There are many beautiful places on our planet with an interesting and unique history. These include the Republic of Indonesia. The religion of this country is not monopolistic. Here they worship various gods, bring offerings to them. However, on each island of Indonesia, the number of adherents of a particular denomination is not the same. We will talk more about all this in this article.
Location of the country and some of its geographical features
The largest state, with more than thirteen thousand islands, is Indonesia (whose religion is also diverse). Despite the ever-increasing population, the islands are populated unevenly (some are completely deserted). Located Indonesia in Southeast Asia. The north of the republic is washed by the waters of the Pacific Ocean and the Sulawesi Sea, the south by the Arafura Sea, 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.
The historical background of the formation of Indonesia as a republic
The rudiments of statehood first arose here in the 2nd – 5th centuries in the coastal zone. Navigation and trade developed here, after some time they became intermediaries between the islands and the East. The formation continued, on the islands in the middle of the 7th century, the Sumatran empire of Srivijaya appeared. And in the first half of the eighth century, the state of Mataram appears in Central Java.
As a result of conquest by the 11th century, Mataram unites all the trading cities under its command with a center on the island of Java. Already at this time, the basic belief that Indonesia adopted was determined. Religion, intensely penetrating the islands, was Islam. Obviously, this determined that the neighboring countries professed it. At the beginning of the XVII century, Indonesia became a colony of Holland, displacing the Portuguese from here.
The republic gained independence 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 has led Muslims to be the most common believers in the republic. However, the state religion in Indonesia is not Islamic at all. It is constitutionally registered that on the islands there is faith in one God, and therefore, everyone can practice any religion. This is the national philosophy of Indonesia - Pancha Shila.
Islam in the republic is practiced by 80 percent of the population. The Sunni movement of this religion is most common here (however, of course, Shiites are also found). 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 entire population profess Christianity, and Hinduism is popular on some islands. 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 you can find it in almost every yard.
Also, paganism is very popular in Indonesia, despite other beliefs (moreover, it exerts its influence on them). The life of the population is significantly affected by the belief in various spirits that are everywhere. They are constantly sacrificed to them. 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 visitors to the merchants who purchased local exotic goods. So, now you know the answer to the question, what religion is in Indonesia.
Traditional features of Indonesia. Visitors Behavior
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 come from precisely this. It is not customary to wear very open clothes (skirts, shorts), especially for women. Also, the fair sex is not recommended to sunbathe topless, even on the beaches.
If you are attending a religious ceremony, be calm and do not speak very loudly. Loud and frequent applause in public places is also not recommended (this does not apply to specially organized performances). If you need to visit a government office or mosque, then your legs should be closed to the knees (especially for women).
General behavior on the street should exclude finger pointing at someone, and also not allowed to touch someone else's head. Couples should not be tender on 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 by centuries-rooted traditions and customs, which should be followed and visitors.