Indonesia, the country of six religions

Are you visiting Indonesia and want to know more about its religion? The nation actually embraces six primary religions: Islam, Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, and traditional indigenous beliefs. This unique blend of faiths contributes to Indonesia's multifaceted societal fabric, creating a tapestry of beliefs and practices. But do not worry, in this article I will go through each of them and explain their basic principles, so you don't have to get into an akward situation.

Islam

  Islam is the largest religion in Indonesia, with the majority of the population (86,7 %  in 2018) adhering to this faith. Indonesia has actually the world's largest Muslim population- 229,000,000 people. The religion was introduced to the archipelago around the 13th century, primarily through trade with the Middle East. The Indonesian version of Islam often incorporates local customs and traditions, giving rise to a distinct form of the faith.

Basic principles 

Islam is a monotheistic religion and the followers called muslims worship one all-mighty god Allah. Islam teaches that Allah's word was revealed to the prophet Muhammad through the angel Gabriel. They believe that nothing happens withot Allah's permission, but humans have free will. The followers worship Allah by praying in mosques (they should do thid 5 times a day) and reciting Koran (also the Quran, the holy text of Islam). They believe, that there will be a Judgement day and life after death. 

Sharia law 

 Islam's legal system, also known as Sharia law basically tells the followers how should they live and act in nearly every aspect of their lives.That includes marriage guidelines or states, often hard punnishmens for certain crimes. Another important thing- it requires men and women to dress modestly. Unless you're visiting a touristz area (like Bali), I would strongly recomend following this, othervise you will get many strange looks and coments from the locals and that is not very comfortable, espetially if you are traveling solo.That basically means not wearing anything that shows your shoulders and belly or legs above your knees.

Christianity

 Christianity holds a significant presence in Indonesia, particularly in regions like East Nusa Tenggara, Papua, and North Sulawesi. It arrived with European colonial powers in the 16th century and spread through missionary activities. The two main branches, Catholicism and Protestantism, are both practiced across the nation.

Basic principles

 Christianity is a monotheistic faith, that believes in one God manifested as the Holy Trinity—God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ), and God the Holy Spirit. The Bible is the sacred scripture, revealing God's teachings and history. Salvation is attained through faith in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and Savior, acknowledging His sacrificial death and resurrection for the forgiveness of sins. The core values are love, compassion, and charity, promoting care for others. The belief in Jesus' resurrection offers hope for eternal life and a reunion with God.

Catholicism x Protestantism 

 Protestant and Catholic Christianity differ primarily in authority and tradition. Catholics recognize the Pope's authority and Sacred Tradition, alongside the Bible. They emphasize seven sacraments (ceremonies) and believe that during mass the bread and wine used for communion become the body and blood of Jesus Christ. They have structured church services and honor Mary and saints. In contrast, Protestants prioritize the Bible's authority alone, typically have simpler church ceremonies, and vary in worship styles. They reject the Pope's infallibility and usually do not honor Mary or saints. These differences come from distinct theological beliefs and historical development.

Hinduism

Hinduism has a long history in Indonesia, particularly on the island of Bali. The influence of Hinduism can be traced back to ancient times when it was a dominant religion in various parts of the archipelago. Balinese Hinduism incorporates a blend of Hindu beliefs, Balinese customs, and animist traditions.

Basic principles

Hinduism, one of the world's oldest religions, is centered on the belief in a universal soul, often referred to as Brahman, which manifests in everything. Hindus believe in karma, the idea that one's actions in this life will determine their fate in future lives. The cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, known as samsara, is a key concept, and individuals aim to achieve moksha, liberation from this cycle. Hinduism encompasses a vast array of rituals, practices, and beliefs, but common elements include devotion to deities, respect for dharma (moral and social duties), and the pursuit of knowledge and self-realization through meditation and yoga. Sacred texts like the Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, and Ramayana provide spiritual guidance and wisdom for followers.

 Bali

If you're visiting Bali, let yourself be surrounded by the hindu culture, because it will literally be all around you. Almost every house has a traditional stone entrance, built in the beautifull balinese architecture. You will also surely notice the little offerings on every doorstep- these are called "canang sari" and are usually based in a woven bamboo container and include rice, flowers, incense, sweets, fruits, spices and sometimes a cigarette. This is an offering to the Gods, as a gesture of gratitude.

Buddhism

 Buddhism is a minority religion today, but it has had a significant impact on Indonesian culture and society, especially in the early centuries. It was predominant in Sumatra and Java during ancient times. Although the number of Buddhists has declined over the centuries, traces of Buddhism's influence can still be found in certain regions.

Basic principles

Traditional Buddhist teachings do not emphasize the existence of a creator god. It's centered around the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, known as the Buddha, who attained enlightenment through meditation and insight.
 Buddhism is about finding peace and happiness. It teaches kindness, being good to others, and understanding their feelings. Buddhists believe in 'karma,' which means the good things you do make good things happen to you. They also think that life has a lot of suffering, but we can learn to stop it by controlling our thoughts and actions. Buddhists believe in 'rebirth,' where after we die, we are born again based on our actions. To be happy, they try to be peaceful, think clearly, and care for everyone around them.
 

Traditional indigenous beliefs

 Indonesia's indigenous population, residing in various regions across the archipelago, practices traditional animistic and ancestral beliefs. These beliefs are deeply rooted in the natural world, and rituals are performed to honor ancestors, spirits, and natural elements.

Basic principles 

 These belief systems vary across the diverse ethnic groups and regions of the archipelago. Animistic beliefs involve reverence for natural elements, spirits, and ancestral souls that reside in the environment. Ancestor veneration includes honoring departed relatives who are thought to protect and guide the living. Rituals, ceremonies, and offerings are essential practices to maintain harmony with the spiritual realm and ensure prosperity and well-being for the community.