Anybody who’s visited Indonesia knows that the country is big on culture. From traditional handicrafts and performances to pariwisata budaya ("cultural tourism"), Indonesians enjoy sharing their culture with a world that’s usually all too eager to overlook its multicolored facets. How well do you know Indonesian culture? If your answer is "not at all," this lesson is for you. Table of Contents Values and Beliefs Philosophies and Religions The Indonesian Family Indonesian Art Indonesian Food Traditional Holidays Conclusion 1. Values and Beliefs "Unity in Diversity." That’s the English translation of the old Javanese phrase Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, the official motto of the Republic of... Show more

https://www.youtube.com/embed/k8eZKTbn8CQ Around the globe, the 18th-20th centuries saw much initial progress toward women’s rights and gender equality. In the United States and Europe, names such as Sojourner Truth, Mary Wollstonecraft, and Elizabeth Cady Stanton often come to mind when discussing these topics. But in Indonesia, the most commended name in this regard is R.A. Kartini.  In this article, you’ll learn more about this incredible woman and her namesake holiday, Kartini Day. 1. What is Kartini Day? Kartini Day is an Indonesian holiday first officially celebrated in 1964, established by the first Indonesian president Sukarno. It takes place each year on April 21, the birthdate of Raden Adjeng Kartini... Show more

Everyone has certain values, ideologies, or principles which guide them and help them be the best person they can be. Whether this is a certain religious code, a philosophy, or just a general mindset, these values are an important part of being human. Well, countries are founded on values and principles, too! In Indonesia, this is the Five Principles of Pancasila, which we’ll discuss in this article. You’ll also learn about Pancasila Day in Indonesia, how Indonesians observe this holiday, and some useful vocabulary. Let’s get started. 1. What is Pancasila Day? Pancasila Day, though not a public holiday, is a day of peringatan ("commemoration" ) for the Lima Asas Pancasila ("Five Principles of Pancasila" ). These... Show more

Islam is the number-one religion in Indonesia, with roughly eighty-seven percent of the country’s population identifying as Muslim (as of 2010). In addition, Indonesia is known to have more Muslims than any other country in the world! This means that Muslim holidays are a pretty big deal here. A major Muslim holiday, the Eid ul-Fitr celebration in Indonesia is a festive occasion with a variety of traditions. In this article, you’ll learn about the origins of Eid ul-Fitr, Indonesian observances for this holiday, and some new vocabulary words! Let’s get started. 1. What is Eid ul-Fitr? Eid ul-Fitr is an important Muslim holiday, marking the end of Ramadan fasting. This holiday was initiated by the Prophet Muhammad himself. ... Show more

Good Friday in Indonesia, called Jumat Agung, is a major holiday for the country’s Christian population—it’s an even bigger holiday here than Easter! In this article, you’ll learn about the origins of certain Good Friday celebrations in Indonesia, what those celebrations look like today, and much more. Let’s get started! 1. What is Good Friday? Good Friday is a Christian holiday celebrated in many countries around the world, by both Protestants and Catholics. This holiday commemorates the death of Jesus on the cross, as well as his suffering beforehand, before finally celebrating his Resurrection on Easter. Catholics know this holiday as Trihari Suci, or "Easter Triduum." In Indonesia, Good Friday is a time of mati raga,... Show more

One of the most important holidays in Indonesia for those of Chinese ethnicity, the Lunar New Year in Indonesia consists of many unique, traditional celebrations. In this article, you’ll learn about Chinese New Year festivities in Indonesia, read about common beliefs and symbolism, and gain a new set of handy Indonesian vocabulary for this holiday. At IndonesianPod101.com, it’s our aim to make every aspect of your language-learning journey both fun and informative—starting with this article! Let’s get started. 1. What is the Chinese New Year in Indonesia? Every year around the beginning of February, ethnic Chinese in Indonesia celebrate Chinese New Year. Chinese New Year celebrations are full of traditions, especially that of... Show more

On National Heroes’ Day, Indonesians commemorate and honor all those who lost their lives in their 1945 battle against the British. Many people on both sides lost their lives, but in the end, Indonesia was able to remain free from Dutch colonial rule. This day is sometimes referred to as Warriors Day or National Hero Day. In this article, you’ll learn about the history of Heroes’ Day in Indonesia, how Indonesians observe it today, and some practical holiday vocabulary! At IndonesianPod101.com, we hope to make every aspect of your language-learning journey both fun and informative! 1. What is Heroes’ Day in Indonesia? On Indonesian Heroes’ Day, Indonesians commemorate the deaths of 16,000 Indonesian and 2,000 British... Show more

Indonesia celebrates national Batik Day each year in appreciation and admiration of the art of coloring clothing and other textiles via the Indonesian batik method, which has been recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage culture. In this article, you’ll learn more about what the unique Indonesian batik is, how Indonesians celebrate it, and why. In learning about this holiday, you’re gaining much insight into the rich culture and history of Indonesia—and we’re sure you’ll find the more familiar you are with Indonesian culture, the more fascinating the language will become! At IndonesianPod101.com, we hope to make every aspect of your learning journey both fun and informative! We think you’ll soon agree that National Batik Day fits the... Show more

Indonesian Independence Day is the most important holiday in the country, celebrated countrywide and even by Indonesians currently overseas. On Independence Day, Indonesians commemorate the signing and reading of its Declaration of Independence in 1945, freeing it from a long and terrible Dutch colonial period. Learn about the history of Indonesian Independence day with IndonesianPod101.com, and make your language-learning that much more meaningful. 1. History of Indonesian Independence Day Indonesia Independence Day is the celebration of when the country’s Declaration of Independence was signed and read in 1945. This text contains a declaration that the islands in the Archipelago unite into one sovereign country, thus... Show more

Each year, Indonesia observes National Children’s Day (or more informally, National Kids Day). This is a day for Indonesians to remember the importance and indispensability of children for the country’s future, and the future of the world. Furthermore, Children’s Day is a good time to reflect on education in Indonesia, as well as children’s rights in Indonesia. Another benefit of realizing children’s potential on this day is urging an end to child exploitation in Indonesia. In learning about National Children’s Day, you’re allowing yourself a better glance at Indonesian culture, family values in Indonesia, and even the family system in Indonesia! Understanding a country’s culture is one of the most important steps in mastering its... Show more