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 8 must-know traditions and customs in Indonesia.
Key Takeaways
- The majority of Indonesians are Hindus, and there are many religious holidays, such as Ramadan, Eid al-Adha, and Eid al-Fitr.
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Salam greetings and Gotong Royong community cooperation are important parts of daily life in Indonesia.
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Jamu, an herbal tonic made from local botanicals, is a way of life centered on positivity, self-care, and mindfulness.
- Other Indonesian traditions include Nyepi, Wayang Kulit, and Metatah.
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#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.
#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.
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#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.
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.
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#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
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.
#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.)
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.
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People Also Ask
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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.”
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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%.
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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.
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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.
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