Indian Indonesians

COLLECTIE TROPENMUSEUM De Jalan Pasar Baroe met veel winkels hier vooral Indiaase en Japanse winkels TMnr 60001115

Perhimpunan Shri Mariamman (Mariamman Hindu Temple), Medan

Error creating thumbnail:

COLLECTIE TROPENMUSEUM Portret van twee Klingalese vrouwen en één kind aan de Sumatraanse oostkust TMnr 10005165

Indian Indonesians are a group of people living in Indonesia who are of Indian descent. This community forms a small but significant part of the Indonesian population, with a history that dates back to the times of the trade relations between the Indonesian archipelago and the Indian subcontinent. Over the centuries, Indian culture has had a profound influence on Indonesian culture, religion, and society.

History

The history of Indian Indonesians can be traced back to the 1st century, with evidence suggesting that traders from the Indian subcontinent had established trade links with the kingdoms in Sumatra and Java. The influence of Indian culture, language, and religion was significant in the early development of Southeast Asian cultures, including that of Indonesia. The spread of Hinduism and Buddhism in Indonesia during the first millennium is a testament to this interaction.

In the colonial era, the number of Indians in Indonesia increased significantly with the arrival of traders, laborers, and professionals during the Dutch East Indies period. Many of them settled in the port cities of Java and Sumatra, forming vibrant communities.

Demographics

Today, Indian Indonesians are a diverse community, with the majority being of Tamil and Punjabi descent. They are primarily concentrated in urban areas such as Jakarta, Medan, and Surabaya. According to the 2010 census, there are approximately 100,000 people of Indian descent in Indonesia, although unofficial estimates suggest the number could be higher.

Culture

Indian Indonesians have maintained their cultural heritage while also integrating with the Indonesian culture. This is evident in their festivals, food, and religious practices. Diwali, the festival of lights, and Holi, the festival of colors, are celebrated with much enthusiasm within the community and have also been embraced by some Indonesians.

The community has also contributed to Indonesian cuisine, with dishes such as roti canai and murtabak becoming popular among Indonesians. Indian Indonesians have also made significant contributions to the Indonesian economy, particularly in the fields of trade, industry, and education.

Religion

The majority of Indian Indonesians practice Hinduism, followed by Islam, Sikhism, and Christianity. The island of Bali, where Hinduism is the predominant religion, has a significant Indian Hindu population. The Indian Muslim community is mainly concentrated in urban areas, while the Sikh community, though smaller, has its gurdwaras in several cities.

Challenges and Contributions

Indian Indonesians have faced challenges in terms of identity and integration. However, they have also played a significant role in the socio-economic development of Indonesia. The community has been involved in philanthropy, particularly in the fields of education and healthcare.

Conclusion

Indian Indonesians are an integral part of Indonesia's multicultural society. Their history, culture, and contributions continue to enrich the social and economic fabric of Indonesia.