CHAPTER TWO

THE NATURE OF INDONESIAN CULTURE

INDONESIAN POPULAR CULTURE
N a t i o n a l M o t t o : "Bhinneka Tu n g g a l I k a "

By Ricky Dian
Saputra TBI 4
Semester IV
State Islamic
University North
Sumatra
 Indonesian C u l t u r e
Indonesian culture that was born from the minds of the
Indonesian people, can contribute to the formation of significant
values to develop awareness about the substance of Indonesian
pluralism and multiculturalism culture. Ethnic groups in the
Indonesian archipelago have created regional culture or
geoculture with distinctive original styles, characteristics,
languages, values, and symbols derived from the culture of the
people. In addition, the old Indonesian culture has undergone
several changes and shifts as a result of varying interpretations
and understandings by local residents, both indigenous and
mixed races.
On the other hand, those who
carry the culture, or those who 1. Belief in the one and only
live in a society made up of God
ethnics, have worldviews,
perceptions, and thoughts that 2. Just and civilised
differ from one another. As a humanity
result, the many philosophies,
cultural values, symbols, 3. The unity of
multiculturalism perceptions, and Indonesia
other values may represent some
original Indonesian concepts. 4. Democracy guided by the wisdom
of deliberations among
representatives
These five principles stem from
ancient traditions and are said 5. Social justice for all the people
to define Indonesian nationality of Indonesia
or commonly known as
PANCASILA:
 Information
Total Islands : ±
Coastline
17,500 : ± 54,720 Km
Land : ± 1,904,443 Km2
Area : ±5,100 Km
Length : ± 1,900 Km
Width : 50C to 330C (Mostly Warmer &
Climate Humid)
Language
Ethnic 583
Group : ±480
Population : ± 240
million
Plant Species : ±40,000
(+ 3,000 Trees and ±
5,000 Orchids)
 s i a P o p u l a r
I n d one n
C u lt u r e

Cu ltu re co m p rise s th e d aily

Popular
ion ee ds an d d es ir es and
interact s, n
m e nt s' tha t m a ke up the
cultural 'm o
everyd ay live s o f th e m ain st re a m. It
can include any number of
practices, including those
per t ain ing to co ok in g, cl o thi ng,
n su m p tio n , m ass m ed i a a nd the
co
an y fa ce ts o f e nte rta in m e nt such
m
as sports and literature.
Batik

Batik originated from Java, Indonesia, but wax resist

dyeing has been used since the 4th century BC. Today,
batik can be seen all over Indonesia but especially in
Java, where it's still used in ceremonial clothing.

Kebaya

Kebaya is a traditional blouse worn by women in

Indonesia, sometimes made from sheer material and
usually worn with a sarung with a colorful motif. Usually
women should sanggul (put the hair up) their hair to
match the kebaya.
 Padang Food

Padang restaurants are famous for their spicy food and their
unique way of serving it. It is served in small portions of
various dishes, but constituting, with rice, a complete meal.
The best known Padang dish is Rendang, a spicy meat stew.

Satay or sate

Satay may have originated in Java, Indonesia, but it is also

popular in many other Southeast Asian countries, such as:
Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand, as well as in The
Netherlands which was influenced through its former
colonies.
 Angklung

Angklung is a musical instrument made out of two

bamboo tubes attached to a bamboo frame. Angklung
is popular throughout Southeast Asia, but originated
from Indonesia.

Gamelan

Gamelan is a musical ensemble of Indonesia typically

featuring a variety of instruments such as metallophones,
xylophones, drums, and gongs; bamboo flutes, bowed
and plucked strings.
 The U n i t y o f Language

The official language of Indonesia is known as

Indonesian or 'Bahasa Indonesian'. Indonesian is a
standardised dialect of the Malay language and
was formulated at the time of the declaration of
Indonesian independence in 1945. As the official
language, it is employed in the media and is used
in all government and educational transactions. It
is utilized in most circumstances where two people
from different regions want to interact with each
other, while local lingua francas play a role in
some areas.
Indonesian S o c i e t y & C u l t u r e

Diversity Indonesia is a hugely diverse nation. It

is made up of over 17,500 islands (6,000 of
are
which which are home to
ethnic
inhabited) over 300 Each province
language
groups. , ethnic make has-up, religions
its own and history.
Most people will define themselves locally
before nationally. In addition there are many
influences stemming back from difference
cultural
heritage. in
European , Indian, and are a mix of Chinese,
Indonesians
Malay.
 THANK
YOU
Sources:
English book cross culture understanding for english
department.
Batik, the Traditional Fabric of Indonesia