Indonesia is
culturally rich. Indonesian art and culture are intertwined with religion and
age-old traditions from the time of early migrants with Western thoughts
brought by Portuguese traders and Dutch colonists. The basic principles which
guide life include the concepts of mutual assistance or “gotong royong” and
consultations or “musyawarah” to arrive at a consensus or “mufakat” Derived
from rural life, this system is still very much in use in community life
throughout the country.
Though the
legal system is based on the old Dutch penal code, social life as well as the rites
of passage are founded on customary or “adat” law which differs from area to
area. “Adat” law has a binding impact on Indonesian life and it may be
concluded that this law has been instrumental in maintaining equal rights for
women in the community. Religious influences on the community are variously
evident from island to island.
