Indonesia is a country rich with various cultures. It is home to more than 300 ethnic groups, and each is unique in its own way. These cultures have been recognized by the world and considered as a part of the country’s heritage, but unfortunately, some of them have been claimed by other countries. In this article, we will discuss some of the cultures that have been claimed by foreign countries and the reasons why.
Batik
Batik is a traditional Indonesian fabric that has been around for centuries. It is made using a dye-resistant technique where wax is applied in intricate patterns to the fabric before it is dyed. This results in a beautiful and unique design on the fabric. However, batik is not only popular in Indonesia but also in other countries such as Malaysia, Singapore, and even the Netherlands.
The Netherlands, in particular, has claimed batik as their own because it was brought to the country during their colonial rule in Indonesia. They have even trademarked the word "batik" and use it to sell batik-inspired products. However, this has caused controversy among the Indonesian people, as they believe batik is a part of their cultural heritage.
Rendang
Rendang is a traditional Indonesian dish made of meat cooked in a spicy coconut milk sauce. The dish originates from the Minangkabau ethnic group in Indonesia, but it has become popular in other countries such as Malaysia and Singapore. In 2011, a UK-based food website, CNN Travel, named rendang as the world’s most delicious dish.
However, controversy arose when a Malaysian-born chef claimed that rendang was actually from Malaysia. This caused an uproar among Indonesians who were proud of their culinary heritage. The debate quickly spread on social media, and many Indonesians joined in to defend their beloved dish.
Angklung
Angklung is a musical instrument from West Java that is made of bamboo and produces a unique sound when shaken. It is often played during cultural performances and has become a symbol of Indonesian culture. However, similar bamboo instruments are found in other countries such as Thailand, the Philippines, and Vietnam.
The Philippines has claimed that they also have a similar instrument called the "kulintang," which they say predates the angklung. However, this claim is highly contested, as there is evidence that shows the angklung has been around since the 7th century.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Indonesia is a country with a rich cultural heritage that has been recognized by the world. However, some of its cultures have been claimed by foreign countries, causing controversy among Indonesians. Batik, rendang, and angklung are just some examples of cultures that have been claimed by other countries. It is important to remember that these cultures belong to the Indonesian people and should be respected as a part of their heritage.
