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THE CULTURE OF INDONESIA
The culture of Indonesia has been shaped by a long process of interaction and acculturation between original indigenous customs and myriads of foreign influences. As Indonesia is located in the middle of ancient sea trading routes between Far East and Middle East, much of daily practices and art forms have been influenced by Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism and Islam, especially in many trading cities. Sometimes the cultural mixture is very complex and has to be distinguished from the original. Examples include the denomination of Hinduism, which is now practised by 93% of Balinese, known as Agama Hindu Dharma, the fusion of Islam with Hindu in Javanese Abangan belief, the fusion of Hinduism, Buddhism and animism in Bodha, the fusion of Hinduism and animism in Kaharingan, and many others.In art forms, the cultural mixture is also noticeable. Puppet shows, known as wayang, are a traditional theather show that were used to spread Hinduism and Islam among villagers in Java. Javanese and Balinese dances have stories about old Buddhist and Hindu kingdoms when they ruled Indonesia. Islamic art forms and architectures are prominently present in Sumatra, especially in the Minangkabau and Aceh regions. Furthermore, traditional art, music and sport is mixed into a martial art form of Pencak Silat, formerly used as a self defence.
Western culture also influences that of Indonesia, but mostly in modern arts, such as in television shows, movies and songs. A notable influence on Indonesian songs and movies is from India. A popular type of song is the Indian-rhytmical dangdut, which is oftenly mixed with Arab and Malay folk music.
Despite these high influences of foreign cultures, some remote Indonesia regions still preserve uniquely indigenous culture. Indigenous ethnic groups of Mentawai, Asmat, Dani, Dayak, Toraja and many others are still practising their ethnical rituals, customs and wearing their traditional clothes. With more than 300 ethnic groups[1] and a long history of foreign cultural mixtures, Indonesia has a rich cultural diversity.
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