Architecture of Indonesia
The architecture of Indonesia reflects the diversity of cultural, historical, and geographic influences that have shaped Indonesia as a whole. Invaders, colonizers, missionaries, merchants, and traders brought cultural changes that had a profound effect on building styles and techniques.
Pagaruyung Palace, a Minangkabau architecture from West Sumatra
A traditional Batak Toba house in North Sumatra
An avenue of houses in a Torajan village.
Traditional Minangkabau house in West Sumatra.
The culture of Indonesia has been shaped by long interaction between original indigenous customs and multiple foreign influences. Indonesia is centrally-located along ancient trading routes between the Far East, South Asia and the Middle East, resulting in many cultural practices being strongly influenced by a multitude of religions, including Buddhism, Christianity, Confucianism, Hinduism, and Islam, all strong in the major trading cities. The result is a complex cultural mixture, often different from the original indigenous cultures.
Gamelan, traditional music ensemble of Javanese, Sundanese, and Balinese people of Indonesia
Kendang, a traditional Indonesian drum, is often used during traditional music performances
Angklung, traditional music instrument of Sundanese people from West Java
Talempong, traditional music instrument of Minangkabau people from West Sumatra