5 Indonesian Cultural Arts that Go Global

 A superb writer According to BPS census statistics from the year 2010, there are over 1430 different ethnic groups in Indonesia. As a result, Indonesia is diverse and artistically rich. Every ethnic group has unique traits, and each tribe also practices a different form of art. This attracts tourists from other nations and makes Indonesian art and original works well-known and adored throughout the world.

Additionally, there are those that observe traditional civilizations in this nation in order to conduct research on these cultures and customs, particularly academics from a variety of colleges outside. Here are five of them who are well-known worldwide.

1. Batik

On October 2, 2009, UNESCO recognized Indonesian batik, comprising its traditions, methods, and advancements in technology, as a Humanitarian Heritage for Oral and Intangible Culture. Since then, Indonesia has celebrated National Batik Day on the second Sunday in October.

The first person to popularize batik was former Indonesian President Soeharto, who wore it to a UN conference. The term "batik" itself actually refers to more than just a fabric or article of apparel with motifs created using conventional coloring methods. Batik, however, has significant significance in traditional Javanese culture as a method of creating these motifs on natural fiber fabrics by employing the instruments "malam" and "canting" that use natural color. Even now, the motifs used in batik and the method used to create it are still changing.

2. Angklung 

Multitortal (double-pitched) musical instrument called the "angklung" has historically evolved in the neighborhood. communities speaking Sundanese in western Java. This bamboo musical instrument is shaken to produce sound (the sound caused by the collision of bamboo pipe bodies). Each little measure generates a vibrating sound in a range of 2, 3, or 4 tones.

3. Wayang 

This native Indonesian performance art, which originated on the islands of Java and Bali, has a long history. With the notation "galigi mawayang," the Balitung inscription from the fourth century demonstrates the presence of wayang at that time. There are various different kinds of wayang under development, including wayang kulit, wayang golek, and wayang orang, with stories that are also expanding.

On November 7, 2003, UNESCO added wayang to its list of "Masterpieces of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity" as one of Indonesia's cultural storytelling arts. We can still see wayang performances today. In reality, certain shows on private television stations frequently feature wayang orang performances that are peppered with humor to keep it fresh and engaging.

4. Reog

There are still many elements in this art that have a magical, supernatural scent. The characters "warok" and "gemblak" are frequently seen in this traditional performance that originated in Ponorogo, East Java. The most well-known genesis myth for reog is the one in which Ki Ageng Kutu, a courtier of the Majapahit Kingdom in the 15th century, used reog to rally the populace behind a rebellion.

5. Kecak Dance

Kecak dance, also known as "Cak" dance or fire dance, is a performance art form or form of mass entertainment that predominantly portrays "Pewayangan Lakon" characters like Rama Sita and is not specifically used in Hindu religious rituals like worship, odalan, and other ceremonies. It is also known as "Cak" dance or fire dance.

The "holy" forms of Kecak dance are typically performed as kerauhan or masolah, which are mystical fire resistances.

Kecak dance performances solely combine the art of mouth sounds or screams like "cak cak ke cak cak cak ke," hence this dance is named Kecak dance. In contrast to other Balinese dances, which use gamelan as musical accompaniment.