Culture of Indonesia
Bali is famous for its rich culture, Hindu festivals and
dances
Indonesia consists of 300 ethnic groups, spread over a 1.8
million km2 area of 6,000 inhabited islands. This creates a cultural diversity,
further compounded by Hindu, Buddhist, Islamic and European colonialist
influences. In Bali, where most of Indonesian Hindus live, cultural and
religious festivals with Balinese dance-drama performances in Balinese temples
are major attractions to foreign tourists.
Despite foreign influences, a diverse array of indigenous
traditional cultures is still evident in Indonesia. The indigenous ethnic group
of Toraja in South Sulawesi, which still has strong animistic beliefs, offers a
unique cultural tradition, especially during funeral rituals. The Minangkabau
ethnic group retain a unique matrilineal culture, despite being devoted
Muslims. Other indigenous ethnic groups include the Asmat and Dani in Papua,
the Dayak in Kalimantan and the Mentawai in Sumatra, where traditional rituals
are still observed.
Cultural tourism also plays a significant part in
Yogyakarta, a special province in Indonesia known as centre of classical
Javanese fine art and culture.The rise and fall of Buddhist, Hindu, and Islamic
kingdoms in Central Java has transformed Yogyakarta into a melting pot of
Indonesian culture.
Most major Indonesian cities have their state-owned museums,
although most are in modest display. The most complete and comprehensive museum
that displaying Indonesian culture and history spanned from prehistoric to
colonial era is National Museum of Indonesia located in Jakarta.
For Indonesian and foreign visitors unable to visit all
Indonesian provinces, Taman Mini Indonesia Indah in East Jakarta provides a
comprehensive microcosm of Indonesian culture. Established in 1975 by Tien
Suharto, this park displaying museums, separate pavilions with the collections
of Indonesian architecture, clothing, dances and traditions all depicted impeccably.
