Indonesia: religion and traditions of the republic. Its geographical location

On our planet there are many beautiful places with an interesting and unique history. This is the case for the Republic of Indonesia. The religion of this country is not exclusive. Here they worship different gods, offer them offerings. However, on every island in Indonesia the number of adherents of a particular faith is not the same. We will talk about all this in more detail in this article.

Location of the country and some of its geographical features

The largest state, which has more than thirteen thousand islands, is Indonesia (whose religion is also diverse). Despite the increasing number of inhabitants, the islands are inhabited unevenly (some are completely deserted). Located in Indonesia in Southeast Asia. The north of the republic is washed by the waters of the Pacific and the Sulawesi Sea, to the south by the Arafura Sea, to the west by the Indian Ocean. Also the north of Indonesia borders with Malaysia, and the east - with Papua New Guinea. The territory of the whole republic is almost two thousand square kilometers.

Historical preconditions for the formation of Indonesia as a republic

For the first time the rudiments of statehood arose here in the II-V centuries in the coastal zone. Sea navigation and trade developed here, after a while they became intermediaries between the islands and the East. The formation was continuing, on the islands in the middle of the 7th century there appeared the Sumatran Empire of Srivijaya. And in the first half of the 8th century, the state of Mataram appeared on Central Java.

As a result of the aggressive actions to the 11th century, Mataram unites all the trading cities under its own head with the center on the island of Java. Already at that time, the basic belief that Indonesia had adopted was decided. The religion, penetrating heavily to the islands, was Islam. Obviously, this was determined by the fact that the neighboring countries professed it. At the beginning of the XVII century, Indonesia became a colony of Holland, displacing the Portuguese from here.

Independence of the republic was after the Second World War, in 1950 it was declared unitary.

Religious formation of the republic

The influence of Islam on the islands of Indonesia led to the fact that Muslims are the most widespread believers in the republic. However, the state religion in Indonesia is not at all Islamic. It is constitutionally recorded that on the islands there is faith in one God, and therefore, everyone can profess any religion. This is the national philosophy of Indonesia - Pancha Shila.

80% of the population profess Islam in the republic. Here the Sunni movement of this religion is most common (however, there are, of course, Shiites). Indonesia is considered the most populated Muslim country among its kind.

In addition to Islam, there are other religions in the republic. Ten percent of the population profess Christianity, on some islands Hinduism is popular. Separately, it should be said about the island of Bali, where so many tourists are going now. The population professes Hinduism, but its peculiar form, mixed with Buddhism. The island is full of temples - there are more than 20 thousand of them, and it can be found in almost every yard.

Also in Indonesia paganism is very popular, despite other beliefs (and it exerts its influence on them). The life of the population is greatly influenced by the belief in the various spirits that are everywhere. It is they who are constantly sacrificed. This belief is called animism. Most adherents of animism can be found on the islands of Sumatra and Java.

Such religious diversity stems from the fact that at one time the islands became a refuge for immigrants from India, China, Europe and the Arab East. Also thanks to the numerous newcomers who bought local exotic goods. So, now you know the answer to the question, what kind of religion in Indonesia.

Traditional features of Indonesia. Behavior of visitors

Travelers and tourists who come to Indonesia, in addition to religious characteristics, should take into account its traditions and customs. Since the main religion of Indonesia is Islam, many customs also come from this. It is not customary to wear very open clothes (skirts, shorts), especially for women. Also it is not recommended to the fair sex to sunbathe topless even on the beaches.

If you are attending a religious ceremony, then keep calm and do not talk loudly. Also, loud and frequent applause in public places is not recommended (this does not apply to specially organized performances). If you need to visit a government office or a mosque, then your legs should be closed to the knees (especially for women).

General behavior on the street should exclude the finger pointing at someone, and also not allowed to touch someone else's head. Couples can not show tenderness in the street, for this there is a house and a bedroom. It is not recommended on the street to get angry and scream.

Conclusion

So, as you can see, the Republic of Indonesia, whose religion is diverse, is an amazing place. The behavior of the population is influenced for centuries by rooted traditions and customs, which should be adhered to and visitors.