajat based on his experience as a street fighter. Tarung Drajat has been
acknowledge as a national sport by KONI in 1998 and is now used by Indonesian Army as part
of their basic training.

Traditional visual arts[edit]

Painting[edit]
See also: List of Indonesian painters

Kenyah mural painting in Long Nawang, East Kalimantan.

What Indonesian painting before the 19th century are mostly restricted to the decorative arts,
considered to be a religious and spiritual activity, comparable to the pre-1400 European art.
Artists' names are anonymous, since the individual human creator was seen as far less important
than their creation to honor the deities or spirits. Some examples are the Kenyah decorative art,
based on endemic natural motifs such as ferns and hornbills, found decorating the walls of
Kenyah long houses. Other notable traditional art is the geometric Toraja wood carvings.
Balinese painting are initially the narative images to depict scenes of Balinese legends and
religious scripts. The classical Balinese paintings are often decorating the lontar manuscripts and
also the ceilings of temples pavilion.

The Arrest of Pangeran Diponegoro by Raden Saleh.

Hunt by Raden Saleh.

Balinese painting by I Ketut Ginarsa.

Under the influence of the Dutch colonial power, a trend toward Western-style painting emerged
in the 19th century. In the Netherlands, the term "Indonesian Painting" is applied to the paintings
produced by Dutch or other foreign artists who lived and worked in the former NetherlandsIndies. The most famous indigenous 19th century Indonesian painter is Raden Saleh (1807
1877), the first indigenous artist to study in Europe. His art is heavily influenced by
Romanticism.[4] In 1920's Walter Spies began to settled in Bali, he is often credited with attracting
the attention of Western cultural figures to Balinese culture and art. His works has somehow
influenced Balinese artists and painters. Today Bali has one of the most vivid and richest
painting tradition in Indonesia.
The 1920s to 1940s were a time of growing nationalism in Indonesia. The previous period of
romanticism movement was not seen as a purely Indonesian movement and did not developed.
Painters began to see the natural world for inspiration. Some examples of Indonesian painter
during this period are the Balinese Ida Bagus Made and the realist Basuki Abdullah. The
Indonesian Painters Association (Persatuan Ahli-Ahli Gambar Indonesia or PERSAGI, 1938
1942) was formed during this period. PERSAGI established a contemporary art philosophy that
saw art works as reflections of the artists individual or personal view as well as an expression of
national cultural thoughts.
From the 1940s on, artists started to mix Western techniques with Southeast Asian imagery and
content. Painters that rooted in the revolutionary movement of the World War and the post-World
War period started to appear during this period, such as Sudjojono, Affandi, and Hendra.[5]
During the 1960s, new elements were added when abstract expressionism and Islamic art began
to be absorbed by the art community. Also during this period, group of painters that are more
concerned about the reality of Indonesian society began to appear, taking inspiration from the
social problem such as division between the rich and the poor, pollution, and deforestation. The
national identity of Indonesia was stressed by these painters through the use of a realistic,
documentary style. During the Sukarno period this socially-engaged art was officially promoted,
but after 1965 it lost popularity due to its presumed communist tendencies.[6]
Three art academies offer extensive formal training in visual art: Bandung Institute of
Technology founded in 1947; the Akademi Seni Rupa Indonesia (Indonesian Fine Arts Academy)

or ASRI, now known as ISI, in Yogyakarta was inaugurated in 1950; and the Institut Kesenian
Jakarta (Jakarta Arts Institute) or IKJ, was opened in 1970.
Sculpture[edit]

Relief sculpture from Borobudur temple.

Indonesia has a long history of stone, bronze and Iron Ages arts. The megalithic sculptures can
be found in numerous archaeological sites in Sumatra, Java to Sulawesi. The native Indonesians
tribes have their own distinct tribal sculpture styles, usually created to depict ancestors, deities
and animals. The pre-Hindu-Buddhist and pre-Islamic sculptures can be traced in the artworks of
indigenous Indonesian tribes. The most notable sculptures are those of Asmat wooden sculpture
of Papua, the Dayak wooden mask and sculpture, the ancestral wooden statue of Toraja, also the
totem-like sculpture of Batak and Nias tribe.
The stone sculpture artform particularly flourished in 8th-to-10th-century Java and Bali, which
demonstrate the influences of Hindu-Buddhist culture, both as stand-alone works of art and also
incorporated into temples. Most notable sculpture of classical Hindu-Buddhist era of Indonesia
are the hundreds of meters of relief and hundreds of stone buddhas at the temple of Borobudur in
central Java. Approximately two miles of exquisite relief sculpture tell the story of the life of
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. The examples of
notable Indonesian Hindu-Buddhist sculptures are; the statues of Hindu deities; Shiva, Vishnu,
Brahma, Durga, Ganesha and Agastya enthroned in rooms of Prambanan temples, the Vishnu
mounting Garuda statue of king Airlangga, the exquisite statue of Eastern Javanese
Prajnaparamita and 3.7 meters tall Dvarapala dated from Singhasari period, and also the grand
statue of Bhairava Adityawarman discovered in Sumatra. Today, the Hindu-Buddhist style stone
sculptures are reproduced in villages in Muntilan near Borobudur also in Trowulan the former
capital site of Majapahit in East Java, and Bali, and sold as garden or pool ornament statues for
homes, offices and hotels.
Today in Indonesia, the richest, most elaborate and vivid wooden sculpture and wood carving
traditions can be found in Bali and Jepara, Central Java. Balinese handicrafts such as sculptures,
masks, and other carving artworks are popular souvenir for tourist that have visited Indonesia.
On the other hand, the Jepara wood carving are famous for its elaborately carved wooden
furnitures, folding screens also pelaminan gebyok (wedding throne with carved background).

Architecture[edit]
Main article: Indonesian architecture

Minangkabau Rumah Gadang

For centuries, the Indonesian vernacular architecture has shaped settlements in Indonesia which
commonly took form of timber structures built on stilts dominated by large roof. The most
dominant foreign influences on Indonesian architecture were Indian, although European
influences have been particularly strong since the 19th century and modern architecture in
Indonesia is international in scope.
As in much of South East Asia, traditional vernacular architecture in Indonesia are built on stilts,
with the significant exceptions of Java and Bali. Notable stilt houses are those of the Dayak
people in Borneo, the Rumah Gadang of the Minangkabau people in western Sumatra, the
Rumah Bolon of the 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.
The 8th-century Borobudur temple near Yogyakarta is the largest Buddhist temple in the world,
and is notable for incorporating about 2,672 relief panels and 504 Buddha statues 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 narrative relief, spiritual symbolism, monumental design and the
serene meditative environs. The whole monument itself resembles a giant stupa, but seen from
above it forms a mandala.[7]
The nearby 9th-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 224 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[edit]

Minangkabau songket

Hand drawn batik making

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.
Other worldwide famous Indonesian crafts are Jepara wood carving[8] and Kris. In 2005,
UNESCO recognized Kris as one of Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of
Humanity from Indonesia.[9]

Literature[edit]
Main article: 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, Dutch author Multatuli criticised the Dutch treatment of the
Indonesians, which gained him international attention.
Modern Indonesian authors include Seno Gumira Adjidarma, Andrea Hirata, Habiburrahman El
Shirazy, Ayu Utami, Gus tf Sakai, Eka Kurniawan, Ratih Kumala, Dee, Oka Rusmini. Some of
their works have translated into other languages.
Poetry[edit]
There is a long tradition in Indonesia, particularly among ethnically Malay populations, of
extemporary, interactive, oral composition of poetry. These poems are referred to as pantun.
Contemporary Indonesian poets include among others, Sutardji Calzoum Bachri, Rendra, Taufiq
Ismail, Afrizal Malna,[10] Binhad Nurrohmat, Joko Pinurbo, Sapardi Djoko Damono.

Recreation and sports[edit]

Main article: Sport in Indonesia

Taufik Hidayat, 2004 Olympic gold medalist in badminton men's singles.

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 Asian culture as a whole. Another form of national sport is sepak takraw.[11]
The rules are similar to volleyball: to keep the rattan ball in the air with the players' feet.
Popular modern sports in Indonesia played at the international level include football (soccer),
badminton and basketball.[12] Badminton is one of Indonesia's most successful sports. Indonesian
badminton athletes have played in Indonesia Open Badminton Championship, All England Open
Badminton Championships, and many international events, including the Summer Olympics and
won Olympic gold medals since badminton was made an Olympic sport in 1992. Rudy Hartono
is a legendary Indonesian badminton player, who won All England titles seven times in a row
(1968 through 1974). Indonesian teams have won the Thomas Cup (men's world team
championship) thirteen of the twenty-two times that it has been contested since they entered the
series in 1957.[13] In the hugely internationally popular sport of football (soccer), Indonesian
teams have been 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. Indonesia has hosted the Southeast Asian
Games four times, in 1979, 1987, 1997 and 2011, and won overall champion title in each of these
years. As of 2011, Indonesia has won champion titles 10 times overall out of 18 SEA Games it
has attended since debuted in 1977. The country also hosted the 1993 Asian Basketball
Championship.[14]

Cuisine[edit]
Main article: Indonesian cuisine

In 2011 an online poll by 35,000 people held by CNN International chose Rendang
as the number one dish of their 'Worlds 50 Most Delicious Foods' list.

Nasi goreng (fried rice), one of the most popular Indonesian dishes.

Soto and Satay, together with Nasi Goreng are considered as Indonesian national
dishes.

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 Malaysia and Singapore, where Padang or Minangkabau cuisine
from West Sumatra is very popular. Also Satay (Sate in Indonesian), which originated from Java,
Madura, and Sumatra, has gained popularity as a street vendor food from Singapore to Thailand.
In the 15th century, both the Portuguese and Arab traders arrived in Indonesia with the intention
of trading for pepper and other spices. During the colonial era, immigrants from many countries
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 dishes. 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.[15]
The most important aspect of modern Indonesian cuisine is that food must be halal, conforming
to Islamic food laws. Haraam, the opposite of halal, includes pork and alcohol. However, in
some regions where there is a significant non-Muslim population, non-halal foods are also
commonly served.
Indonesian dishes are usually spicy, using a wide range of chili peppers 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 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 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 shallots 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 food in Indonesia such as Dim Sum and 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 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[edit]
Cinema[edit]
Main article: Cinema of Indonesia

The film Tjoet Nja' Dhien (1988) tell the story about the struggle of Acehnese female
guerilla leader Cut Nyak Dhien, an Indonesian national hero.

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
and actors like Onky Alexander, Meriam Bellina, Nike Ardilla and Paramitha Rusady.[16] The film
Tjoet Nja' Dhien (1988) winning 9 Citra Awards at the 1988 Indonesian Film Festival.[17] It was
also the first Indonesian movie chosen for screening at the Cannes Film Festival,[17] where it was
awarded Best International Film in 1989.[18] 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.[19] As a result, most movies produced in the 1990s 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.[16] 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 1998 Asia Pacific Film Festival in Taipei.[20]
Television[edit]
Main article: Television in Indonesia

Radio[edit]
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.[21][22][23]

Religion and philosophy[edit]

Main articles: Religion in Indonesia and Indonesian philosophy

Islam is Indonesia's main religion, with almost 88% of Indonesians declared Muslim according
to the 2000 census,[24] making Indonesia the most populous Muslim-majority nation in the world.
The remaining population is 9% Christian (of which roughly two-thirds are Protestant with the
remainder mainly Catholic, and a large minority Charismatic), 2% Hindu and 1% Buddhist.
The Pancasila, the statement of two principles which encapsulate the ideology of the Indonesian
state, affirms that "The state shall be based on the belief in the one and only God".