Discover the amazing world of Indonesia


Culture in Indonesia

The culture of Indonesia has been shaped by aFrom 1963 to 1965, there was a rule by
long process of interaction and acculturationIndonesian government that ban western style
between original indigenous customs and apop/rock'n'roll music. Members of the
myriad of foreign influences. As Indonesia isIndonesian Communist Party (PKI) or
located in the middle of ancient sea tradingorganizations related to PKI often attacked
routes between Far East and Middle East, muchparties, musical shows/concert that feature
of daily practices and art forms have beenwestern  style  music.
influenced by Hinduism, Buddhism,
Confucianism and Islam, especially in manyOn 1965, Koes Plus, a leading Indonesian pop
trading cities. Sometimes the culturalgroup in 1960s, 1970s and 1980s was thrown
mixture is very complex and has to beinto the prison in Glodok, West Jakarta for
distinguished from the original. Examplesplaying western style music. After President
include the denomination of Hinduism, whichSoekarno resigned and PKI disbanded, the rule
is now practiced by 93% of Balinese, known aswas lifted. On 1970s, the Glodok prison was
Agama Hindu Dharma, the fusion of Islam withdestroyed and turned into a large shopping
Hindu in Javanese Abangan belief, the fusioncentre. Now, the centre of recording,
of Hinduism, Buddhism and animism in Bodha,production and distribution of modern
the fusion of Hinduism and animism inIndonesian pop and rock music is located at
Kaharingan,  and  many  others.the  new  shopping  centre  in  Glodok.
In art forms, the cultural mixture is alsoA very popular modern style of music is
noticeable. Puppet shows, known as wayang,Dangdut with an accompanying free dance
are a traditional theather show that werestyle, which was first surfaced in 1970s.The
used to spread Hinduism and Islam amongpopularity of dangdut in both young and old
villagers in Java. Javanese and BalineseIndonesian people has made it useful for
dances have stories about old Buddhist andpolitical campaign. Keroncong is a music
Hindu kingdoms when they ruled Indonesia.genre that use guitar and ukulele as the main
Islamic art forms and architectures aremusical instruments. This genre had its roots
prominently present in Sumatra, especially inin Portugal and brought to Indonesia by
the Minangkabau and Aceh regions.Portuguese traders in the 15th century.There
Furthermore, traditional art, music and sportis a traditional "Keroncong Tugu" music group
is mixed into a martial art form of Pencakin North Jakarta and other traditional
Silat,  formerly  used  as  a  self  defence.Keroncong music groups in Maluku, with strong
influence  from  Portugese  culture.
Western culture also influences that of
Indonesia, but mostly in modern arts, such asThis music genre was popular in the first
in television shows, movies and songs. Ahalf of 20th century, but now keroncong is
notable influence on Indonesian songs andconsidered "old people's" music. The most
movies is from India. A popular type of songrevered keroncong composer is Gesang. Gesang
is the Indian-rhytmical dangdut, which ishad received OISCA International award from
oftenly mixed with Arab and Malay folk music.Japan for his best song "Bengawan
Solo".[citation  needed]
Despite these high influences of foreign
cultures, some remote Indonesia regions stillA more modern form of keroncong is called Pop
preserve uniquely indigenous culture.Keroncong with Hetty Koes Endang as one of
Indigenous ethnic groups of Mentawai, Asmat,the most versatile singers. In addition,
Dani, Dayak, Toraja and many others are stillthere are regional variations such as Langgam
practising their ethnical rituals, customsJawa, which is most popular in Central Java
and wearing their traditional clothes. Withand  Yogyakarta.
more than 300 ethnic groups and a long
history of foreign cultural mixtures,Completely different is the soft Sasando
Indonesia  has  a  rich  cultural  diversity.music from West Timor in the province of East
Nusa Tenggara. Sasando is an instrument made
Indonesia is culturally diverse and is homefrom a leaf of the lontar palm. It bears some
to hundreds of forms of music, with thoseresemblance  to  a  harp.
from the islands of Java, Sumatra and Bali
being the most frequently recorded.TheIn West Java popular musical styles include
traditional music from Central/East Java andAngklung, played with bamboo instruments and
Bali  is  the  Gamelan.Degung.



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