Indonesia is centrally located along ancient trading routes between the Far East, South Asia and the Middle East. Indonesia is the center of many cultural practices. The country is strongly influenced by a multitude of religions. These religions include Buddhism, Christianity, Confucianism, Hinduism and Islam. The culture of Indonesia is about 1.5 million years old. Traditions of Indonesia are very old and considered as sacred among them. We hope it will be a unique experience for our audience. Without further due, let’s get started.
People of Indonesia
The people of Indonesia are regarded as mix of Southern Mongols, Proto-Malays, and Polynesians. Whereas, in some areas Arab, Indian or Chinese. Indonesians are citizens of Indonesia regardless of racial, ethical or religious background. There are more than 600 ethnicities in Indonesia, making it a multicultural archipelagic country with a diversity of languages, culture and religious beliefs. People of Indonesia follow five simple, yet organized principle beliefs.
- The one and only GOD
- A just and civilized humanity
- Unity of Indonesia
- Social justice for all
- Democracy through unanimous deliberations
The Indonesians are coat of arms moreover bears the motto “Unity of Diversity”. In general Indonesians are very friendly and curious people. They love to make friends. Indonesians are resilient, courageous, resourceful and tenacious and are ready putting up with life’s difficulties with very good humor. They are regarded as being very superstitious and mythical who enjoy slapstick humor. At the same time they are considered as the most conservative people in Southeast Asia. People of Indonesia are mostly polite and courteous. Their politeness often call for ambiguity.
Famous Cuisines of Indonesia
Indonesia’s cuisines are a collection of various regional culinary traditions that formed the archipelagic nations of Indonesia. There are a wide variety of recipes and cuisines in the part because Indonesia is composed of approximately 6,000 populated Islands. We found the Indonesian food to be one of the most vibrant and colorful food in the world. Indonesian cuisines are full of intense flavor.
One of the reasons every dish is flavorsome is because of multitude of fresh herbs and spices used- there is a reason why Indonesia is called as “the spice Island” in the 1500s. But Nasi Goreng is one of many strong contenders for the position of Indonesia’s national dish because of its simplicity and because it’s an integral part of large meals.
“No meal in Indonesia is complete without a helping of nasi (rice) it is so important to Indonesians that there is even a rice/ fertility goddess called Dewi Sri”.
Here we are enlisting some traditional cuisines,
- Nasi Goreng
- Bakso
- Satay
- Bir Pletok
- Gado Gado
- Bajigur
- Wedang Serbat
- Teh Talua
- Rawon
- Pempek
- Sop Buntut
- Siomay
- Nasi Uduk
- Soto Betawi
National Language of Indonesia
Indonesia is the home to 240million people with variety of ethnic groups. Over 300 different native languages are spoken in Indonesia. While Bahasa Indonesian is the official language of Indonesia. It is standardized variety of Malay; an Austronesian language that has been used as Lingua Franca in the multilingual Indonesian archipelago for centuries. 20% of the population spoke Indonesian natively (as a mother tongue).
But everyone spoke it as first or second language. Javanese and Sundanese are the next to most widely used languages. Javanese has more native speakers than Indonesian. However, most formal education and nearly all national mass media, governance, administration, judiciary and other forms of communication are conducted in the national language “Indonesian”.
Actively spoken native languages
There are over 300 native languages spoken in Indonesia. Here are some regional languages actively spoken in this country,
- Rejang (South Sumatra)
- Dairi (North Sumatra)
- Toraja (South Sulawesi)
- Toba Batak (North Sumatra)
- Sasak (Lombok)
- Banjarese (South Kalimantan)
- Balinese (Bali and Lombok)
- Minangkabau (Central Sumatra)
Amazing Festivals Held In Indonesia
Every country celebrate some festivals (a way to explore their happiness). This occasion of happiness is the way to have a meet up and people enjoy the company of each other. Here are some famous festivals of Indonesia.
1. Rambu Solo Ceremony
Also known as Toraja funeral ceremony. It is one of the best festivals of Indonesia. Usually held between July and September. This festival is celebrated all over the Indonesia from a group of people call Toraja.
2. Nyepi
This is the day that marks the beginning of New Year according to the Baseline calendar. The day of meditation and fasting. So, you will find everything closed in Bali that day. This festival held from 25th to 26th march.
3. Jember Fashion Carnival
This festival is known to be the icon of east Javas contemporary culture. On this festival fashion parades are held and it is as spellbinding as ever. Making of spectacular modern costumes that defines the root of multiple traditions and cultures across Indonesia.
4. Baliem Valley Festival
This festival is celebrated by different groups of tribal people and it is the most essential harvest festival. It is celebrated in Indonesia around the month of august.
5. Sekaten
This is one of the traditional festivals in Islamic celebration. This festival is the time for some social stratification in the country and Non-Muslims are taught about Islam.
6. Pasola
This is one of the most enchanting and renowned festivals celebrated across the world. This festival held in the month of February and March.
7. Waisak
This marks the acknowledges the Birth, enlightenment, and death of Lord Buddha. This is a huge day for all Buddhist monks and pilgrims.
The Bottom Line
No doubt Indonesia is a diverse country and thus enjoys rich culture and tradition. The huge population of Indonesia makes it a mixture of a lot of cultural events and ceremonies.
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