Integrating Foreign Culture: A Deeper Look at Indonesia vs Malaysia

I have traveled extensively throughout Southeast Asia as part of my Buddhist research and pilgrimage, observing firsthand the fascinating fusion of ancient and modern cultures. Among the countries that caught my attention is Indonesia. Traveling there as part of my journey to explore diverse Southeast Asian cultures, it became apparent to me that the absorption of foreign cultural elements varies significantly between Indonesia and Malaysia.

Indonesia: A Nation Shaped by Foreign Influences

Indonesia, a melting pot of ethnicities, is governed predominantly by Javanese Muslims due to their considerable political, military, and police influence. Sumatranese groups form the second-largest ethnic group. The rest of Indonesia's diverse ethnic groups, which include the Dayaks, Bajo, and Madureses, are often subordinate to the dominant Javanese and Sumatranese groups. This power dynamics manifest not only in politics but also in the cultural sphere.

One of the most striking aspects of Indonesia's cultural evolution is the absorption of Hindu-Brahmanic traditions. The Javanese, Balinese, and Sumatran cultures have embraced Indian influences, with nearly 90% of their cultural elements derived from the ancient Kalinga Hindu Sanskrit culture of Southern Asia. The natives have largely forsaken their original animist beliefs and replaced them with imported Hindu practices, naming themselves after Hindu deities such as Shiva and Vishnu, instead of their native animist names.

The blending of Hinduism and Islam in Indonesia presents a unique hybrid religion. This amalgamation of Practices and beliefs has led to a complex and sometimes confusing cultural landscape, where individuals may identify themselves with multiple religious practices. For instance, it is not uncommon for someone in Indonesia to identify as Hindu, Christian, or even Buddhist but still practice Islamic rituals, adding to the confusion.

One of the significant challenges in Indonesia is distinguishing between individuals who identify with different religious backgrounds. Many Javanese and Sumatran people may present Hindu names but practice Islamic rituals, making it difficult for non-Muslims like Buddhists and Christians to truly know the religious affiliation of their counterparts. This obfuscation poses dangerous implications for social harmony, as it can encourage deception and misunderstandings.

Malaysia: A More Transparent Religious Identity

Malaysia, on the other hand, presents a stark contrast. The Malays in Malaysia are more straightforward in their religious and cultural identities. They have embraced Islam deeply, and the influence of animist traditions from their indigenous cultures has largely been abandoned over time. When discussing their cultural origins, Malaysian Malays confidently acknowledge the adoption of Islamic traditions and recognize the distinctiveness of their indigenous animist heritage.

The clarity of identity in Malaysia contrasts sharply with the confusion prevalent in some parts of Indonesia. It is easier for individuals in Malaysia to identify as either Malay Muslims, who have mixed Islamic and indigenous cultural elements, or those who identify with the indigenous animist traditions. This transparency helps in maintaining a sense of community and cultural pride, contributing to the overall stability of Malaysia's diverse society.

The Implications of Cultural Integration

The blending of Dharmic and Abrahamic religions in Southeast Asia poses several challenges. While the integration of foreign cultures can enrich a nation's heritage, it also raises questions about the purity and authenticity of these cultural traditions. For instance, in Indonesia, the mixing of Hindu-Brahmanic practices with Islam has led to a diluted form of both religions, which may be at odds with the original tenets of these faiths.

This cultural integration has a profound impact on the preservation of traditional practices and beliefs. The dominant narratives often overshadow the original indigenous practices, leading to a loss of cultural diversity. In the long term, this can result in a homogenized society where unique cultural identities are gradually erased.

For followers of Buddhism, particularly, the preservation of the purity of the Dharma is crucial. Any individual who converts to Buddhism should be loyal to the spiritual teachings and not allow the influence of other religious dogmas to corrupt the faith. The blending of Dharmic and Abrahamic religions, as seen in Indonesia, can dilute the spiritual purity of Buddhism and other Dharmic traditions.

Integral to the preservation of Buddhist culture is the clarity of religious identity. Individuals should be open and honest about their religious background to avoid deception and misunderstandings. By maintaining clear boundaries between different religious practices, we can foster a more harmonious and respectful cultural environment, ensuring that each faith can evolve while retaining its unique essence.

To sum up, while both Indonesia and Malaysia have embraced foreign cultural influences, the manner and extent to which these influences have been integrated differ significantly. Understanding these dynamics will help us appreciate the complexities of cultural integration in Southeast Asia and work towards a more transparent and respectful cultural coexistence.