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My internship location is Indonesia, specifically West Java. It is a diverse archipelago with a rich
history that has been influenced by many inputs, such as its present and past social, political,
economic, and religious influences from many different countries and regions. Indonesia also has
one of the largest ethnolinguistic diversities of its own native and regional peoples. Over 700
distinct languages and cultures come along with each people group. There are over 17,000
islands, each harboring a variety of cultural differences. Indonesia’s strategic location allowed
for trade to thrive, resulting in cultural exchanges and the establishment of powerful maritime
kingdoms. The arrival of European colonizers, particularly the Dutch, significantly impacted
Indonesia, leading to a long struggle for independence. Many religious influences have also
affected the current religious climate, such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, and especially
Islam.
Before the Dutch arrived in Indonesia, powerful kingdoms ruled and distinguished each region.
The Majapahit and Srivijaya empires were powerful, military-based kingdoms that played a
pivotal role in shaping Indonesia's cultural landscape. In the Kingdom Era, Indonesia had a rich
and diverse spiritual history that dates back millennia, including the Kingdom Era, characterized
by a blend of indigenous animistic beliefs, Hindu-Buddhist influences, and later, the introduction
of Islam. Before the arrival of major external influences, many indigenous communities in
Indonesia adhered to animistic beliefs. These beliefs were centered around the idea that spirits
inhabited various natural elements, such as mountains, rivers, trees, and animals. The animistic
worldview persisted in certain regions, like Papua or Kalimantan, and even in large cities, mixing
with other major religions and developing faiths such as folk Islam. Animism consists of man
making attempts to appease or deceive spirits or gods found in nature to get what man wants.
The early centuries of the Common Era saw the spread of Hindu-Buddhist cultures from
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mainland Southeast Asia to Indonesia. The powerful Srivijaya Empire, centered on the island of
Sumatra, was influenced by Indian culture and Hindu-Buddhist traditions. Later, the Majapahit
Empire, based on Java, became a major Hindu-Buddhist kingdom in the region. The influence of
these empires is still evident in the art, architecture, and some spiritual practices in Indonesia.
A Large influence of culture in Indonesia was the arrival of Arab traders, who brought Islam in
the 13th century. The arrival of Islam in Indonesia had a profound and lasting impact on the
country, influencing various aspects of its society, culture, politics, and economy. The most
evident impact was the conversion of a significant portion of the population to Islam. Initially
spreading through trade contacts, the gradual adoption of Islam by local rulers and communities
contributed to the formation of a predominantly Muslim society in Indonesia. Indonesia
experienced a unique form of Islam characterized by syncretism, blending local indigenous
beliefs and practices with Islamic principles. Islam played a role in shaping social norms and
practices, impacting aspects such as marriage, family structure, community life, dress, and food
production changes like the Hallal Industry. Islamic principles influenced legal systems and
ethical standards, contributing to the formation of a distinct Indonesian Islamic identity. The
spread of Islam was closely tied to trade routes, particularly maritime trade in the Indian Ocean.
Muslim traders and merchants were crucial in connecting Indonesia with the wider Islamic
world, facilitating economic exchange and cultural diffusion. The establishment of Islamic
sultanates and kingdoms became a prominent feature of the Indonesian political landscape.
Rulers adopted Islam, and the legal and administrative systems of these states often reflected
Islamic principles. Notable examples include the Sultanate of Demak and the Sultanate of Aceh.
The introduction of Islamic education institutions, such as madrasahs and pesantrens (Islamic
boarding schools), became instrumental in the preservation of Islamic knowledge and the
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indoctrination of students. These institutions played a crucial role in shaping the intellectual and
spiritual lives of Muslims in Indonesia. The influence of Islam is evident in Indonesian art and
architecture. Islamic motifs, calligraphy, and architectural styles became integrated into
traditional Indonesian artistic expressions, creating a distinctive fusion of Islamic and local
aesthetics. The arrival of Islam has even affected the language and communication in Indonesia.
The adoption of Arabic script for writing the Malay language, which later evolved into Bahasa
Indonesia, reflects the linguistic impact of Islam. Arabic-loaned words and terminology related
to Islamic practices became integrated into the local language. Indonesia's unique form of Islam
is characterized by a high degree of tolerance and diversity. The majority of Indonesians do not
speak Arabic, which leads to a nominal or cultural form of Islam in the majority of the country.
Different Islamic traditions coexist with local customs and beliefs, fostering a pluralistic and
inclusive interpretation of Islam in the archipelago. The arrival of Islam in Indonesia was a
transformative process that shaped the nation's cultural, social, economic, and political
landscape. The synthesis of Islamic principles with local traditions has resulted in a diverse form
of Islam that continues to be a defining feature of Indonesia's identity. Spiritual beliefs today are
often expressed through various cultural forms, including traditional dances, wayang kulit
(shadow puppetry), and art. These cultural expressions often carried symbolic meanings and
conveyed spiritual narratives that reflected the diverse influences in the region.
The Dutch colonial presence in Indonesia has left an enduring impact on the country's
socio-political, economic, and cultural landscape. The Dutch East India Company's (VOC)
establishment in the early 17th century marked the beginning of Dutch influence in Indonesia.
Initially driven by spice trade interests, the Dutch gradually expanded their control, establishing
a colonial empire that encompassed Java, Sumatra, and parts of Kalimantan. Dutch colonial rule
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implemented a system of slave labor over national and tribal peoples in Indonesia, stratifying
Indonesian society based on ethnicity and socio-economic factors. The system, introduced in the
19th century, forced local farmers to grow cash crops, transforming the economic landscape and
reinforcing social hierarchies. The Dutch exploited Indonesia's abundant resources, particularly
spices, rubber, and coffee. Plantation economies were established, leading to the extraction of
wealth from Indonesia to the Netherlands. This economic exploitation laid the foundation for
present-day challenges related to economic inequality and resource management that many
Indonesians face today. The Dutch also played a significant role in shaping Indonesia's labor
force and infrastructure. The construction of railways and ports, often driven by forced labor,
facilitated taking local resources and exporting them forcefully and often at unfair wages. The
legacy of this infrastructure continues to influence Indonesia's economic development.
Educational institutions established during the colonial era have shaped Indonesia's modern
education system. Dutch colonialism impacted Indonesia's religious landscape. While it
introduced Christianity, it also fueled Islamic revivalism as a response to colonial oppression.
This is still highly present in the religious life of Indonesia. Many Indonesians want nothing to
do with Christianity, as it is equated with leaving one's cultural heritage and religion to become
Western. Contextualization in the language is extremely necessary when sharing the gospel or
having interfaith conversations. Commonly, even the words "Jesus" and “God” and non-Arabic
names referring to prophets or people they believe in cause separation or association with their
Dutch colonizers. There is a large misunderstanding of what being a global worker means; they
see global workers as people who come to force them to align with Western culture, faith, or
death. Fairly, this is exactly what has been done in the past. It's important to understand how
even the long history of colonization causes great barriers to the gospel. The syncretism of
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cultures is evident in architecture, cuisine, and traditions, reflecting a unique blend that defines
Indonesia's cultural diversity. Understanding these historical dynamics is crucial for
comprehending contemporary challenges and opportunities in Indonesia, providing insight into
the nation's complex social and political systems. The proclamation of independence in 1945
marked the culmination of a long and significant struggle against Dutch colonial rule. The
challenge of unifying a diverse archipelago led to the implementation of policies balancing
centralized authority with regional autonomy. Indonesia has attempted to create a governing
body that is “tolerant” of all people and allows, to a degree, “religious freedom” or worship. The
issue is that there is no separation between government and religious governing bodies, so
depending on what religious party is in charge, laws and policies naturally follow suit. Today,
there are many types of governing local bodies and provinces, from ones like Ache that function
under Sharia law to provinces that are democratic. In Indonesia, everyone is born with a kitas, or
identification card, which outlines what faith they are born into, which in itself already limits a
degree of religious freedom. Being a Christian is not illegal (in the majority of the provinces), as
people are “born” Christians, but the act of converting or having the intent to convert someone is.
The majority of persecution that occurs happens through local hyper-religious groups as well as
local religious authority, societal pressure, and ostracization.
Understanding Indonesia's historical background is crucial for preparing to work alongside
global workers and on the field. Understanding things like the Dutch’s colonial influence and
other movements of colonialism helps give an understanding of how people would even receive
or interpret the gospel. It gives a deeper understanding of barriers to the gospel and the bridges
that we can build to overcome them. The current religious state, culture, and social influence are
highly influenced by the many inputs and even the unique cultural practices in traditions that
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have mixed with these sources. It helps gain a deeper understanding of the people and gives
more meaning to the values in their perceived actions. Understanding the history of Indonesia
will help with the internship as we prepare to interact, love, and serve people from different
backgrounds and different cultures, which are influenced by many things. Understanding the
history of Indonesia gives a better understanding of possible bridges and barriers to the gospel.
The arrival of the Dutch, Islamic traders, its kingdom empires, and its native cultural broad and
ethnolinguistic background make Indonesia unique.
Bibliography
Akijn, Timothy. “Sundanese.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, inc.,
www.britannica.com/topic/Sundanese. Accessed 27 Nov. 2023.
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Cultural Atlas Editors, 2016. “Indonesian Culture - Core Concepts.” Cultural Atlas,
culturalatlas.sbs.com.au/indonesian-culture/indonesian-culture-core-concepts. Accessed 27 Nov.
2023.
“Islam: Basic Beliefs.” URI, www.uri.org/kids/world-religions/muslim-beliefs. Accessed 27 Nov.
2023.
Laffan, Michael. “Islam in Southeast Asia.” Asia Society,
asiasociety.org/education/islam-southeast-asia. Accessed 27 Nov. 2023
“Sundanese of Indonesia - Sharing God’s Love with Southeast Asia’s Muslims.” Sundanese of
Indonesia - Sharing God’s Love with Southeast Asia’s Muslims,
www.apeopleloved.com/sundanese/. Accessed 27 Nov. 2023.
“Who Are the Sundanese?” Praying for Indonesia, 22 Oct. 2015,
www.prayingforindonesia.com/ethnic-groups/the-people-of-java/who-are-the-sundan ese/
Zeidan, Adam. “Imam.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, inc., 11 Nov. 2023,
www.britannica.com/topic/imam.
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