Indonesia Culture

Farmer

The cultures of the people originated from its agricultural beginnings and have been partly influenced by waves of traders and missionaries from India, China, Arabia and Europe bringing along their religions. Western influence arrived with the Portuguese who came in search of spices in the early 16th century and later with the British and the Dutch merchants. The Hindu heritage is much found in the Indonesian archipelago and is still prevalent while the Ramayana and Mahabharata Hindu epics play an important role in culture and much of it has been adapted and absorbed

Working in rice field

and regarded as a pure Indonesian legacy. Traditional customs have merged with religion, resulting in colorful ceremonies and festivities which vary from area to area.