Hindu influence in Indonesia

Some years back, a friend who had gone to Indonesia, the most populous Muslim country in the world, on his return met me at Adipur in Kutch (Gujarat) and showed me a high-denomination (20,000 rupiah) currency note of that country with Lord Ganesh imprinted on it. I was as surprised, as I was impressed.

When last month a group of eminent Sindhi gentlemen came to Delhi from Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia and invited me for a World Sindhi Conference scheduled to be held at Jakarta on July 9, 10 and 11, 2010, I readily agreed. One reason was that I had never before been to that country, though I had often heard reports about the impact of Indian civilization and more particularly, the impact of epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata on that country. The Ganesh inscribed currency note was only an example.

Accompanied by my wife Kamla, daughter Pratibha, my associate for decades, Deepak Chopra and his wife Veena, I left for Indonesia on July 8 and returned on July 13 with very fond memories of the trip. Indonesia comprises 13,677 islands of which over 6000 are inhabited. Of its total population of 20.28 crores, more than 88 per cent are Muslims, and 10 per cent Christians. Its 2 per cent Hindu population is concentrated mainly in the island of Bali, the famous tourist paradise.

Brand logo of Bali

The recently adopted above new brand logo for the Island of Bali is a manifestation of country’s Hindu traditions. An Indonesian Ministry of tourism publication explains the logo as : The triangle (shape of logo) is a symbol of stability and balance. It is formed out of three straight lines in which both ends meet, taking the symbols of a blazing fire (Brahma – the creator), lingga or phallus. The triangle also represents the three Gods of the universe (Trimurti – Brahma, Wisnu, and Siwa), three stages of nature (Bhur, Bwah and Swah Loka), and three stages of Life (Born, Live, and Die). The tagline ‘Shanti, Shanti, Shanti’ represents peace upon Bhuwana alit dan agung (yourself and the world) that will deliver a sacred and holy vibe that awakens a deep aura that balance and make peace to all living creatures.

Also given below is a specimen of the Ganesh-inscribed 20,000 rupiah currency note of Bank Indonesia. As I have mentioned in this piece earlier, I had seen this some years back and had resolved then itself to procure a specimen of the note to show it to others if I happen to visit that country.

Indonesian Rupiah with Ganesh inscription

The Sindhi Conference was a great success. More than a thousand delegates drawn from 32 different countries of all five continents – America, Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia - attended the conclave. Most of the delegates were youngsters or middle aged whose families had gone through the sufferings of mass migration which happened in 1947.

Partition of India had dealt a terrible blow to millions on both sides of the Radcliffe Line. Hindus from Sind had not only been uprooted from their hearths and homes, but unlike Hindus of Punjab and Bengal, who had the satisfaction of saving something like half of their home states, had also been despoiled off their entire province, and forced to adopt different states of divided India as their totally new homes.

Speaking to these Sindhi delegates I felt proud that they had not only gone through the traumatic experience of partition with confidence and fortitude, but, generally speaking, they had actually prospered immensely. They had succeeded in converting a calamity into an opportunity.

Of course, there were in this gathering delegates whose forefathers had gone to the countries they represented in this conclave, long before India became independent and suffered this trauma of partition. The main organizer of this Jakarta Conference for instance, Shri Suresh Vaswani was one whose grandfather had come to Jakarta some time around 1914, that is, nearly one century back! This family had since settled down here and made this island of Java their home. When we were in Sind, this class of traders who went overseas and earned wealth for their families were colloquially known as ‘Sindhworkies’.

For a visitor to Jakarta, Indonesia’s capital, situated on the north-west coast of Java, the most striking landmark right in the centre of the city is the magnificently-constructed Shri Krishna-Arjuna pair mounted on a multiple -horse-drawn chariot.

Krishna-Arjuna statue at Jakarta main square

In Indonesia, the names of places, of people, and the nomenclature of institutions also give one a clear impression of a benign Sanskrit influence.

Statue of Bheem

It certainly pleased me to gather that the official mascot of Military Intelligence in Indonesia is Hanuman. The rationale offered by a local was that it was Hanuman who had been able to trace that Sita, kidnapped by Ravana, had been kept in confinement at the Ashok Vatika.

Our family spent four days in Indonesia – two days in Jakarta and two days in Bali.

Bali is one of the bigger islands of the country. Its industries include gold and silver work, woodcarving, weaving, copra, salt and coffee. But the moment you touch the place you can see clearly that the place is swarming with tourists. With a population of around three million, Bali has a tourist traffic of around one million every year.

The capital of this island is Denpasar. Our place of stay was the picturesque Four Seasons Resort, a seaside resort not very far from the airport.

On way to the Resort I saw a gigantic stone construction not very dissimilar to the Krishna-Arjuna one I had seen in Jakarta, except that this one was bigger.

Ghatotakach statue near the Ngurah Rai International Airport

I asked the driver of my car: Whose statue is this? And you can imagine my surprise when he replied: “This is a depiction of Ghatotkach of the Mahabharata.” He added; “And the statue in the city itself showing Ghatotkach’s father Bheema waging battle with a demon is even more massive!”

In India itself, of the two epics Ramayana and Mahabharat the average citizen is familiar with most characters of the Ramayana. But the characters of Mahabharata are little known. Indeed, even in India very few would be able to identify who Ghatotkach is. And here was the driver of our car knowing full well both Ghatotkach as well as his relationship with Bheema!

Both at the Sindhi Convention in Jakarta as well as in Bali we were able to witness glimpses of scenes from the Ramayana enacted with slight variations from the traditional form as known to us in India. The performance, the presentation as also the general climate at the sites where the shows were held were all marked by befitting piety and reverence.

Indonesia, I must say, seemed to know and cherish Ramayana and Mahabharata better than we do.

L.K. Advani
New Delhi

July 17, 2010

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23 Responses to “Hindu influence in Indonesia”

Krishna P Gopal Says:
July 17th, 2010 at 7:18 pm
No wonder, the country itself is named after india- indonesia!
Prashant Says:
July 18th, 2010 at 12:22 am
Dear Advaniji

Thanks for sharing these insightful details of your journey. I really did not know all this even I have colleagues from Indonesia.

Thanks again
Regards
Prashant
Col.N.Viswanathan Says:
July 18th, 2010 at 11:50 am
It is indeed heartening to note the influence of Hinduism and our culture in far flung in Indonesia which is a Muslim majority nation.This is probably the only one Muslim nation which still respects and gives due regards to its past history.

The predominant Buddhist nation of Thailand has also show cased its past history and culture by naming its airport as Swarnabhoomi Airport. In the entrance to this aiport there is a massive sculpture of the churning of the ocean by the Asuras on one side and the Devas on the other. Even their ancient capital Ayuthayya is named after Ayodhya and is one of their main tourist attractions Like Bali in indonesia. Besides their kings have Ram in their titles. The present King is also known as Rama IX. While in our country Ramayana and Mahabharat will soon be forgotten. Efforts seem to be to erase our Hindu past.

Viswanathan
pdkamath Says:
July 18th, 2010 at 7:35 pm
Dear Sir,

I would like to mention an incident which took place long back during Asian games held at New Delhi. The then country head of Indonesia (I don’t remember his name) visited India as an invitee to the inauguration of the Asian games. There were articles in news papers about cultural connection between the two countries. All of us were surprised and pleased to know that in spite of being a Muslim dominated country they were still using sanskrit names and following Indian epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata in their day to day life. When a curious journalist asked about this to him he replied- “we have only changed our religion, not our forefathers”

I think, all of us in India need to learn something from Indonesians especially the so called progressive Hindus, who think making fun of every thing associated with Hindu customs and traditions is their fundamental right.
Rahul Kaushik Says:
July 18th, 2010 at 9:10 pm
आदरणीय अडवाणी जी,

सादर नाम्स्कार,

मैं एक सामान्य सा स्वयंसेवक हूँ..इतने वर्षो से आप जैसे श्रेष्ठ कार्यकर्ताओं के महान परिश्रम और कठिन तपस्या के बल पैर ही, मैं मानता हूँ के हमारा यह संगठन इतनी ऊंचाइयों तक पहुंचा है..परन्तु पिछले दिनों विभिन्न चैनलों, विशेषतः हेद्लिनेस टुडे ने जिस प्रकार की बातें कही हैं, के राष्ट्रीय स्वयंसेवक संघ और उसके कार्यकर्ताओं ने पूरे हैदराबाद और अजमेर में बम ब्लास्ट करवाए, उस पैर आपकी चुप्पी समाज में गलत सन्देश दे रही है..आज के मेल टुडे के अनुसार आप संघ के पक्ष में बोलने से बच रहे हैं और संघ को ‘अकेले फंसते’ देखना चाहते है..ऐसी बातें ह्रदय को दुःख देती हैं..श्रीमान इन्द्रेश कुमार जी के विरुद्ध जिस प्रकार का स्तरहीन और मिथ्या दुष्प्रचार किया जा रहा है, उस पर आपकी चुप्पी गलत संकेत देती प्रतीत हो रही है..

अतः, मैं आपसे यह देश के लक्शाधिक श्रद्धावान कार्यकर्ताओं की और से आपके चरणों में यह विनम्र प्रार्थना कर रहा हु के कृपया अपना अगला ब्लॉग आप इस्सी विषय पर लिखें..आपके मुख से आज इन बातों की अत्यंत आवश्यकता है..

श्रद्धासुमन सहित,
राहुल, दिल्ली.
R.K.Agarwal Says:
July 19th, 2010 at 5:33 pm
Sir,

Many Many thanks for sharing this wonderfull information with us. We are proud of our ancient culture and its manifestation the world over.

Thanks again
Rajam Subramaniam Says:
July 19th, 2010 at 10:13 pm
Dear Sir,

This was a very useful information, as I am travelling to Indonesia in September. I have informed all the others who will be travelling with me.

kind regards
Rajam Subramaniam
Atish Singh Says:
July 20th, 2010 at 8:14 am
Dear Advani ji,

I regularly read your blogs on different topics. But as a supporter of BJP I am confused now about your views and your party’s views on different national issues like Bangladeshis in India, section 370, kashmir solution, regionalism in India by different parties etc. I dont know your stand and BJP’s stand.

I want to know this from you on this forum because we have no any other medium to ask you or BJP. So if you clear your stand and your party’s stand on the issues, I can decide which party I follow.

I am waiting for your reply.

Thanks
Atish Singh

Please visit Sri Advani ji’s site http://www.lkadvani.in and party’s main site http://www.bjp.org for answers to your queries regarding their respective stands on various issues. - Blog admin
h.c.pandey Says:
July 20th, 2010 at 8:15 am
It was good information. Surprised that you visited Indonesia for the first time on a sindhi invitation so late in your life. Perhaps the Indonesian Muslims are tolerant towards Hindus and the Hinduism, that is why they have Ramlila, Ganesh and Mahabharat episodes. Please keep on giving such rare information in future also.

h.c.pandey
anogna Says:
July 20th, 2010 at 2:23 pm
Dear Mr Advani ,

I am very thankful for sharing your journey and your experience in INDONESIA….till now I never heard about the hindus there…your blog helps many people to know about Indonesia…

Thanking you,

Anogna
JayKumar Says:
July 21st, 2010 at 9:42 am
Sir,

Long back you wrote on your blog on “Compulsory Voting In India”, but as this idea emerged from Gujarat, UPA and Election Commission found it not possible to implement as many people live in other state for earning their lively hood especially poor people who live aside their family in village and go out in search of job in city. Even UPA and communist parties called Gujarat Govt as fascist Govt.

But all of sudden UPA is trying to bring bill on NRI voting rights in this country, this people who left country and living in other countries, seldom come to mother land that too meet their nearest and dearest how they can come and vote during election? Moreover, what is there contribution in building the nation? They don’t pay tax to India irrespective of the country they live US, UK or Gulf etc., So from where all of sudden UPA found love for NRI and want them to vote in India ? At the same time, they cant make arrangement or provision for those who are already in this country.

How come congress can think of keeping poor people out of democratic framework and deny their own democratic rights? In a response to PIL against this, Supreme Court says it’s a matter for govt to decide but how governor can reject Gujarat govt law on compulsory voting bill in local body election if the matter rests with the govt.

Sir, I would like to know what is your thought and take on this bill for granting voting rights for NRI and what is BJP’s stands point on it, will they support UPA in parliament for its approval like how they supported 33% women’s reservation bill or will it go for debate?

It is a good example to show how the Election Commission is biased towards BJP.
Dr.Saumyen Banerjee Says:
July 21st, 2010 at 12:06 pm
Respected Advaniji,

It is Excellent ! I am sending it to my old school mates who had a strong bond with me till now. They are scattered all over the world.

Please read the following paragraph :

“In 1947 Muslims had taken away their share of land as Pakistan and also the money. They devided India as Hindustan and Pakistan, the Muslims who now stay in India are our guests. Then, in spite of their having their own country, why do they stay and interfare with the affaires of Hindustan ?”

Kindly let me know your E-mail ID so that I can comunicate, this is important.

Dr.Saumyen Banerjee

__________________________________________________________________________________

To reach Sri Advani ji on all blog related issues, kindly send your mails to : blog.lkadvani@gmail.com. - Blog admin
srikanth Says:
July 21st, 2010 at 4:17 pm
Dear sir,

I am the fan of you and also a great fan of BJP. I regularly follow your statements in newspapers. I was surprised to see the currency note having lord Ganesh on that. I am also happy to know that the Bali citizens have not forgetten their forefathers and their traditions.
Dr Anil Agarwal Says:
July 21st, 2010 at 4:32 pm
I felt good to read that Indonesia is a country where Lord Ganesha’s picture is printed on the state currency. I want to thank you that you have shown the picture of that currency note worth 20,000. The picture enhances the value of the facts. The share of Hindu’s population is merely 2 per cent in the country still the statues of the characters of Mahabharata and Ramayana are also there. The word Indonesia is originated from Indus which also has relations with the word ‘Hindu’.

India was partially or sometimes fully ruled and influenced by invaders for about one thousand years even then India could succeed in saving its cultural and religious heritage. At the time of independence, India was declared democratic and secular country but somehow Hindus couldn’t regain their dignity till now in India.
Prashant Says:
July 22nd, 2010 at 5:27 am
Hari Om,

Indeed it was nice to know your experience. We have always been cherishing the Hindu culture prevailing in other countries. But, it is very unfortunate to see the negative thoughts and acts against our culture in our rashtra only.

Jai Hind

Prashant Patil
Dileep Mantena Says:
July 23rd, 2010 at 2:48 am
Mananiya Advaniji

Many thanks for sharing your Indonesia trip details with pictures. I was pleasantly surprised to see Lord Ganesha’s picture on their state currency.

-Dileep Mantena
pk mishra Says:
July 24th, 2010 at 11:48 pm
Respected Advani ji,

Thanks for the information about Indonesia. Though I had heard about Indian influence on the culture of Indonesia but I was not aware of specific instances- such as photo of Ganeshji on the not of 20000 rupiah and Hanumanji being on the Indonesian army insignia etc.

Historically India has left great impression on all neighbouring countries. In fact, some Chineses leader had commented that though India had not attacked millitarily but its culture had attacked China continuously.

It was good to read this blog.
dayala dass Says:
July 26th, 2010 at 10:30 am
Hinduism, no doubt, has influenced the whole world but its expansion and its duration was halted due to its caste sustem which is still being practised. No propagation and conversion machinery was ever deployed by Hindus but in any case, our Sanathana dharma would sustain and survive through any changes because it is the only ORIGINAL channel to reach out to the omni-intelligent, omni-present and the omni-potent.

Dayala Dass
Vinodh Says:
July 27th, 2010 at 4:07 pm
Sir,

Really surprising to see these informations, thanks for sharing.
Saurav Says:
August 8th, 2010 at 1:47 am
Mananiya Advaniji,

Thank you for sharing your experience.

But i will like to share some more.

#Balinese do not only have Hindu ancestry but they are Hindu themselves. Officially Bali is 93.5% Hindu, I don’t know if Any Indian State that has this percent of Hindus.

# Some survey by a group had listed top 10 temples ( Hindu) in the world , third on the list was Candi Prembanam in Java, Indonesia, First was Angkor Wat in Cambodia. though , those places had Hardly any official Hindus.

#Their National Carrier(airline) Is named after Garuda- The Vahana of Lord Vishnu.

any interested person can search for Hindu Bali in facebook and u will get a page which gives information on Bali.
amit alok Says:
August 8th, 2010 at 12:55 pm
Indeed enlightening and satisfying! Thanks Advani ji!
ubhatt Says:
August 26th, 2010 at 9:18 pm
Four days are not enough to have even an idea of India’s influence on Indonesia !! It was not only Hindu influence but also Buddhist and Islamic. Islam was brought to Indonesia by Gujarati Vohra traders. King Ashok’s daughter visited Indonesia to spread Buddhism. Buddhism and Hinduism existed together for centuries. Names of all Kings of its history are Sanskrit names such as Udayan, Sriwijaya, Shailendra.

Valmiki Ramayana mentions monkeys sent to Javadwipa and Suvarnadwipa in search of Sitajee. Even today there are rivers Saryu, Narmada, mountain Sumeru and places associated with Lord Ram’s killing of Bali etc. Shadow puppet plays with stories of Ramayan and Mahabharat are common in Java. Prevailing religion is mostly Islam but its culture is Hindu. In modern history, a “Gujarati”’s led a fight against foreign occupation in Kudus. Also it was Biju Patnaik who piloted an aeroplane to bring Soekarno safely out of hands of Dutch. Bolywood films, songs and stars are very popular.
Thai Culture Says:
September 18th, 2010 at 3:47 pm
Thai Culture…

Hindu influence in Indonesia | LK Advani’s Blog is a great post about thai culture facts I recently read….

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