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Indonesian Art & Handicrafts

Mix of Cultures

As a calling point on ancient trade routes between the Far East, South Asia and the Middle East, Indonesia’s culture was influenced by the many traders who passed that way some of whom settled in different parts of the country resulting in a complex cultural mix. The ideal location of Keraton at the Plaza Jakarta, a 5 star hotel in Jakarta allows its guests to experience the diverse aspects of the country’s cultural heritage.

Indonesia enjoys various styles of music the most popular being from the islands of Java, Sumatra and Bali where the gamelan orchestra comprising of percussion instruments, is the primary way of producing traditional music. Other traditional musical genres popular around the country includes the Portuguese influenced Krongcong that uses ukuleles and guitars and Angklung from West Java that uses bamboo musical instruments is listed by UNESCO as part of the intangible cultural heritage of Indonesia. Sasando from East Nusa Tenggara West Timor uses an instrument made with split leaves of the Lontar Palm to make their special sounds.

The 3000 dance forms in the country reflect its diverse ethnicity. These range from stylized court dances that are the most visible to dances based on the Hindu epic Mahabharatha to local dance forms such as Saman from Aceh and Ponorogo from East Java. The most popular form of theater is Wayang or shadow puppet performances that act out stories from the Hindu epics Mahabharatha and Ramayana. Ludruk and Ketoprak from Java incorporate humour and jest and require audience participation. Randal from West Sumatra incorporating music, song, dance, drama and silat martial arts is performed mostly during traditional ceremonies.

Before the 19th century much of Indonesian art was limited to decorative arts. In Bali art was used to depict scenes from legends and decorate religious manuscripts and temples. Although European influences were seen during the Dutch occupation traditional artistic expression continued to dominate and is apparent even today. Indonesian art is rich in symbolism anchored in myths, beliefs and traditions. Inspiration is also drawn from the natural world.

Among the country’s prolific handicrafts industry is textile making. Hand drawn batiks, double weave Ikat cloth, silk sarongs, gold painted fabrics, kain songet fabrics incorporating gold and silver thread are among the most popular. Stone and wood carving based on the Hindu Buddhist style the other most apparent art form. Other crafts enjoying popularity is ceramics based on antique designs, a range of items made form natural fibers, collectibles made with shells, traditional jewellery, furniture making, pewter items and traditional puppets and masks.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

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