Examples of Assimilation of Foreign Cultures with Indonesian Cultures
Ditulis pada: July 20, 2021
Talking about culture, the scope will be very broad. Because culture is related to habits, customs, and something that is considered important by a group of people. Culture itself, has a process of formation in it. One of them is cultural assimilation. Then, what is an example of cultural assimilation? What does it look like?
Indonesia has a unique variety of cultures. This diversity stretches from Sabang to Merauke. Offers a colorful landscape. The beauty can even be felt well by those who come from abroad. The admiration didn't stop coming out of their mouths.
Indeed, when it comes to cultural diversity, Indonesia is the champion. We are not discussing the various multidimensional problems in this country. Because if we talk about it, the wealth owned by Indonesia, including culture, will feel bland and in vain.
There is nothing wrong if for a moment we dissolve in the beauty of Indonesia's culture without having to think about all the complicated problems of the nation.
Culture is a human need that is born instinctively. Ancient humans have done it too. They created a culture of gathering, hunting, nomadic life, and so on. These are forms of culture that are born out of necessity and have become part of their life without realizing it.
Culture is not only concerned with works of art, the scope of culture is very broad, as mentioned above. For example, the queue culture. Is queuing one of the works of art? Literally of course not. However, queuing can still be categorized as a culture. Which if "violated" there is a kind of taboo there.
Even with what was done by early humans earlier. They create a habit, which then gradually becomes a culture. Become an identity that distinguishes their group from other groups. The essence of culture, in simple terms, is like that. A habit that is born from a group of people, then becomes an identity.
The occurrence of cultural assimilation
Life that occurs in society is very complex. There are many processes going on in it. Culture is not spared either. It must be admitted that some of the culture that is currently growing in Indonesia is not the original culture of Indonesia.
There are other cultures that interfere with it, then in the long term, the mixing of these cultures gives birth to new things, or new cultures.
The mixing of two cultures originating from different habits is commonly known as assimilation. An amalgamation of two cultures, each of which releases its original identity to give birth to something new.
Assimilation does not occur within a year or two. Especially cultural assimilation. There is a process that can be said to be very long. Adjustment after adjustment is carried out by the assimilationists themselves, in this case the Indonesian people.
Signs of assimilation or efforts to assimilate culture are the emergence of efforts aimed at eliminating differences between two different groups or individuals.
This effort is carried out by paying more attention to common interests rather than individual interests. When these efforts are successful, the boundaries between the two cultures are getting thinner. Each owner of the culture identifies itself to prioritize the common interest, no longer personal interests.
The process of cultural assimilation can occur when:
- There are several groups with different cultures living in the same area.
- Some of these culturally different groups interact for a long time and are quite intensive.
- Each culture has the possibility to adapt, in the sense of being able to open up to a new culture.
There are also several factors that make the process of mixing cultures easier, namely:
- Each member of a group of different cultures has tolerance for other/new cultures.
- Each group has the same opportunity to enjoy eligibility, in this case the feasibility of living financially.
- Respect and appreciate foreign groups as well as the culture they bring.
- Open attitudes and thoughts of the ruling group towards newcomers/newcomers.
- Feel the balance of treatment in the field of culture in general.
- The occurrence of marriage between two different cultural groups.
- Don't like the same thing. Thus, it creates a fighting spirit and a sense of belonging.
From the explanation about cultural assimilation above, you can already imagine examples of cultural assimilation, right? In essence, the culture that was born due to the influence of two cultures, then the new culture that was born has its own uniqueness, that is a form of cultural assimilation.
Forms of Cultural Assimilation
Indonesia is a multiethnic country. Geographically, since ancient times, Indonesia is vulnerable to all influences that come from outside. The cultures from outside that were brought by the newcomers were initially only temporary.
The average immigrants are Indians, Chinese, and Arabs. Therefore, don't be surprised if Indonesian culture is influenced by the three cultures.
In this case, Jakarta is the "place" for the process of cultural assimilation that has occurred since the colonial era. Sunda Kelapa Harbor is a place that at that time became the center of activities for the people of Jakarta and outsiders, in this case Arabs, Chinese/Chinese, and Indians.
Therefore, do not be surprised if the culture of the people of Jakarta, especially Betawi, mostly contains elements of that culture.
For example, the cultural assimilation that occurs between Indonesian and Chinese cultures is seen in the brackets usually worn by Betawi women. The brackets are a blend of Chinese and Betawi culture.
Betawi women's traditional wedding attire also illustrates the influence of Chinese culture. In the color selection for example. We both know that the color red is synonymous with Chinese/Chinese culture. The name of the dress is also unique, care none cine bride.
Likewise for the groom's traditional attire. Arabic influence is very strong. This can be seen from the groom's pants which tend to hang. Does not fully cover the feet.
Coupled with the headgear which also implies Arabic influence. Not to mention the robes that hung over the groom's body. This bridal style is known by the Betawi people as the Hajj care style.
Even in everyday clothes, especially for men, the Betawi people also slightly adopt other Arab cultures. Namely the use of koko clothes realize. This koko shirt is accompanied by a collar, the color of the shirt is also plain. This type of clothing is often found in Arab customs.
Betawi wedding clothes can be an example of Indonesia's cultural assimilation with foreign cultures. Outside of Betawi, there are many other examples of cultural mixing. The mixture can be in the form of music, traditional ceremonies, to buildings.
The Chinese people living in various parts of Indonesia, both in the past and now, have become a group of people who seem ready to be assimilated. In almost all parts of Indonesia, there are Chinese descendants who eventually get used to Indonesian culture.
For example, the Chinese people who live in North Sumatra and Surabaya. The Chinese community and the local community interacted with each other and in the end, each learned the culture of the other.
The Chinese people learn the local language for their business purposes, while the local people learn a little Chinese because the language is considered useful or facilitates the process of interacting with the Chinese community.
Examples of cultural assimilation that occurred in Indonesia is actually very much. Starting from big things, as seen in various traditional ceremonies, as well as things that are smaller in nature, such as something that usually happens or is used in everyday life, so it doesn't feel like it is the result of assimilation.
