The President of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, is honored as the chief guest at India's Republic Day celebrations. This marks the fifth time an Indonesian leader has participated in this grand event. The inaugural Republic Day on January 26, 1950, also saw Indonesia’s President Sukarno as the chief guest. India’s and Indonesia’s historical ties go back millennia. Today, Indonesia stands as the world's largest Muslim country, with nearly 270 million people, of which 90% are Muslim. At one time, the influence of Hindu and Buddhist kingdoms was predominant. Understanding how a country once dominated by Hindu and Buddhist traditions transformed into the world's largest Muslim nation is fascinating...
Previously Dominated by Hindu and Buddhist Influences
Historically, Indonesia has always been a pivotal trade hub. Its earliest known civilization, the Buni or Monastic civilization, was significantly advanced by the 4th century BCE. Followers of Hinduism and Buddhism adhered to the sage traditions. For approximately two millennia, these religions prevailed, under the rule of kings like Kertanegara and Tribhuwana. Trade ties with China and India enriched Indonesia with cultural exchanges, making it a melting pot for various faiths due to its enchanting resources.
In the late 13th century, the Hindu Majapahit Empire, under the stewardship of Gajah Mada, rose in power, leaving enduring effects that echo today. This era is often referred to as Indonesia’s Golden Age.
The Spread of Islam: Commerce, Swords, and Marriages
Historical accounts suggest Arab Muslim traders arrived in the 8th century. However, Islam began to grow significantly during the late 13th century through these traders and scholarly missionaries. Initially, local rulers adopted Islam and influential families soon followed. Tracing back through records reveals that missionaries arrived from regions like South Asia (e.g., Gujarat), Southeast Asia (e.g., Champa), and later from the southern Arabian Peninsula (e.g., Hadhramaut).
By the 13th century, Islamic states began emerging on Sumatra's northern coast. When Marco Polo returned from China in 1292, he recorded the presence of Muslim towns in Indonesia. Sultan Malik Al-Saleh is recognized as the first Muslim ruler here. By the end of the 13th century, Islam had established a firm presence in northern Sumatra.
Marriages into the Local Population
Trade leaders and rulers were among the first to embrace Islam. Muslim traders often married local women, sometimes from royal families. As rulers and their retinue converted, their subjects followed suit. Although Islam’s spread was gradual, by the 15th century, its momentum increased due to Islamic states like the Malacca Sultanate's military prowess and its command over maritime trade. There are accounts of regions where Islam spread through conquest and forced conversions, albeit primarily through missionaries and commerce.
Source: aajtak
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Muslim traders brought Islam along. Some accounts tell of forced conversions. Still, today, the influence of Hinduism on Indonesian Islamic culture remains profound. Names carry roots in both Arabic and Sanskrit.
Choosing a Constitutional Path After Independence
Although the largest religion in Indonesia is Islam, with 87.06% identifying as Muslim in 2023, it remains a constitutional secular state. Indonesia acknowledges six official religions and is mainly home to Sunni Muslims, as per 2011 Pew Research data. While Sunni Muslims constitute 99% of the Muslim population, Shia Muslims, primarily around Jakarta, make up 1%, and approximately 400,000 adhere to the Ahmadiyya sect.
Source: aajtak
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Roots of Hindu and Buddhist Culture Remain Strong
India and Indonesia share deep-rooted historical connections, leading to stark cultural similarities. Hindu and Buddhist cultural influences have left enduring legacies in language, art, and mythologies. For instance, if you mention the Mahabharata or Ramayana, Indonesians would recognize them as part of their heritage. Festivals, parades, and portrayals of characters from these epics, such as Mahabharata and Ramayana, remain integral to cultural expressions. The stories of Buddhism and Hinduism continue to be vibrant threads in the nation’s cultural fabric.
