The Indonesian holiday Maha Shivaratri is set to take place on February 26. With such an important date drawing near, it's a good time to read up on the ancient traditions and popular customs of the largest archipelago in the world.
Keep reading, and we'll share 10 must-know traditions and customs in Indonesia.
Key Takeaways
- Indonesia is an archipelago consisting of over 17,000 islands, each with a unique and distinctive microculture
- The majority of Indonesians are Hindus, and there are many religious holidays, such as Ramadan, Eid al-Adha, and Eid al-Fitr.
-
Salam greetings and Gotong Royong community cooperation are important parts of daily life in Indonesia.
-
Jamu, an herbal tonic made from local botanicals, is a way of life centered on positivity, self-care, and mindfulness.
- Popular Indonesian cuisine often includes plenty of spices, herbs, and chilis
- Other Indonesian traditions include Nyepi, Wayang Kulit, and Metatah.
See Related: White Tea Vs. Green Tea: What's The Difference?
#1. Maha Shivaratri
It would make sense to kick off this list with Maha Shivaratri, which will occur in roughly two weeks, on February 26, 2025. Maha Shivaratri is a Hindu holiday celebrated each year in honor of Shiva, one of the principal deities of Hinduism.
The vast majority of Indonesian people are Hindu, and religion has a significant impact on the traditions, customs, and culture.
Other major holidays in Indonesian culture include Ramadan, Eid al-Adha, and Eid al-Fitr.
Religion in Indonesia
In many traditional lifestyles, it's common for people to find peace and happiness in faith. Indonesia is a land of spirituality, and religion has always played an important role in their way of life.
Nowadays, Indonesia is the largest Muslim nation in the world, with nearly 90% of the population following Islam.
There are other religions present in the archipelago, including Hinduism, Buddhism, and Christianity. In total, Indonesia recognizes six official religions. However, many of the various ethnic groups found in Indonesia have developed their own religious customs over time.
#2. Salam
In Indonesian culture, greetings aren't just a meaningless formality - they are a crucial part of social interactions. The most common greeting is known as the salam, which involves placing the hands in a praying gesture (known as the salam hormat) and taking a slight bow.
This can be used as a formal greeting, and in casual settings, you can use a simple handshake.
Bonus: 9 Simple Tips To Help Treat Dry Skin On Elbows
#3. Gotong Royong
Indonesia prioritizes family values and traditional customs. One of their most cherished principles is Gotong Royong, which loosely translates to "communal cooperation and mutual assistance."
Gotong Royong emphasizes that working together is key to achieving goals, whether they involve building a home or planning a wedding. This type of community involvement and collective teamwork is a great way for people to build relationships and support each other.
Community involvement is a cornerstone of many Indonesian ways of life, including jamu.
#4. Jamu
Jamu is a health tradition that first originated centuries ago in Indonesia. At first, jamu referred to the herbal tonics that were made by female family members and community healers. These tonics were used to prevent illness, support overall wellness, and encourage positivity.
These recipes were handed down from generation to generation, and the tradition continues to this day.
Because of the culture and ethnic diversity across the archipelago of Indonesia, there's not one particular way to practice Jamu. Over time, each island has been able to develop its own variation of the cultural practice, largely due to the flora and fauna native to each area.
For example, Jamu tonics made in Java are richer in spices like ginger and turmeric, while the ones in Bali have more fresh leaves. In essence, the people of Indonesia played to their strengths and made do with what they had handy.
But Jamu is about more than healing tonics and healthy practices. In fact, it's based on an entire lifestyle that can shape the way you feel, think, and live in a holistic fashion.
Holistic Healing & Jamu
Jamu has since become more than an herbal beverage. This term, which translates to "well wishes" in Javanese, now encompasses a way of life. Jamu is about living holistically and embracing positivity through self-care, wellness, and mindfulness.
In today's modern world, everything is fast-paced and constant. As a result, it's hard to slow down and find time for your health and well-being.
Regardless, caring for your health is critical. But it's important to remember that your overall well-being doesn't stop and end with your physical body. It extends to your mind, spirit, and soul.
Holistic healing practices focus on addressing all parts of a person. Unlike Western medicine, it doesn't just address issues that are obviously wrong. And under the Jamu lifestyle, it's easier to treat your entire well-being the way it deserves.
Jamu utilizes things like consistent self-care, community engagement, and joy to promote true health and satisfaction. And in today's world, there's nothing better than true mindfulness and relaxation.
This power of community wellness, meaningful self-care, and herbal healing is at the center of our brand, JUARA. Our skincare products and wellness offerings are designed to nourish and strengthen your mind, body, and spirit through ritualistic practices.
#5. Nyepi
Nyepi, otherwise known as the "Bali Day of Silence," honors the Balinese New Year. It's a key event in the Saka New Year and follows the New Moon in March.
For a full twenty-four hours, the island of Bali is at a complete standstill - there is no music, no lights, and no transport. If you happen to find yourself in Bali on March 29 this year, be sure to respect this tradition by staying indoors and minimizing noise.
This day is meant to purify the island of Bali, along with the people living there. It gives them the opportunity to start the year with a clean slate.
#6. Wayang Kulit
The Wayang Kulit performance is a popular form of entertainment in Java and Bali. This traditional puppet theatre is an ancient art form that uses carved leather puppets to tell legends and stories, usually accompanied by music.
Traditional performing arts are an important part of Indonesian culture, whether it is dance dramas, shadow puppets, or musical storytelling.
#7. Tumpeng
One of the best parts of Indonesian culture is the amazing cuisine. Indonesian foods have been widely influenced by Chinese and Indian cultures and include many dishes consisting of rice, sago, and spices.
Tumpeng is a rice dish that is often served on special occasions and religious ceremonies. It's one of the most popular dishes in Indonesia.
It is served as a cone-shaped mound of yellow rice with a variety of side dishes, including chicken, vegetables, and eggs.
However, it's more than just a delicious feast! The cone-shaped mound of rice symbolizes a holy mountain, which aligns with the belief in the spiritual power of mountains.
The Importance of Spices in Indonesian Cuisine
Before the Dutch colonized the Indonesian islands, many products were brought by Spanish and Portuguese traders. In addition, the Portuguese introduced a unique musical genre known as Kroncong to Indonesia in the 15th century, which uses guitars and ukuleles.
Cuisine varies throughout Indonesia, but popular dishes throughout the country include curries, kebabs, and stir-fry. Other favored foods include chilies with rice, coconut, and fish.
However, Indonesian cuisine is uniquely rich in spices and contains a vast abundance of herbs. Because cooking can vary so wildly across Indonesia, some of the same dishes may be sweet in one area while others could be spicy.
For example, Javanese tend to lean more toward the sweeter end of the spectrum, and dishes often contain plenty of cane and palm sugar. However, in places like Bali, Padang, and Manado, it's more common for dishes to be filled with chili and spices.
#8. Metatah
Metatah, also called teeth-cutting or teeth-filing, is one of the most unique traditions in Indonesia. This religious ritual is a rite of passage for Balinese youth when they come of age.
Many Balinese people believe that the canine teeth are an animalistic feature - therefore, they are filed down to control negative emotions.
During Metatah, the teeth are typically filed down by a couple of millimeters. Then, the individual is given an object to bite representing the six flavors (sweet, bitter, sour, salty, spicy, and astringent.)
Family Dynamics and Traditions in Indonesia
Indonesia's history and culture are long-lasting and rich. But one thing that has always remained consistent is the strong family values.
Indonesians are extremely family-oriented, and it's common for people to uphold strong relationships with their families. It's also typical of younger family members to continue living with their parents, even after making a livable wage of their own or getting married.
Even young couples still living with their parents include their family in their decision-making. In fact, it's not seen as a form of dependency for younger family members to ask for the opinion or permission of their parents for things.
Family values and principles are very important for the Indonesian people. It's common for there to be strong traditional gender roles. The parents, especially the fathers, are the dominant members of the family.
#9. Animism
Many ethnic peoples believe in animism, which focuses on the idea that the gods inhabit the mountains. And for the people of Indonesia in particular, these gods live on the stratovolcano Mount Agung, Bali's tallest mountain.
But animism isn't necessarily a type of organized religion. It's seen more as a spiritual part of daily life.
Animism focuses on the belief that all objects and even places are endowed with a life form. These ideas also reflect the belief in spirits, supernatural forces, and demons.
Even in today's modern world, most Indonesians find peace and solitude in the religious beliefs of their ancestors. As a result, it's common for them to practice traditional beliefs, including animism, dynamism, and totemism.
#10. Arts
Indonesia's rich culture was in part shaped by their devotion to great works of art. From paintings to theatre to sculpture, art has been a valued part of Indonesian culture.
Since ancient times, Indonesian artists have found inspiration in things like their strong traditional values as well as the nature around them. The many temples and architectural sites on the archipelago are one instance where art is wholeheartedly reflected.
From crafts like canvas art and silverwork to cloth like batik and songket, there are many art forms present in Indonesia. And it would be hard for it to flourish without some great creativity.
Even in the Jamu lifestyle, creativity is highly valued. And it's often used in self-care rituals. For example, many Jamu skincare routines focus on using natural ingredients when crafting the perfect unique beauty ritual.
The Bottom Line
Whether you are planning a once-in-a-lifetime vacation to Bali or are interested in the rich cultural heritage of Indonesia, this collection of picturesque islands has a wide variety of traditions and customs going back generations. Everything from the local cuisine to the religious buildings is enriched by the rich history and meaningful culture.
Keep Reading: Does Bar Soap Expire?
--
People Also Ask
What is the main tradition of Indonesia?
Because Indonesia is predominately Muslim, the main traditions are typically religious in nature. Some major holidays include Ramadan, Eid al-Adha, and Eid al-Fitr, which is also known as the “Festival of Breaking the Fast.”
What is the most common culture in Indonesia?
Indonesia is built on ancient traditions and family values. The majority of the population is Muslim, at 86%.
What are Indonesian customs?
In Indonesia, it is customary to show respect to those with status, age, power, or position. Family and religion are also important aspects of everyday life.
What are 5 facts about Indonesia?
It is the world's largest archipelago, home to over 100 endangered animals, has the second-longest coastline, is home to the Komodo Dragon, and has the third-most volcanos in the world.
--
Juara Skincare incorporates ancient rituals with Western skincare science, creating the ultimate beauty experience. We aim to transport you from the mundane to the extraordinary with our exotic ingredients, intoxicating scents, and powerful, skin-improving formulas. All of our products are nutrient-rich and botanically based. We are proud to be certified cruelty-free. Get the latest skin care tips and info on Juara products by following us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.
