Indonesia and Malaysia: 5 Ethnic and Cultural Similarities
a symbol of unity between Indonesia and Malaysia. Source: unusa.ac.id
As countries located in Southeast Asia, Indonesia, and Malaysia have many things in common. Both from culture and religion. Indonesia and Malaysia are adjoining countries. This causes not many significant differences. Although there are differences that occur in it. If we try to explore these two countries, we will not find too many differences in terms of culture and religion. In general, there are several points of similarity that we can see between Indonesia and Malaysia in terms of culture and religion, here is an outline of the similarities that we can see:
1. Ethnic Diversity:
Both Indonesia and Malaysia have very ethnically diverse societies. In Indonesia, there are more than 360 ethnic groups, while Malaysia has major populations of Malays, Chinese, and Indians, as well as indigenous ethnic groups in Sabah and Sarawak.
Various ethnic groups in Indonesia. Source : medcom.id
2. Language:
There are similarities in language, between Indonesia and Malaysia. It is just the way it is used differently. Malay or "Bahasa Malaysia in Malaysia" is the official language used daily by all circles in Malaysia. In Indonesia, Malay is the official language of one of the tribes in Indonesia whose use is more dominantly used for those with Malay tribes.
3. Religious Influence:
Although several religions exist in these two countries, but Islam is the majority. In Indonesia, the majority of the population is Muslim, and in the same way, in Malaysia, the majority of the population is Muslim. Therefore, Islam is dominant in both countries. Many rules in the government are made based on and decided according to the foundation of Islam. Indonesia and Malaysia are different from countries in Europe and America, which are liberal or free.
4. Traditional Arts:
Both countries have a rich artistic heritage, including traditional dances. Such as Pendet dance in Indonesia and Joget dance in Malaysia as well as various other dances. There is also the art of music and shadow puppetry which is a very similar artistic and cultural heritage of these two countries.
5. Culinary:
In terms of flavor, Indonesian and Malaysian cuisines have a lot in common, especially the traditional foods. For example, nasi lemak can be found in every corner of Indonesia and Malaysia, as well as rendang, sate, and fried noodles. Although there are slight differences from the regional variations in recitation.
Nasi lemak. source: travel.earth
From the diversity of ethnic and cultural similarities, we can see that these similarities can give birth to colorful traditional cultures, to become cultural heritage. The Islamic religion is also a cornerstone, as well as the culinary diversity that can spoil the tongue. As we know, Indonesia and Malaysia are not only geographical neighbors, but also cultural brothers who influence and enrich each other.
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