Indonesian Culture: Ancient & Modern
When we think of Indonesian culture, we often imagine the magnificent temples of Java and Bali, and the continuation of ancient traditions, such as those practised by the Toraja in Sulawesi’s highlands.
Yet alongside each of these moments of Indonesian history and tradition, you’ll find fresh innovations from groundbreaking fashion and street art to vibrant music, exciting cuisine and contemporary art venues.
Indonesian culture is best explored in its full spectrum, enriching the archipelago’s fascinating ancient heritage with the energy of each island’s diverse contemporary culture in its rapidly-changing cities, lifestyles and landscapes.
What to expect from Indonesian culture:
Close to the intricately carved 9th-century Buddhist and Hindu temples of Borobudur and Prambanan, explore the thrilling art in the galleries and streets of Yogyakarta.
Alongside the ancient rituals of Bali’s sacred temples are new rituals set out by digital nomads and surfers in laid-back spots such as Canggu.
The folkloric significance of Bandung’s volcano, Tangkuban Perahu, is matched by its explosive fashion scene and its student-led music venues.
The longstanding traditions of the Toraja people in south Sulawesi stand in stark contrast to the modern spin on Bugis-Makassar cuisine.
A selection of Indonesia’s best cultural combinations…
Jakarta
Jakarta lives up to its reputation as a relentlessly forward-moving city, and its skyline of ever-changing megalithic glass and metal brings the same kind of energy as London and New York. At street level, chic coffee shops serve the best of the island’s famous brew, literary festivals celebrate the creativity of Indonesian writing, and street murals breathe new life into utilitarian spaces. It’s a capital that offers a rich contemporary culture experience, and deserves more than just a cursory stopover.
Yet this modern hub has its own layers of history beneath its surface. Discover the origins and meanings behind the Javanese tradition of shadow puppetry at Museum Wayang, perhaps even catching a performance of this ancient artform somewhere in the city, and discover more about Java’s ancient Buni culture in Jakarta’s other renowned museums.
Yogyakarta
The artistry and intricate carvings on display at the UNESCO World Heritage temples of Borobudur and Prambanan are brought to life by performances of ancient arts such as wayang kulit shadow puppetry and the ringing gongs of gamelan music.
However, the city is also a hub for modern art, with galleries like Museum Affandi and Taman Budaya leading the way. The creativity spills out onto the streets in areas like Prawirotaman and Malioboro Street, where the walls are decorated with vibrant murals and street art.
Bandung & Malang
Bandung is known for its youthful energy. A strong presence of students and artists help create a city that embraces creativity and tech-driven innovation, and has become an established hub for music, fashion, and design. Underlying this fresh vitality, there’s a deep core of folklore surrounding the nearby active volcano of Tangkuban Perahu, full of superstitions and stories.
Over on the opposite, eastern side of Java, the once-condemned slum houses of Jodipan have been transformed by a visionary group of students from the nearby Malang University into a rainbow village. Every surface and home was painted a different hue, giving the village a whole new contemporary culture which draws in visitors and allows the community to thrive.
Bali
Bali is an island where ancient Hindu culture still thrives through its temples, dances and ceremonies. The dramatic 11th-century Uluwatu temple offers panoramic ocean views and impressive, traditional Kecak dances as the sun sets, while Ubud is the centre for heritage crafts such as wood carving, textiles and paintings.
But the contemporary scene is just as dominant, brought to the fore in the surfing and digital nomad communities of Canggu and the chic living, high-end nightclubs and restaurants of Seminyak and Uluwatu.
South Sulawesi
The island of Sulawesi is dotted with clusters of mysterious megaliths, believed to form part of the ancient ancestral worship that still forms part of Toraja community beliefs. Toraja communities still live in distinctive boat shaped Tongkonan houses, and honour the dead with elaborate funeral rites of feasts, dances and rituals.
In Sulawesi’s regional capital of Makassar, tradition is fused with innovation in a culinary scene that offers a modern take on Bugis-Makassar cuisine. Expect fresh, spicy seafood dishes in the fashionable area of Losari Beach.
