The Portuguese, who originally discovered New Guinea and its surrounding islands in the early 16th century, originally called the islands Ilhas dos Papuas, from the Malay word papuwah (“fuzzy-haired”). More. Indonesian forces invade East Timor, recently independent from Portugal, Ensuing battle lasts almost 25 years as East Timorese resist Indonesian occupation. Families are as close as they come. He was given the nickname “Barry” by his fellow students there. In addition there are many cultural influences stemming back from difference in heritage. Hindu Indians arrive in Sumatra, Java, and Bali. In Indonesian culture, the fact that you're not okay with a situation is spoken by your calm refusal; you don't need a show of anger to make your point. Jakarta, Indonesia, is the world’s largest population center without a metro train system that results in some of the worst traffic jams in the world. With over 17,000 islands, Indonesia is known for its many beautiful islands, diving, and snorkeling. Occurring on August 27, 1883, it had a force equivalent to 2,000 Hiroshima bombs and resulted in the. Indonesia has an uncountable amount of cultures range from Sabang until Merauke, all of them are valued as the national treasure even until now. It is said to have taken 75 years to complete. The world's largest lizard lives on just five Indonesian islands: Komodo, Rinca, Flores, Gili Montag, and Padar. When drink or food is served, it should not be touched until the host invites the guest to do so. A unique culture that is often carried out by Indonesian people everyday is eating with hand. New Haven, CT: Yale University Press, 2003. Indonesian culture has historical roots, institutions, customs, values, and beliefs that many of its people share, but it is also a work in progress that is undergoing particular stresses at the beginning of the twenty-first century. Moussa ibn Noussair conquers Morocco and spreads Islam among the Berbers. Marco Polo was the first European to visit Indonesia, in 1292. 8. May 29, 2008. You can easily find people who enjoy eating with their hand instead of using spoon and fork. Although Bahasa Indonesia is the national language of Indonesia, there are over 700 indigenous languages. London, UK: Rough Guides, 2012. The resulting. Explore these interesting Chinese facts to satisfy your wanderlust. Learn about its abundant diversity, colorful history, and much more. The culture of Indonesia has been shaped by long interaction between original indigenous customs and multiple foreign influences. When it was completed in 1962 to host the Asian Games it’s original capacity was 120,800 people, which would have made it … But to categorize, many belief systems draw from animism, dynamism, and totemism. Most villagers in Bali own at least one set of gamelan instruments for ritual occasions. Government’s transmigration program reaches its peak with almost 2.5 million people moving to outer islands from overpopulated Java, Bali, and Madura before the program ends in 2000. No matter what religion they uphold, Indonesians are generally very spiritual. In result, they tend to say ‘yes’ on a lot of things they actually do not agree. Many cultures also make a huge deal out of life events like weddings and funerals, mixing them with mesmerizing traditional customs and celebrations. But Islam is just one of six official religions acknowledged in the country — Islam, Protestantism, Catholicism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Confucianism. Thomas Stamford Raffles, lieutenant governor, rediscovers Borobudur, buried under centuries of volcanic soil. Located in southeast Asia, Indonesia is one of the world's most impressive countries. It was the largest known explosive eruption in, Among the Mappurondo on the Indonesian island of Borneo, they still practice headhunting in the ritual of pangngae; however, they use coconuts instead of real heads during their simulated “hunts.”, The phrase “run amok” originated in Indonesia. The word “ketchup” in English comes from the Indonesian word kecap, which is a sweet soy sauce. In November, Barack Obama visits Indonesia, hailing it as an example of how a nation can embrace democracy and diversity. Some companies still consult traditional almanacs or spiritual elders to determine a good day to do business, and many young professionals still throw traditional ceremonies for their weddings, whether out of the family’s demands or out of their own volition, but the traditions live on. In addition to its lakes, volcanoes, and plentiful bird and animal species, this country has historic landmarks, a rich culture, and populated modern cities that make this a country worth visiting. 19 amazing facts about Indonesia, the wildlife haven with a very confusing flag Save It's 72 years since the country gained independence Credit: Credit: Ian Trower / … Indonesia: 2012 Report on International Religious Freedom, Indonesia Is Killing the Planet for Palm Oil, Poverty Headcount Ratio at $2 a day (PPP) (% of Population). The first published description of the Komodo dragon was in 1910 from a Dutch expedition to Komodo Island, where two of the. Indonesia is one of the world’s largest producers of nutmeg, which is native to its Banda Islands. Indonesia is home to the famed Komodo dragon. The most interesting things about Indonesian culture are: The Indonesian family culture is essential to the Indonesian people. Women’s groups take to the streets of Jakarta to protest Indonesia’s anti-porn bill, which would apply strict Muslim dress codes to them and not men. His Bal Tiga (“Three Balls”) brand grew into one of the biggest Indonesian-owned businesses in the Dutch East Indies. Diverse in geography, food, lifestyle, and culture, China is a land of enchantment. Papua is home to more than half the animal and plant species in Indonesia, including more than 190 mammals, 550 breeding, In Indonesia, rice in the field is called. President Habibie announces East Timor could vote for autonomy or independence. In fact, there are over 300 ethnic groups in Indonesia, each with their own customs, traditions, and dialects. The Rough Guide to Bali & Lombok. In Bali, for example, the dominant religion is Hinduism, and there are localities where there are more Christians than Muslims. 2014. 15Oakford, Samuel. It resembles a nine-tiered “mountain,” rising to 113 feet (34.5 m) tall. Despite the blunt spears, injuries and occasional accidental deaths still occur. Living on more than 13,400 islands, the Indonesian nation today counts some 200 million population comprising over 200 ethnic groups with their own languages and dialects People & Culture - Indonesia … They were fist marketed by Nitsemito, a man from Kudus, Java, in 1906, who said kretek helped his asthma. Indonesia is extremely culturally diverse. FIND OUT MORE. During the last decade, Europe alone imported 4,600 tons annually, with, Indonesia’s small Hindu population remains mainly on the island of Bali. North Korea is one of the most secretive and isolated countries in the world. Entire royal family and entourage meet them with only daggers, and all are shot or committ suicide. Indonesia is centrally-located along ancient trading routes between the Far East, South Asia and the Middle East, resulting in many cultural practices being strongly influenced by a multitude of religions, including Buddhism, Christianity, Confucianism, Hinduism, and Islam, all strong in the major trading cities. World War II ends; Sukarno proclaims Indonesia an independent nation on August 17. Indonesian children on Bali are traditionally always given at least four names. Indonesians are a mix of Chinese, European, Indian, and Malay. Almost everyone in Bali has had their teeth filed down. Accessed August 4, 2014. Dutch East Indies produce most of the quinine used in the world’s tonic water, to the delight of gin drinkers everywhere. It's a geological wonderland. Indonesian military forces withdraw from Aceh after 31 years. Marco Polo visited Indonesia at the end of the 13th century, There are over 202 million Muslims in Indonesia, Krakatoa's explosion is widely believed to be the loudest sound ever heard in modern history, Borobudur is the world's largest Buddhist temple, Each of its eyes is actually heavier than its brain. Indonesia is home to 9 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Ignite your curiosity and satisfy your wanderlust with our interesting India facts. The country has over 400 active volcanoes and records at least three. Krakatoa, a volcano in Indonesia, is the site of the largest volcanic eruption ever recorded. This practice is rooted in the belief that the six main vices—anger, confusion, jealousy, drunkenness, desire, and greed—all enter the body through the top six teeth. 4Bali & Lombok (Insight Guides). Java has become a slang term for the word. Accessed July 24, 2014. 1. 7Dixon, Paul. Often what considered as Indonesia’s culture is in fact an image of a dominant one or reflects an amalgamation of certain similar cultures. Everything from peanut butter to soap to cosmetics contains palm oil in various forms. In the Napoleonic Wars, Britain takes control of the Dutch East Indies. Notorious and brutal rubber plantations are developed on Sumatra. Indonesia is home to over 100 endangered animals. Dutch government apologizes for the 1947 massacre of at least 150 people in the village of Rawagede on the island of Java during Indonesia’s war for Independence. On the Kartini Day, Indonesian children can wear Indonesian cultural costumes along with their friends. 3 Greenhouse Gas Emitter: Report. To allow us to provide a better and more tailored experience please click "OK", Monks doing Pindapatta before Vessak Day in Indonesia. During a business discussion, they may even try to avoid disagreements. With 238 million people, Indonesia is the fourth most populous nation in the world, just behind. 5Bennett-Smith, Meredith. While many would assume this can destroy the dating market for foreign men, that’s not exactly true. One of Indonesia’s most interesting critters is the tiny nocturnal primate called the tarsier. When visiting private homes or religious buildings, take off your shoes. Social courtesies are often fairly formal. The name “Indonesia” is derived from the Latin word, With a population of 264 million, Indonesia is known for being the 4th most populated country in the world, after. Perhaps according to other countries culture this kind of habit is disgusting but for Indonesians eating with hand are just their way to enjoy the food. On September 20, Dutch troops advance upon Denpasar, Bali. Accessed July 24, 2014. Indonesia’s diversity extends to the variety of belief systems as well. Indonesia was formerly known as the Dutch East Indies (or Netherlands East Indies). Indonesia is the world’s largest producer of palm oil, which can be found in roughly half of the manufactured goods in any supermarket or drug store. Culture and Customs of Indonesia. And no, we’re not talking about those living in traditional remote villages. Farmers work together to cultivate their lands and manage resources, villages keep close-knit communities and take care of each other, and cultural values push forward principles of collectivism. Archipelago rulers open trade routes between China and India. Accessed July 26, 2014. Every ethnicity in the country holds unique recipes specific to their culture. Indonesian ships control most trade in the archipelago and sail far as China. 14“Indonesia” (World Fact book). ‘Indonesian cuisine’ is an oversimplification Just like many things in Indonesia, the food is as diverse as it gets. All rights reserved. 3Bali & Lombok (Eyewitness Travel). 1Altherr, Sandra, Alejandra Goyenechea, and D.J. For many Indonesian youths, moving out of parents’ house is simply not a thing, even when they already have a stable income of their own. But many other locales like Padang, Manado, and Bali, sure do not hold back on their chili and spices. Fashion: Indonesians prefer modest dress, whether they wear Western styles or more traditional clothing. Many Daniwomen have fingers missing up to their second joint, although this practice is now prohibited. Marco Polo writes about the Islamic sultanate in Acehin, in northern Sumatra. Many Indonesians who find themselves in modern settings still find ways to integrate their traditions and cultural values into the contemporary lifestyle. Electricity and television came to Bali, Indonesia, only in the last quarter of the 20th century. Batik painting, a blend of craft and art, remains popular in Yogyakarta on Indonesia’s island of Java, where it was invented as a pastime for unemployed youth. In the 1650s and 1660s, Banten Island’s Sultan Ageng Tirtajasa decreed that all, Arguably one of Indonesia’s stranger exports is Kopi Luwak (Cat Poop. Megawati Sukarnoputri becomes Indonesia’s first female and fifth president. New York, NY: DK Publishing, 2013. Indonesia is the fourth most populous country in the world and the largest Muslim populated country in the world. They fostered Indonesian nationalism and a national language (Bahasa Indonesia, spoken today by almost all Indonesians but the mother tongue for only about 20% of them). July 4, 2014. Luckily, their heads can rotate 360° to compensate. Indonesian nationalism begins to spread among groups from Muslims to Communists. Indonesia - A Culture Overview 1. Kertanegara’s son-in-law Majapahit establishes a great kingdom and monopolizes trade between Sumatra and China. 16“Poverty Headcount Ratio at $2 a day (PPP) (% of Population).” The World Bank. The Dutch swap the island of Manhattan with the British in exchange for the small Banda island of Run. From its headquarters at Batavia (now Jakarta), the VOC (Dutch East India Company) establishes a chain of ports to control the trade to and from the Spice Islands. Indonesian societies tend to be very tolerant of alternate expressions of gender. Before we get into anything further, this is an important disclaimer. By filing away the teeth, the vices are thwarted. Take the Equator, add hundreds of volcanoes at the meeting point of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, and well, … On December 26, 2004, the world’s second largest recorded earthquake, a 9.3+ magnitude quake, struck off the coast of the Indonesian island of Sumatra. “Java Wars” between resistant Javanese and Dutch break out. These creatures, found on Sulawesi Island, are recognizable by their eyes, which are literally as big as their stomachs, so big they cannot rotate them in their sockets. “Indonesia World’s No. Accessed July 24, 2014. The Canapes to Extinction: The International Trade in Frog Legs and Its Ecological Impact, Indonesia World’s No. Javanese, for instance, tend to like sweeter meals due to the abundance of cane and palm sugar. The On December 26, a massive tsunami devastates the region of Aceh on the north coast of Sumatra, killing 200,000. They named the skeleton Homo floriensis, later nicknamed “Hobbit.” Experts think that “Hobbits” were part of Homo erectus species that fled from. The traditional dress for a woman is... More. On September 8, 1664, the Dutch under Pieter Stuyvesant made one of the most bizarre real estate deals ever when he traded the rights of the island of New Amsterdam (now the island of Manhattan) for the tiny British-controlled Indonesian island of Run. 3 Greenhouse Gas Emitter: Report.” Reuters. Indonesia is the world’s largest country comprised solely of islands. “Several early Indianised kingdoms typical of South-East Asia flourished on the islands of Indonesia. OUR ULTIMATE COVID BOOKING GUARANTEE. Here are 25 facts that you might not know about Indonesia… Fact 1) Jakarta’s Gelora Bung Karno Stadium is one of the largest stadium in the world. Peer behind the curtain with this list of interesting North Korea facts. Indonesia's 20th-century founding fathers knew that if a country of such diverse culture and religion was to hold together, it needed special handling. Indonesia elects new president, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (S.B.Y. 10 Fun Facts About Indonesia Indonesia is full of amazing sights. 1. “Srivijaya” is considered the first of the known Indonesian kingdoms,lasting until about 1400 A.D. 2. In Indonesia, traditional music is played by a gamelan orchestra. It’s fascinating to learn the geological processes that make mountains, hills, and rivers. Two teams of spear-wielding ikat-clad horsemen gallop at each other, hurling their spears at rival riders. Indonesia is an archipelago, and there are many large and small islands separated by oceans. Indonesia is one of the world’s largest producers of nutmeg, which is native to its Banda Islands. Banci are, Popular in Indonesia, Conglak (“cowrie shell”) traces back to. Four small Dutch ships reach the pepper port of Banten in northwest Java. Java is completely converted to Islam, which leaves Bali as the sole remaining Hindu island. 18Taylor, Jean Gelman. Escape into our interesting Thailand facts to explore the country's quintessential crystal blue beaches, dramatic karst islands, rich history, and more. July 23, 2014. Since its earliest history, Indonesians have always been communal. The Indonesia culture is as vibrant and versatile as its landscape and natural beauty. His delineation became known as the “Wallace Line,” dividing Sulawesi and Lombok to the east and Borneo and Bali to the west. Schubert. U.S. President Barack Obama spent part of his childhood in Indonesia, including a period in the exclusive central suburb of Menteng, where he attended the SDN Menteng I government-run school. Accessed August 13, 2014. Clove-impregnated kretek cigarette sales account for 90% of the cigarette sales in Indonesia. The Indonesian archipelago is an assortment of over 17000 islands, out of which only a third is inhabited. Most Indonesian girls (if they are The result is a complex cultural mixture very different from the original indigenous c… Airlangga founds Java’s first great empire, bringing central Java and Bali under some semblance of a united kingdom. The archipelago is rich with herbs and spices, which shape traditional recipes to utilize the abundance of those ingredients. In fact, many Indonesian dishes may come out strong to tourists’ tongues. Being the largest Muslim country in the world, you can imagine that religion plays a large role in Indonesia. Archipelago is split between Dutch and British; borders are similar to modern Indonesia and Malaysia. From religious aspects to social habits, discover the things you should know about Indonesian culture. The rich Indonesian culture is the result of the influence of the various neighboring countries and its very own ethnic culture. 2011. Muslim traders arrive in Indonesian ports, bringing their religion as well as their goods to trade. Indonesia - Indonesia - Cultural life: Indonesia exhibits a rich diversity of cultural practices and products. The islands of Indonesia stretch over a combined area of over 5000 km. 0.9% Other (unspecified) 0.3% a … Many choose to live under their parents’ roof unless they absolutely have to (many Indonesians leave their hometown to get a job in the city). Indonesia is the largest nation in Southeast Asia (by size) and the fourth most populous country on earth. In most places, you can talk to the locals and dig stories of gods, spirits, royals, or hermits that contribute to the forming of a particular spot like natural features, temples, or other cultural landmarks. Indonesia’s central location along the ancient trading routes of the Middle East, South Asia, and the Far East, has resulted in the country’s cultural practices being highly influenced by a multitude of religions.. The Indonesian government recognizes only six religions—, Indonesia is home to the world’s largest volcanic lake, Danau (“Lake”) Toba, which is located on Sumatra and is the site of a massive super-volcano eruption that is thought to have happened 69,000 to 77,000 years ago. Accessed July 23, 2014. 5. ‘Yes’ Means Many Things. This article will explore twenty interesting, curious and downright bizarre facts about Indonesia. 2Arga, Adhityani. Netherlands cedes West Papua/New Guinea to Indonesia. Accessed August 14, 2014. As one of the world's most biodiverse countries, Indonesia has so much natural beauty that is appreciated by residents and visitors alike. Source This is one of the facts about Indonesia that initially gave it worldwide recognition. Indonesia (Footprints Focus). Most hotel spas. Before we get into anything further, this is an important disclaimer. In 1859, The English naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace wrote Charles Darwin that the Indonesian archipelago was inhabited by one distinct fauna in the east and one in the west. ‘Indonesia’ is a singular term that names a particular nation, but there’s nothing uniform about its culture. Megawati Sukarnoputri, Sukarno’s daughter, is vice president. From a child’s first step on the ground to certain months of pregnancy, many cultures in Indonesia has special ceremonies for even the tiniest milestones. Day is remembered as Puputan (“Ending”). Family: Traditionally, Indonesians have had large families, but in recent times people are stopping at two children. Members of the extended... More. Even in modern settings like the office workplace and modern communities, you’ll see the inclusiveness and friendliness of Indonesians. Recipes do vary from one locality to another, according to the main crops in the area. In some communities, those beliefs interact with traditions or influenced by another mainstream religion, resulting in a myriad of unique practices. Fun Facts. Indonesia Fun Fact #7. 6Deutsch, Anthony. May 20, 2013. With its rich variety of flora and fauna, Indonesia is second in the world after. Indonesia is the only Southeast Asian country to have been a member of OPEC, although it left the cartel in 2008 due to the decline in world oil prices. No matter how old or independent they are, Indonesians tend to … 12“Indonesian.” Online Etymology Dictionary. Jakarta, which was called Batavia by the Dutch, is the capital of Indonesia and is the 13th largest city in the world. 8Forshee, Jill. The Buddhist temple of Borobudur on the Indonesian island of Java is the largest Buddhist monument in the world. The name Indonesia, meaning Indian Islands, was coined by an Englishman, J. R. Logan, in Malaya in 1850. They build the giant Buddhist monument Borobudur. Among the Dani tribe in Papua/New Guinea, Indonesia, one of the most unusual customs is to amputate one or two joints of a woman’s finger when a close relative dies. SHORT TALK -INDONESIAByVanya V. Valindria 2. 17Reader, Lesley and Lucy Ridout. Sukarno organizes the Indonesian Nationalist Party (PNI). The Indonesia Pasola has to be the most extravagant and bloodiest harvest festivals in Asia. Portuguese conquer the city of Melaka (Molucca). Portuguese ships reach Indonesian waters. Sailendra Dynastry emerges in central Java and rules for 200 years. Since then, even older bones have been found in Java, and geochronologists have dated the oldest Homo erectus specimens to 1.7 million years old. Indonesia is notorious with its huge Muslim population; the largest in the world despite being a secular country by law. Never pass or accept anything with the l… Oakland, CA: Lonely Planet, 2013. Krakatoa volcano erupts in the sea west of Java. Indonesian art forms are greatly influenced by religion. The All-Indonesia Youth Conference proclaims its historic Youth Pledge, establishing goals of one national identity and one national language (Bahasa Indonesia). Learning about the culture of this exotic archipelago will not only ensure a more pleasant traveling experience, it will also enrich the way you perceive the world. No matter how old or independent they are, Indonesians tend to keep tight relationships with members of their family. 11 Things You Should Know About Indonesian Culture There’s no such thing as an ‘Indonesian Culture’. Here are just a few of them. Indonesia is the third worst emitter of greenhouse gases in the world. Indonesians are superstitious people, and one such belief is in the latah, which happens to. According to the old Javanese tradition of, On the Indonesian island of Flores in September 2003, archaeologists discovered a skeleton the size of a three-year-old child but with the worn-down teeth and bone structure of an adult. Indonesia is known for being megadiverse, meaning it has a vast number of different species, many found nowhere else in the world. As said before, most Indonesians tend to avoid conflicts. General Suharto seizes control of country and becomes new leader of Indonesia. There are also communal celebrations like a myriad of different ceremonies of harvest or thanksgiving, and special dates associated with legends or history. Bird of Paradise feathers have long been used in Papua traditional dress and they became so popular as European fashion accessories before. Months later, they sail to eastern Indonesia seeking spices. OUTLINE Overview Culture : Costumes, Art, Music, Festival Travelling 3. Out of the 10 largest islands in the world, three are a part of Indonesia: Borneo, Papua/New Guinea, and Sumatra. Bahasa Indonesia is Indonesia’s formal language, but the country recognizes more than 700 other languages as well. Region is renamed to Irian Jaya (“Victorious Papua”). Kalimantan—which shares three-quarters of the Indonesian island of Borneo, the world’s third-largest island—has integrated prostitution to a degree perhaps unmatched anywhere else in the world. ), in the first direct election in Indonesian history. Nearly 87% of the country’s population consider themselves Muslim. Indonesian Culture Religion: Muslim 87.2% (world’s largest population) Protestant 7.0% Catholic 2.9% Hindu 1.7% Other (Buddist, etc.) Westport, CT: Greenwood Press, 2006. “Amok” comes from the Indonesian word, Indonesia is the world’s leading exporter of frog legs. 2014. Muslims make up 87.2% of Indonesian population, which makes it the world’s largest Muslim majority nation. 13“Indonesia Profile—Timeline.” BBC News. Many communities still live traditionally and still uphold the religions and practices of their ancestors, often unique to the locality. The Indonesia archipelago is spread over the Pacific “Ring of Fire” that is situated in the Western Pacific.