Exploring Indonesian Cultures

Considering Indonesian Cultures in Australia

by Andress Hamenda

The 13th posting is my further explanation about the comparison of Indonesian and Australian cultures (12th posting) which was commented by Sonny Mumbunan (PhD student)Leipzig, Germany. He said that “it would be remiss not to mention the fact that Indonesia is also a heterogeneous land. "Orang Manado" and "Orang Jawa", for instance, are of distinct difference in some ways. The former is more direct when it comes to expressing something than the latter”.

Sonny is right. Indonesia is a heterogenous land which has different values, norms and beliefs and also influences how Indonesians behave differently. Indonesia is one of the most diverse countries in terms of population, ethnicity and languages. According to Hill (2008, p.84) that the population of Indonesia is 220 million people who are broadened in 17,000 islands and is the most populous Muslims in the world.

There are more than 200 ethnic groups spread over Indonesian islands, Sumatera has 42 ethnic groups, Java and Madura have 8 ethnic groups, Bali and Lombok have 3 ethnic groups, Kalimantan has 25 ethnic groups and Sulawesi has 37 ethnic groups as well as what Papua has (Warnaen, 2002, cited in Gani, 2004, p.196). In addition, more than 500 languages are used in Indonesia (Hill, 2008, p.84).

These ethnicities have different values and norms which may potentially bring conflict even among Indonesians. Take for an example, ethnic conflict Dayakese-Madurese was a really black day in Indonesian history which is not a proud evidence to write here. This is just one of the examples that different cultures even among Indonesians results in devastating conflicts.

Nonetheless, religions play important roles in Indonesian culture because it influences on how Indonesians behave. According to Koentjaraningrat (2002), Indonesian cultures, values and ethics are highly influenced by their religion.

Do not worry to ask about what their religions are. They will not be offended because it is natural in Indonesian culture. Indonesians' religion is written even in their National Identity Card which are not written in Western Identity Card (Because Western countries just use Driving license or passport as their ID hehe..) but, if you are reluctant to ask about their religion, just for your information that Indonesia's inhabitants are 85 percent Muslims(Hill, 2008, p.84).

Therefore, actually my 12th posting refers to Java culture (orang Jawa)and as the majority of 'orang jawa' are muslims, so I think that it represents Indonesian culture.

At this point readers probably think that it is nothing to do with this blog’s objectives. Students (who are from the other countries such as China, India, etc) think that “we are reading this blog to know what we should do to deal with culture shock in Australia particularly in Australian universities not in Indonesia”.

My point is because in Australian universities, students are also going to meet and interact with Indonesian students. More or less three hundred (300) Indonesian students (under scholarship excluding private students) have come and studied in Australian universities every year since 1950 (http://www.indo.ausaid.gov.au/bi/projects/ads-indo.html).

My logic is simple. Understanding Indonesians' culture will avoid conflict when you are joined Indonesian students when you do group assignments. As a result, you will decrease the symptoms of culture shock such as conflict with other cultures and isolation and you will find your new family as you make friends with Indonesian students. Isn't it beautiful =)