People & Cultures

PEOPLE & CULTURES

What are the different ethnic groups in Indonesia?

Living on more than 17,500 islands, the Indonesian nation today counts some 270 million population comprising over 1.300 ethnic groups with their own languages, dialects and cultures that range in population from the Javanese (about 70 million) and Sundanese (about 30 million) on Java to peoples numbering in the thousands on remote islands. After gaining Independence in 1945, inter-marriages among people of different ethnic groups have welded the population into a more cohesive Indonesian nation.

What is the dominant religion practiced in Indonesia?

The majority of the population is Muslim, while in Bali the Hindu religion is predominant. Whereas in areas like the Minahasa in North Sulawesi, the Toraja highlands in South Sulawesi, in the East Nusatenggara islands and in large parts of Papua, in the Batak highlands as well as on Nias island in North Sumatra, the majority are either Catholics or Protestants. On the whole, Indonesian people are religious in nature.

Indonesia is the world’s most populous Muslim country but the practice of Islam across the archipelago has been shaped by centuries of interaction with Hinduism, Buddhism and other faiths, as well as traditional animist practices. As a result, Islam in Indonesia is a bit removed from the more austere practices of the Gulf states. In the capital, it’s possible to find mosques situated across the street from nightclubs that would make the raunchiest bar back home seem positively prudish. Although there are regional variations in accepted social norms, with Aceh among the most conservative provinces and Bali the most liberal, there are also differences within provinces. Following your common sense is the best course of action. Outside the main tourist resorts, dress conservatively, especially if visiting religious sites, to avoid giving offence. Be especially sensitive during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan.

Visitors to Balinese temples (pura) show respect to the shrines and dress modestly – no skimpy clothing, bare shoulders or shorts. Often you’ll be required to wear a sarong and a ceremonial sash around your waist (usually provided by the most-visited temples).

Indonesia shares the same attitudes to dress and social taboos as other Southeast Asian cultures. In addition, Indonesians are generally very sociable, and dislike doing anything alone. It’s normal for complete strangers engaged in some common enterprise – catching a bus, for instance – to introduce themselves and start up a friendship. Sharing cigarettes between men is in these circumstances a way of establishing a bond, and Westerners who don’t smoke should be genuinely apologetic about refusing; it’s well worth carrying a packet to share around even if you save your own “for later”.

What are the principal beliefs of the Indonesians?

And, true to the Pancasila, the five principles of nationhood, - namely Belief in the One and Only God, a Just and Civilized Humanity, the Unity of Indonesia, Democracy through unanimous deliberations, and Social Justice for all - Indonesian societies are open and remain tolerant towards each others religions, customs, and traditions, while faithfully adhering to their own. The Indonesian coat of arms moreover bears the motto: Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, “Unity in Diversity”.  (See again Indonesia Profile)