Indonesia's President, Prabowo Subianto, is the chief guest for this year's Republic Day celebrations in India. This marks the fifth occasion when an Indonesian leader has graced India with their presence on this significant day. Notably, at the first Republic Day ceremony on January 26, 1950, Indonesia's President Sukarno was the chief guest. It’s fascinating to recognize that India and Indonesia share a relationship spanning thousands of years. Today, Indonesia is the world's largest Muslim-majority country. Of a population close to 270 million, around 90% are Muslim. Nevertheless, there was a time when Hindu and Buddhist rulers influenced the region. Understanding how Islam emerged in predominantly Hindu and Buddhist Indonesia, transforming it into the largest Muslim-populated nation, is intriguing.
Initially Dominated by Hindu and Buddhist Influences
Indonesia has historically been crucial for trade. The Buni or Moni civilization is Indonesia's oldest civilization, showing notable advancement by the 4th century BCE. Followers of Hindu and Buddhist religions emulated the sage traditions. For nearly two thousand years, Hindu and Buddhist faiths prevailed in Indonesia, with rulers like Kirtanagara and Tribhuwana ruling the land. Indonesia had trade relations with both China and India. Its rich natural resources always made it a focal point for foreign attention. Thus, people from various world religions have ventured to this region.
In the late 13th century, the Hindu Majapahit Empire rose in East Java, led by figures like Gajah Mada, whose influence still resonates in today's Indonesia. This period is often referred to as Indonesia's golden age.
Trading, Marriage, and the Spread of Islam
Recorded history indicates that Arab Muslim traders set foot in Indonesia during the 8th century. However, the spread of Islam began towards the end of the 13th century. Initially, Islam spread through Arab Muslim traders and then through missionary activities lead by scholars. Local rulers were among the first to embrace Islam, subsequently influencing their families and nobility. Various reports suggest that missionaries originated from South Asia (like Gujarat), Southeast Asia (including Champa), and later southern Arabian Peninsula (such as Hadhramaut).
As the 13th century progressed, Islamic states began forming on Sumatra's northern coast. By 1292, as Marco Polo journeyed back from China, he mentioned Muslim cities in Indonesia. Sultan Malik ul Salih is recognized as one of the first Muslim leaders in this region. By the 13th century's close, Islam had secured its foundation in northern Sumatra.
Marriages with Local Communities
It's believed that local rulers and traders initially embraced Islam. Muslim traders often married local women, including some within royal circles. As rulers and their courtiers converted to Islam, their subjects gradually followed suit. Though Islam's spread was slow initially, by the 15th century, Islamic states like the Malacca Sultanate grew in power and control over maritime trade, accelerating the spread of Islam. Reports also note that in some regions of Indonesia, Islam was spread through force, although it predominantly thrived through missionary work and trade.
Source: aajtak
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Muslim merchants introduced Islam during their travels. However, there were instances of forced conversions by foreign invaders. Yet, the enduring cultural impact of Hinduism is evident, with Arabic and Sanskrit names still prevalent in places and people.
Post-Independence Constitutional Commitment
Islam is the major religion in Indonesia, with the 2023 Population Register indicating that 87.06% of Indonesians identify as Muslim. Most are Sunni Muslims, with Pew Research in 2011 noting that 99% of the Muslim population was Sunni, while 1% was Shia, primarily around Jakarta, alongside about 400,000 Ahmadi Muslims. Even as a Muslim-majority nation, Indonesia is a secular state by constitution, recognizing six official religions.
Source: aajtak
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Hindu and Buddhist Legacies Remain Strong
The ties between India and Indonesia are deeply rooted in history, resulting in numerous cultural similarities. Hindu and Buddhist beliefs have left a lasting impact on the language, culture, and myths of the region. For instance, when you mention epics like the Mahabharata and Ramayana in Indonesia, they're considered integral to local tradition. Celebrations and processions often highlight characters from these epics, vibrant marionette shows continue to depict stories from these religious texts. Hindu and Buddhist narratives remain woven into Indonesia’s cultural tapestry.
