My sojourn to one of the most beautiful islands in the Indian Ocean, not once but many a time, has left me drenched with memories of a nation desperately trying to stay together in view of its vastness, remoteness and ethnic disparity. One cannot imagine the administration of a nation that stretches as far apart as Nicobar islands in India to Darwin in Australia. It is a unique nation inhabited by the world’ largest population of Muslims but steeped in Hindu and Buddhist culture. The amalgamation of both the religions is clearly seen in their way of life, their lifestyles and a culture that gladdens one’s heart in view of the distrust that exists amongst various religious groups in our own country.

The archipelago is god’s gift to mankind: Abounding in natural resources, virgin forests and hitherto unexplored islands as well as rare species of flora and fauna. Indonesians love India and call it as their mother country and are fond of Bollywood movies and the Bharatiya culture. During my walks on the streets of Jakarta, I used to be accosted usually by group of young boys reciting famous Bollywood numbers like Kuch kuch hota hai, Dil to pagal hai. Hindi films are very popular in Indonesia and Bollywood stars are household names. Despite not understanding the Hindi language, they would correctly recite the songs to the last word. The local people would frequently question me on the well-being of various films stars and I would do my best in answering their queries on their personal or professional life while hardly knowing any details.

Their interest in India went beyond this; stretching to Indian lifestyles, habits and customs. Women would especially ask me about sarees and would also request me to give them our decorative bindis. Their fascination for India and Indians would thrill me beyond description after the bitter experience in Hong Kong. I found them to be very warm hearted, generous and kind despite being in the throes of the worst ever economic crisis.

Even as you land in Jakarta, you are warned against muggers and street thieves as they are known to rob and mug foreigners. However, I never faced this problem and roamed the streets happily interacting with locals in market places, malls, historical sites and tourist destinations. The skyline outlined with skyscrapers, Jakarta is similar to Mumbai, crowded but not dirty unless you visit the downtown areas. It still retains the old world charm of a Dutch colony and reminded me of a seafaring village in old Goa. However, the similarities end here.

In the capital city, every traffic circle or major arch is outlined with figurines of Lord Rama, Sita and Lakshman seated in a chariot. Another interesting aspect of the city is that most entry points are flanked by towering statues of Garuda, the Vahana of Lord Vishnu which is their national symbol. These tall white figurines carved out of stone can be seen in many parts of the city signifying the benevolence of the reigning deity. Even their national airlines, Garuda Airways is named after this deity.

The city of Jakarta was once called ‘Jayakartha’ meaning the symbol of victory. Steeped in the symbolism of Hinduism, this essentially Muslim country reflects the true spirit of a harmonious nation which has flourished from different strands down the ages. Visiting the residence of a few local people, I could clearly see the amalgamation of both the cultures, especially in their outlook. Apart from that, many houses are built in the style of a temple while the interiors reflect their own lifestyle and habitat. Although a nation of conservative people, modernism is flanked by traditional values.

Amidst the shimmering blue waters of the Java Sea and bounded by tall, craggy cliffs is Jakarta where wide streets, steel and chrome buildings blend with traditional, old world, charming narrow laned markets vying for attention. Dotted by tall, graceful swaying palms, the city is part of one of the eight major islands in the archipelago. The ‘Golden Triangle’ area not only houses the business district but also posh residential complexes along with embassies of many nations. Teeming with people of all religions, but dominated by a Muslim majority, the country mirrors its religious heritage, past and present aesthetically.

According to local historians, Hinduism spread in Java in the fifth century followed by Buddhism three centuries later. However, both the beliefs were eclipsed by Islam in the 15th century. Many temples unearthed in Java have an upper half depicting Hindu faith while the lower half Buddhist faith. Even the mosques built during this period have roofs shaped like Hindu temples. The mosques were not built facing Mecca but facing east or west like Hindu temples.

Traces of early religion and their past heritage is clearly reflected in their day-to-day life. For instance, the offerings of incense, flowers and food are still followed by Muslims specially during the ceremonial burial rites. Hinduism was rooted in Indonesia for 1,000 years and so its influence can be seen in all walks of life. The beliefs and traditions of Hinduism have been ingrained for centuries now and they are part of their lives.

Source: The New Indian Express, August 1, 2013