Joanna James
The charming Southeast Asian nation that’s almost synonymous with its hotspot tourist destination, idyllic Bali, is home to a fascinating culture and heritage that’s just as beautiful. From east to west and north to south and to the 17,000 islands that call home, Indonesia is full of culture.
Indonesia is a true definition of a melting pot and the Southeast Asian nation is one that rightly deserves to be called so. Among all things that make Indonesia one of the most beautiful cultures in the world, the whopping 300 or so different ethnic groups that add to the country’s rich cultural tapestry are undoubtedly the most fascinating. Unlike most other countries in the world, Indonesians define themselves by their local culture, rather than their national culture, understandable by the unusually large gathering of ethnicities.
Distinctive of the typical Southeast Asia, religion always takes precedence over anything and everything in Indonesia. Prioritising tradition, conventions, and local cultural values is of utmost importance in the Southeast Asian nation. While tourists visiting the country are not expected to adhere to the same customs, they should show respect towards them. Prayers, chants and religious offerings begin the day for most Indonesians and partake in high reverence. As a large gathering of different ethnicities, the religions practised are also numerous, which exist in nothing but total harmony.
Contrary to the masculine and individualistic West, Indonesia is easily suggestive of a feminine and collectivistic culture — one of the many beautiful cultural aspects of the Southeast Asian nation. Unity and community have always been strong elements of culture for the country and still are quite easily evident by the high population of large extended families. Aside from family units, in rural Indonesia, villages are known for their close-knit communities and farmers who work together, cultivating and managing agricultural resources collectively.
Indonesians' love and passion for both making and performing art is certainly not negligible. The paintings, sculptures, music, dance, theatre and other forms of art that make the Southeast Asian culture colourful are countless and, without a doubt, totally worthy of your admiration. The country’s host of artworks is not only striking but also portrays the nation’s culture, values and nature so deftly. Indonesia’s abundance of masterly artists means that the country’s art scene will forever remain alive.
Among all things that make Indonesian culture as beautiful as it is, the country’s authentic local cuisine is one that’s certainly unmissable. Vacationing tourists could embark on an exploration of local cuisine at one of the finest pool villas in Malaysia, including the likes of Anantara Desaru Coast Residences, and let the longing taste buds revel in the exotic, mouth-watering blend of flavours — an experience sure to set the true foodie in you free.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
