Unity In Diversity
1. World's 14th Largest Nation
The Indonesian archipelago is by far the world's largest. It has more than 17,000 island threw across 5,120 km of tropical seas, Straddling the equator. When befitting its reputation as the celebrated spice island of the east, this archipelago also constitutes one of the most diverse and biologically fascinating areas. Unique geologic and climatic conditions have created spectacularly fertile rice lands of Java and Bali to the luxuriant rainforests of Sumatra, Kalimantan, Sulawesi and Maluku, and the savannah grass lands of Nusa Tenggara to the jungle-laced, snow-capped peaks of West Papua (Irian Jaya).
2. Flora Fauna
The plant life of Indonesia is abundant and incredibly diverse- almost 40,000 different species belong to 3,000 different families, with species belong to 3,000 different families with 10% of all plant species in the world. Most of these are natives of the varied equatorial rainforest, with its thousands of varieties of wild orchids, ferns, fruits, spice trees, and the world's largest flower, the Rafflesia.
The animal of Indonesia are just diverse. More than so mammals are found in Indonesia, From tigers, Orang Utan, and elephants of Sumatra to the freshwater dolphins of Kalimantan, and the tree kangaroos and wallabies of West Papua. About 1500 species of birds are known, many of them are rare Australasian plumage species like cockatoo, flightless cassowary, numerous parrots and more than 405 species of birds of paradise. In addition, reptiles, amphibians and Invertebrates populate the seas and coasts, including giant turtles and the huge, carnivores monitor lizard komodo.
3. Spice Islands Cuisine
The food of Indonesia is influenced by the culinary tradition of diverse nations such as China, India, the middle east, an Netherlands. Its a combination with strong flavours, with a delicious array of fish, unusual vegetables and fruits, and minimal meat. But only the brave should sample the chillies.
4. Arts and Crafts/ A Spectrum of Styles
As a crossroads for maritime trade, the Indonesia's archipelago has for centuries been subject to foreign cultural influence, most notably Indian, Arab, Chinese, and Dutch, as is evident in the art and culture of the Islamic coastal areas, the royal courts and in the architecture of ancient Hindu and Buddhist temples. In the remote interior and outer islands, many tribes lived in relative isolation until as recently as the 20th Century producing ''primitive'' art that was a medium of expressions of their animistic beliefs.
Indonesian creative arts is primarily seen as a manifestation of the people's spiritual beliefs. As a result, Traditional Indonesia art is surfeit with spiritually- charged talismans. Creative arts serve to establish social rites of passage such as birth, puberty, marriage and death.
5. Mannered
In each society we still requires one to be Sopan Santun (well-mannered), Rukun (harmony) is the primary goal, achieved through knowing one's place in society and acting out one's assigned role.
6. Society Glue
Adat is often viewed as the glue which binds society and allows it to function with minimal conflict. Wisdom was measured by an elder's intimate Knowledge of adat. So great is the identification of most Indonesians its their respective adat that these are commonly said to constitute ethnic identity. Likewise among the Javanese, children not yet familiar with the social values and mystical sensibilities of their elders are considered Durung Jawa- incomplete Javanese.
7. Propagation by Theatre
The traditional account of the Islamisation of Java is a fascinating one. According to Javanese chronicles, nine Islamic saints (Wali Sanga) propagated Islam through the Javanese shadow plays (Wayang Kulit) and Gamelan music (see everyday I think about music). They Introduced the reading of Koranic prayers to performances of the Hindu Ramayana and Mahabarata epics. No better explanation could be given for the origins of Islamic syncretism in Java.
Today Islam is the professed religion of 90% of all Indonesian and it is traditions and rituals effect all aspects of their daily life.
Today traditional Indonesian dance and drama co exist with modern forms of entertainment. In the courts of central Java, the financial burden of staging dance spectacles is high, making such productions rare events. The government has tried to remedy this situation by establishing performance arts academies in many cities. A new generation of Indonesian choreographers has been educated nationally and abroad, exposing them to western classical and modern dance, along with traditions from other countries.
by tiazT
elephant braindose